CWORBC president Scott Charlton said yesterday the club had submitted a proposal to council to obtain an access agreement to use the sanctuary as a mountain bike trail centre.

“We’ve been in discussions for a while with council that our current Kinross Forest position was becoming less sustainable and they broached the possibility of us using the sanctuary and encouraged us to come up with a proposal,” he said.

“Not only would it be good for tourism, it encourages physical activity, would be compatible with the flora and fauna and would also provide us with a secure and safe location for riding.”

Mr Charlton stressed that in order for any proposal to work, the course will not have a negative effect on the Lake Canobolas environment.

“We know that the land at Lake Canobolas is very valuable and in order for this to work, the course has to be compatible with the land,” he said.

“But for those who don’t think that it’s possible - just look at the botanic gardens ... they have sustainable bike tracks that allow riders and walkers to use the facilities with no negative impact on anything.”

Mr Charlton confirmed that CWORBC had put three proposals in front of council for consideration.

They included council provides access to some in-kind work to the club that will make the trails; council supplies materials and $50,000 for collaboration between CWORBC and a professional trail building company; or the trail centre is designed and constructed by a professional trail building company at a cost of $250,00.

Mr Charlton said the club had no preference which way council would consider the proposal. 

“Obviously the more money that’s spent means the quicker and better the results will be and the easier we can attract more cyclists,” he said.

“But in all honesty we see huge benefits in all three proposals. We’re not pushing one rather than the other and either way we think it has benefits.”

Orange City councillors will make a decision on the proposal at tonight’s council meeting.

luke.schuyler@fairfaxmedia.com.au