Round 2: the Brisbane Trails Sustainability Workshop at Mt Coot-tha Workshop number two and a great turn out in Brisbane with a strong contingent from DERM / National Parks and Local Councils such as Brisbane City Council, Redlands, Logan and Gold Coast. Thanks to the help of Gap Creek Trails Alliance and the Queensland Outdoor Rec Federation (QORF) most of the logistics were sorted well in advance. The interesting aspect of this particular workshop was that the power point presentations were due to be held in the Environment Hut in Mt Coot-tha, which is the home base of the local conservation volunteer group. The volunteer group; the Hut Environment and Community Association generally take care of the weed control, some walking trail maintenance and the recovery of the rainforest from the bad old days of clear felling. These guys had recently given the “Hut” a fresh coat of paint and had added a new office and with its location right in the rain forest it was a perfect place to talk about trails and how they can blend into the natural landscape. It also meant that local conservationists had a chance to hear what IMBA had to say about trail sustainability and shared use. As usual, the Workshop Delegates were able to learn about the best working examples of trails from around the world and Australia. There is no doubt that trail design and construction techniques have evolved in the last 8 years since Joey’s first visit. For example, switchbacks are no longer the go, with a preference for flowing, cambered corners producing the best results for riders and the environment. Stunts and obstacles have also progressed, with construction techniques working towards a national standard that councils and land managers can understand and incorporate into their recreational facilities. Many positive outcomes were evident with the initiation of new partnerships with IMBA Australia to help both state agencies and local government organisations to manage mountain biking more effectively. The field trip on day one was quite interesting in the fact that we spent nearly 2 and half hours discussing the ways to improve the main trail head (for bikes) at Mt Coot-tha and how to accommodate the ever increasing number of bike riders in the area. Reducing potential for user conflict, better signage, more formal trail access as well as the potential to add a skills park and pump track were discussed. As you can imagine, everyone had different ideas about what could be done but it was great to have everyone’s input. On day 2 we all got a chance to get dirty and actually make some stuff on a newly approved section of green trail. While there was much debate about the radius, character and location of the proposed turn, one crew got cracking on completing the next culvert on the trail and another were learning the techniques for using a clinometers to design trails. The now infamous Oppy introduced new corner design techniques which includes using a varying radius in elevated MTB Trails. But that’s a much longer story. All in all a very successful workshop full of positivity and drive to move forward to crete new and better trails for the future, that maximise fun and healthy lifestyles, while protecting the environment. Thanks to the following groups: After the workshop Joey got to taste the Queensland lifestyle when Ryan Ellis took him out to surf at Burleigh Heads. Sweet! Thanks Ryan. You can see the results on the trail work here....... (to be posted soon) |
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