By JESSE GRAHAM
New bike trail to resolve cyclists and environment group dispute
CYCLISTS and an environmental group struck a deal last week to build a new mountain bike trail in the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Reserve.
A Yarra Ranges councillor, however, criticised the cyclists group for ‘caving’ in on their original proposals.
Representatives of the Yarra Ranges Mountain Bikers (YRMTB) and Friends of Mount Evelyn Aqueduct (FoMEA) announced at the 22 July Yarra Ranges Council meeting that they had come to an understanding.
The two groups had been at odds over a proposal to re-open closed trails through Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Reserve, which YRMTB originally supported and FoMEA opposed.
But, after a meeting with the groups and council, both representatives said they supported one of the options, which would see a mountain bike track developed along the main aqueduct trail and possibly into the aqueduct itself.
The council report described the option as giving both groups what they want – FoMEA protecting the environmentally significant upper and lower trails, YRMTB having interesting and challenging cycling facilities in the area.
YRMTB vice-president John Wright said the decision to compromise was made for the sake of the group’s reputation.
“We want to be seen to be working with land managers and community groups, rather than riding roughshod over everyone,” he said.
He said that he hoped the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Reserve could be used as a case study when the group advocated for more mountain biking facilities in the municipality.
FoMEA member Gwenda Donaldson said the result was a sensible one, and that both sides had compromised for the best outcome.
Ward councillor Maria McCarthy said that she was happy with the result of the meeting and the conversations between the groups.
“I’m really happy with the way that council officers have been working with the community groups, to bring them together and achieve a great result,” she said.
“It’s a common good for both groups, so they both can enjoy the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Trail for what it is.”
The option became a matter of debate for councillors, and Cr Jim Child lambasted YRMTB for backing down on their original view of opening the closed paths.
Cr Child said he wasn’t satisfied that the option could go ahead safely, with pedestrians and cyclists sharing the main trail, and that his preferred option would be to re-open both of the contested trails.
“(It is) a big caving for some reason – I’m very disappointed,” he said.
Councillor Jason Callanan also expressed doubts about the safety of the proposal, and voted against it with Andy Witlox and Cr Child.
Councillors Samantha Dunn, Len Cox and Noel Cliff were vocal in support of the proposal, noting that both groups wanted the same outcome.
The motion succeeded by a majority vote.
Yarra Ranges Council director of Environment and Engineering Mark Varmalis said the council would work with the groups in the coming months to develop possibilities for the trail.
A report with the outcomes, plans and funding requirements will go back to council before any plans are finalised.
