The above procedure is essential in  the presentation of a case for the changing of the plan of management for Mount Canobolas conservation area to allow the project to proceed.

For the plan of management to be altered in favour of the mountain bike track, the minister must be assured that the proposed project is in accordance with the criteria set down by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

For the plan of management to be altered in favour of a mountain bike trail, it must be demonstrated that, among other criteria,  the establishment of a cycle track does not impinge on the ecological sustainability of the area. 

 Much of Mount Canobolas belongs to the public estate assigned to nature conservation. It has been reserved as such because it is a remnant of sub alpine habitat for its ecosystems, geological features and plant communities.

The establishment of a 70 kilometre cycle track could not avoid disruption of such an environment, and would have a significant impact of the diversity values of the site.

Therefore it would be difficult to claim that such a track would not impinge on the ecological sustainability of the area.

We must be aware that the cycle track, if allowed to proceed will consist of a number of tracks with varying degrees of slope and difficulty, all contributing to potential environmental degredation of the conservation area.

It is noted that the International Mountain Bike Association sets down criteria for track construction that insists on minimising the impact of disturbance to soil, water quality, vegetation and wildlife, but in conservation areas such as Mount Canobolas such an impact should not only be minimised but  avoided completely, or at least limited to what is currently permitted, which is the riding of bikes down established fire trails, which are not high conservation areas within the park.

Undoubtedly mountain biking is a highly popular sport for which there is a demand for high quality tracks, providing exciting experiences for participants.

Mountain biking allows for healthy outdoor activity that encourages an appreciation of the outdoors. Orange City Council has an excellent cycle plan that encourages cycling in all its forms, including a shorter mountain bike track at the site of the old earth sanctuary, across the road from Lake Canobolas. A world class mountain bike track would be an appropriate addition to Orange's cycle plan.

However, in establishing such a track we must also consider  what we could lose by placing it in an area which has its own unique appeal. Mount Canobolas conservation area draws visitors to the area because of its unique natural qualities.

It would be devastating if in our efforts to attract visitors for mountain biking we compromised those qualities and lose those visitors who appreciate them.

A more appropriate course of action would be investigating possible sites where the establishment of  a cycle track in an area that would not have environmental concerns.