The consultation period ends December 10. The draft plans aims to formalise existing trails in a sustainable way that is sensitive to the environmental and cultural heritage of the area. He then observed an outcrop of the No. It’s a real ‘choose your own adventure trail’ so you choose the difficulty, length and adventure. In the warmer months, be cautious of snake danger on the open sections of the trail. “The bottom line is this: it’s just an opportunity at this stage, not a reality. Follow the stairs up and up, until you come to a T-intersection – this is the official Ring Track! Expect to encounter a lush parade of forests and terrain, from cool sub-tropical bush to lofty red cedars and rocky outcrops. Only recently has the complete ring track reopened after a spate of rockfalls in the area, although many tracks were still widely accessible, only since October 2019 could the ring be fully completed again in all its glory. We’re inviting you to Have Your Say on the draft Plan of Management for Mt Keira Summit Park. The area was extensively logged in the early 1800’s. In this area you are going to start seeing Giant Stinging Trees, right on the pathway too. Always carry a basic first aid kit in case of an emergency. National Parks and Wildlife Service will close illegal trails not identified in the final strategy.  Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said the strategy was “huge for the region”. This trail is easy to navigate with clear pathways – when you have a general idea of the area! Illegal mountain biking was rife on the escarpment and the draft plan aims to formalise existing trails. A wedge of former industrial parkland with spectacular views of the Illawarra coast will be transformed into a major mountain biking playground, under a new plan. Mount Keira demonstration school is a small public school that lies at the base of the mountain. Take your time here and look up and enjoy the birds and view, from here it is uphill to the other side of the valley. From here there are two track options; the service gate takes you through to Mt Pleasant and also joins you onto the Ken Ausburn trail down to the Uni. In 1825, the land was granted to James Stares Spearing and from there agriculture and orchards were found on the foothills of the mountain, with farm help assistance by 20 or so convicts, sending the produce via ship to Sydney. Mt Keira Ring Trail. Further information was sought on economic and environmental assessments to confirm the However, to continue the ring track, walk to the other side of the car park and go through what looks like an old rusted gate, the path is pretty clear when you get up close. It will then form part of the updated draft Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy, which is due to be finalised next March. The best starting spot is Byarong Park car park. – just make note of this junction, you will need to be familiar with it so you can get back to your car at the end of your walk! You can read more here about the indigenous history of the area. Illegal mountain biking was rife on the escarpment and the draft plan aims to formalise existing trails. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/76aQiSR9c8v6pzQYtCfcnc/f38fa70f-2d83-451f-887e-7b417f2ca94f.jpg/r0_241_5183_3169_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg, St George & Sutherland Shire Leader's trusted source for property, years of discussion and debate to formalise the sport, Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy, St George Business Chamber's mentoring program a success, UPDATE | Magic Mike Live show to go ahead. Gareth Ward has just announced that the NSW State Government has committed $635K to redevelop and enhance the Mt Keira summit park. Dan Irwin. The draft concept provides a range of trails, including enduro, back country/wilderness trail riding, beginner-friendly trails and downhill riding segments to meet the growing demand for the sport. These possible uses will also be in line with the Vision and Planning Principals. 1.3 Making of the Plan of Management . Stage one will see 37 km of trails created. Some areas are slippery underfoot with uneven ground, tree roots and potential mud so there is a risk of spraining ankles or falling, so take your time, check your footing before you put your weight down. Trails Mountain Bike 171 Trails E-Bike 39 Trails Hike 118 Trails Trail Running 118 Trails Horse 1 Trails Dirtbike 1 Trails ATV/ORV/OHV 1. We’re inviting community members to share their feedback about the draft Plan of Management for Mt Keira Summit Park at an information session on Saturday 24 November, 10am – 12noon. Catbirds call in the rainforest as you trace the old route of … Mt Keira Summit Park – Plan of Management-adopted 9 December 2019 3 . Cross the road, rejoining the trail on the other side. Illegal mountain biking occurs on the Illawarra Escarpment every day. Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy Public Exhibition Report 2 . Mount Keira Summit Park: It was agreed to support the plan in principle subject to further consultation with the community before the plan is approved to include a closer definition of what can be constructed on the site. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. The strategy is a game-changing result with enormous benefits for the local visitor economy. Part of the proposal is to develop a MTB park, including a world class DH and XC track that could hold events, as well as a flow trail as part of the concept. We are calling on the community to show their strong support.”. 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