BURNING PROBLEM: Frequent users of Kinross State Forest mountain bike riders James Cole and Jole Woolley are disappointed no action has been taken to remove burnt-out cars from the area.
Staff members of a leading mountain biking magazine were met with burnt out cars when they visited the Kinross State Forest to highlight the region as a bike riding destination over the weekend.
Central West Off Road Bicycle Club president Scott Charlton said pig carcases and burnt cars at the forest were not a good look for Orange.
“It’s unfortunate they’re in the main car park when you go in,” he said.
“They couldn’t be in a worse spot.
Mr Charlton said the forest was fast becoming a leading bike track attracting enthusiasts from Sydney and contributing to the region’s tourism, but the dumping was deterring would-be riders.
“The council estimates [riders] are spending $250 a night in town each and in some big groups there are 20 people,” he said.
“It’s good for Orange to have another string to its bow by having cycling in town.
“[The cars] are a bit scabby, it makes us look like we’re a pack of bogans.”
Despite a total fire ban starting early last week another car was found smouldering dangerously close to trees in the forest on Thursday.
The burnt-out cars were first brought to the attention of police, Orange City Council and Cabonne in early August but despite all parties working together to find a solution the cars remain.
Orange City Council enterprise services director Stephen Sykes said Cabonne Council staff had told Orange staff they were happy to work in partnership with council but would leave negotiations with Forests NSW up to Orange.
“It’s now up to us,” he said.
“We have since been in contact with state forests and impressed on them the importance of taking action.
“Cabonne has indicated they’re happy for us to take the lead.”
Mr Sykes said council had offered to allow Forest NSW to dump the cars at the tip for free.
A Forests NSW spokeswoman said the department was also working collaboratively with the police to put a stop to illegal dumping in the forest.
“Investigations and insurance claims must be settled in full before Forests NSW can arrange for cars to be removed,” she said.
“Forests NSW is working closely with the Environment Protection Authority to target illegal littering in the Kinross State Forest.
“Regular patrols and surveillance are being used to in an effort to curb dumping of rubbish ... and negotiations are underway with the local council for assistance to deal with illegal dumping in the forest.”
The spokeswoman said illegal dumping of rubbish on public land can attract fines of up to $2200.
It is unlikely a fence or gate could solve the problem as suggested by some parties.
“Forests NSW cannot lock or fence forests unless the area in question is being used under permit by a third party,” the spokeswoman said.
Illegal dumping can be reported to Forests NSW Bathurst office on 6331 2044 or the police.