MTB Trailcare

Last night members of Nerang trailcare met with Mark Patenaude and Henry Waterman from QPWS to review the trailcare agreement, discuss future work and review work done over the last 6 months.  Without going into detail in respect of our developing relationship with QPWS, here are some of the things that were on the table:

Allowing for rain to assist with stabilising the trail, we feel Pete's and Brett's can be completed to QPWS standard over a month.

Illegal building on Norco Flow and Wimps was recognised as a reason to get trailcare underway there ASAP.

QPWS challenged the need for an adopt a trail system of maintenance at this time.  Their preference is for trails to be renovated to standard first and then to be managed by adopt a trail stewards.  There are 2 main reasons.  Firstly, they want to assure that all authorised trails (which will happen when rectified to national park standard) can be maintained to standard into the future, rather than all trails being worked-on in a sub-standard way and possibly being abandoned.  This is very reasonable and an admirable demonstration of QPWS taking MTB very seriously in the short to long term.  We have the same goal and that is great.  Secondly, they can plan graduated opening/sign-posting that will not require signs to be replaced.  After a trail is authorised, then QPWS support the adopt a trail system and believe it will encourage enthusiastic volunteers to keep trails in great shape.

QPWS over-riding objective is that trails are truely sustainable and remain environmentally neutral. They are happy for us to enjoy our sport on the trails, but the bush comes first.

On signs, QPWS policy requires extensive consultation through the department to ensure that every aspect of the sign (information, material, shape etc) is suited to the place it will be placed.  They are expensive and cannot be pulled out and replaced at will.  We did not get into detail other than to express our support for extensive signage to increase the confidence and safety of trail users.  The subject of permanent totems with replaceable patches of information (stickers) did not come up, but temporary signs were discussed and QPWS was open to the concept.

mtbtrailcare.com website is being viewed by QPWS.  They like the way we feature the land and not just the trails.  QPWS requests we report anything of interest or a threat to the park; in particular feral animal sightings.  QPWS does not want the website to be used as the one source of information on Nerang trailcare.  They have requested we use their own proforma document (which they will modify for MTB) to submit plans for significant trail alterations like new lines or intersections or, dare we hope in the future, new trails etc.  It allows them to have advance input on such work and an information stream on (their) record if local staff change, for trail inspections, for funding applications etc.  They are not asking for written application and inspection of everything we do, just the bigger jobs we plan before we work.  mtbtrailcare.com is acceptable to QPWS as a source to go to for updates on work underway, but to all volunteers, please be aware that you do have an obligation to get QPWS approval for jobs outside the trail audit done by Gillian Duncan.

Bridges are a problem.  QPWS understand they are loved by riders as well as necessary on the trail system.  Until QPWS decide on the type of bridge they want, we face a trail system littered with, let's face it, dodgy structures that are decaying fast.  A trail will not be authorised until all bridges are repaired/replaced to IMBA standard.  I love our bridges too, but there's getting to be far too much worry about them falling apart under me.  In recognition of that concern, QPWS will allow temporary bridge repairs.  This is a major consession and similar to their thoughts on temporary signs - very supportive of MTB. 

TTF - technical trail features are another concern to QPWS.  While somewhat reassured that providing there are alternate lines, IMBA accepts trail features of a higher level than the overall grading, they remain nervous about user risk and consistency through the park.  As riders we all know there must be challenge or we would be riding on the road.  We also all know the apprehension that comes with challenging yourself on something at your limit - might be a bunny hop, log over or 10m gap jump.  QPWS may expect all trail users to exercise common sense and plan for their day in the bush, but in the end, they fear liability (like councils and other land managers; more than evidence supports). Hopefully over time we can assist in reassuring that good trail reduces liability.

However, there was a very clear message that going out and building massive structures, braided lines and disrespecting the QPWS need to justify our (MTB) place in a national park to less enthusiastic others can't be tolerated.  They do know that what starts as a large fingerprint can be designed to evolve into a couple of 30cm alternate lines that increase rider safety, but it is obvious they really don't want this to become an issue of conflict.  We do need to respect that as a group.  It is another a reason we have to recruit the punters out there going pirate on the trails.

Last and most importantly, QPWS want a list of trails to be completed in priority order.  That is something we are nutting out already.  If the trail has a bridge, it will not be authorised until such bridge is replaced with an alternate line (as on Brett's), or an approved bridge.  If the trail does not connect to another authorised trail or leads to the never-never, that is another problem.  Trails that are already being worked-on are not necessarily going to be on the top of the priority list for various reasons.  Your input is needed.  Send us your thoughts (making a list of your trail priority order is optional - it is your thoughts we need).

So, there we go.  We had a very constructive meeting, agreed to make meetings regular and also agreed to get that list of trail priorities to QPWS before working outside "section 1" which includes Casuarina, Pete's, Three Hills and Brett's.  We hope to have that sorted in the next week.

Please see the calander for our next planned trailcare sessions and thank you all for your help.