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Bike events ‘threat to biodiversity’

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Mountain bike events should be held on private property to avoid conflicting use with culturally-important Noongar sites and fragile biodiversity.

So says University of WA professor of biodiversity Stephen Hopper, a view which traditional owner of Koorumdinup (Mt Hallowell), Menang man, Larry Blight shares.

Larry Blight and Stephen Hopper
Menang man Larry Blight and professor of biodiversity at University of WA Stephen Hopper beneath phallic-shaped granite rock formations indicating the site of ‘men’s business’. Photo: Denmark Bulletin.

Speaking at the Denmark Environment Centre-presented field trip on November 7, Mr Blight said Noongars did not have an issue with the sport of mountain biking.

“It’s a fantastic sport,” he said.

But Noongars wanted the WA Mountain Bike Association and mountain bikers in general to understand the spiritual importance of some sites in public reserves.

For example, the Porongurups was important to Noongars who regarded them the ‘Ulruru of the Great Southern’.

Professor Hopper said two years ago he and his family visited a mountain bike track on private property in Donnybrook where the more adventurous could ‘drive off a cliff’ if they wished.

“There were plenty of ups and downs,” he said.

“Trail bike tracks have exploded in the last decade and we do have to think carefully about that.

“We need to ensure that biodiversity is cared for and that people can enjoy themselves.”

At the Donnybrook mountain bike track, in laterite breakaway country, the farmer had ensured the track was maintained. This example was contrary to the idea that the use of public reserves was necessary.

Under a financial arrangement farmers could provide tracks, along with a level of upkeep, which the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions or local shires could not.

Prof. Hopper gave the example of the fragile bidodiversity recalling how in 1978 he had unintentionally backed a vehicle over moss-covered granite near Merredin.

Denmark Bulletin, 25 November 2021

He had gouged the moss with the vehicle’s tyres and to this day these were 4cm deep.

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 25 November 2021.

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