Published Friday, 22 August, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence: New funding package to encourage safe, legal trail bike riding
Trail bike riders in South East Queensland are set to benefit from the Queensland Government’s latest program to encourage safer riding and greater provision of sites.
Sport Minister Judy Spence today launched a $250,000 funding program to support the development of additional legal riding sites in the South East corner, recognising the growing popularity of trail bike riding.
Releasing recent research on outdoor recreation participation, Ms Spence said that trail bike riding and four-wheel driving are activities that still require careful management in appropriate environments.
Ms Spence said: “The Queensland Government has invested in planning for the future, to ensure competing demands between riders and residents are managed and a balance is reached.
“This funding aims to reduce the illegal riding of trail bikes in urban bushland and other areas such as national parks and State forests.
“The South East Queensland Trail Bikes and Off-Road Vehicle Program will provide funding of up to $25,000 to successful applicants to provide toilet, lighting, fencing and camping facilities on their properties.
“As part of a broader strategy to encourage private land holders to develop their properties for trail bike use, the Queensland Government has developed guidelines which provide information about establishing and managing safe trail bike facilities.
“The government is also looking at parcels of State-owned land to identify other possible legal sites across Queensland.
“Finding places that are safe, legal, enjoyable and far enough away from residential areas is a priority, as we do not want to put pressure on our urban areas and national parks.”
Ms Spence said the grant program is supported by an education strategy to familiarise trail bike riders and their families with safer riding practices.
“Our education strategy, with the theme, ‘Ride smart. Ride safe. Ride in the right place,’ will be distributed through trail bike outlets, motorcycling magazines and club newsletters.
“The issue of safe trail bike riding is one that this Government is committed to addressing and creating awareness is a key part of that process.
“We are hoping that by finding appropriate areas to ride, and through an education campaign, trail bike riders will act responsibly and adopt safe riding practices whilst riding in appropriate places.
“The 2007 Outdoor Recreation Demand Study coordinated by the Department of Sport and Recreation, calculated that the number of off-road motorbikes in South-East Queensland has increased to more than 230,000, with most participants riding more than 10 times a year.
“Given increasing numbers of people who want to ride trail bikes, the State Government has been working on a strategy to manage both the demands of riders while also ensuring they do not impact on the natural environment and the community.”
The data for the 2007 Outdoor Recreation Demand Study and the Outdoor Recreation Trends in SEQ Study was gathered through a collaborative effort between the Department of Sport and Recreation, Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Health, SEQ Water and Griffith University.
Ms Spence said the studies involved a survey of 1,334 South-East Queensland residents about their participation in a range of outdoor recreational activities.
“Participation in outdoor recreation in South East Queensland is estimated to be worth at least $1 billion annually to the economy,” Ms Spence said.
“Findings of these studies confirm the growing participation and diversity of outdoor recreation in South East Queensland.
For example:
- Picnicking remains the most popular activity - 58% of respondents have participated in the previous year;
- 54% of respondents participated in water activities;
- 35% of respondents enjoyed walking or nature studies.
“The data from these studies can be used by State and local governments to help meet the needs of the growing number of Queenslanders who want to participate in outdoor recreation.
“It will help to predict future demands and assist in the development of effective policies, planning of infrastructure, and the management and regulation of activities.
“The Trail Bikes and Off-Road Vehicle Program is another example of the this Government’s commitment to encouraging all Queenslanders to live more relaxed, healthier and less stressful lifestyles.”
Media contact: 3239 6203
Sport Minister Judy Spence today launched a $250,000 funding program to support the development of additional legal riding sites in the South East corner, recognising the growing popularity of trail bike riding.
Releasing recent research on outdoor recreation participation, Ms Spence said that trail bike riding and four-wheel driving are activities that still require careful management in appropriate environments.
Ms Spence said: “The Queensland Government has invested in planning for the future, to ensure competing demands between riders and residents are managed and a balance is reached.
“This funding aims to reduce the illegal riding of trail bikes in urban bushland and other areas such as national parks and State forests.
“The South East Queensland Trail Bikes and Off-Road Vehicle Program will provide funding of up to $25,000 to successful applicants to provide toilet, lighting, fencing and camping facilities on their properties.
“As part of a broader strategy to encourage private land holders to develop their properties for trail bike use, the Queensland Government has developed guidelines which provide information about establishing and managing safe trail bike facilities.
“The government is also looking at parcels of State-owned land to identify other possible legal sites across Queensland.
“Finding places that are safe, legal, enjoyable and far enough away from residential areas is a priority, as we do not want to put pressure on our urban areas and national parks.”
Ms Spence said the grant program is supported by an education strategy to familiarise trail bike riders and their families with safer riding practices.
“Our education strategy, with the theme, ‘Ride smart. Ride safe. Ride in the right place,’ will be distributed through trail bike outlets, motorcycling magazines and club newsletters.
“The issue of safe trail bike riding is one that this Government is committed to addressing and creating awareness is a key part of that process.
“We are hoping that by finding appropriate areas to ride, and through an education campaign, trail bike riders will act responsibly and adopt safe riding practices whilst riding in appropriate places.
“The 2007 Outdoor Recreation Demand Study coordinated by the Department of Sport and Recreation, calculated that the number of off-road motorbikes in South-East Queensland has increased to more than 230,000, with most participants riding more than 10 times a year.
“Given increasing numbers of people who want to ride trail bikes, the State Government has been working on a strategy to manage both the demands of riders while also ensuring they do not impact on the natural environment and the community.”
The data for the 2007 Outdoor Recreation Demand Study and the Outdoor Recreation Trends in SEQ Study was gathered through a collaborative effort between the Department of Sport and Recreation, Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Health, SEQ Water and Griffith University.
Ms Spence said the studies involved a survey of 1,334 South-East Queensland residents about their participation in a range of outdoor recreational activities.
“Participation in outdoor recreation in South East Queensland is estimated to be worth at least $1 billion annually to the economy,” Ms Spence said.
“Findings of these studies confirm the growing participation and diversity of outdoor recreation in South East Queensland.
For example:
- Picnicking remains the most popular activity - 58% of respondents have participated in the previous year;
- 54% of respondents participated in water activities;
- 35% of respondents enjoyed walking or nature studies.
“The data from these studies can be used by State and local governments to help meet the needs of the growing number of Queenslanders who want to participate in outdoor recreation.
“It will help to predict future demands and assist in the development of effective policies, planning of infrastructure, and the management and regulation of activities.
“The Trail Bikes and Off-Road Vehicle Program is another example of the this Government’s commitment to encouraging all Queenslanders to live more relaxed, healthier and less stressful lifestyles.”
Media contact: 3239 6203