Petition to Stop Dirt Bike Track in the Gums

We are opposed to the Campbelltown Council’s proposal to build a Dirt Bike track in The Gums Reserve (north & south) which is classified as a “Predominantly Biodiverse Creek Line Zone”.

Environmental Issues:   

• The Gums Reserve (north) is a valuable and fragile remnant area of cultural and environmental significance intersected by a remnant ‘natural’ part of Third Creek
• Campbelltown Council’s OPEN SPACE AND STRATEGIES REPORT 2012 describes The Gums/Third Creek as a “Predominantly Biodiverse Zone” on a “Creekline Zone” and notes that some potential biodiversity and natural areas are at risk of degradation or inappropriate use and management. (Pp12 & 36)
• In ALL three of its ‘Themes’ Campbelltown Council’s ENVIRONMENT PLAN 2020 acknowledges the broad importance of ‘special natural places’ and of threats to these posed by some developments/actions.

Indigenous & Current Cultural Issues

• Many trees in this part of The Gums exceed 100+ years of age and have general cultural value as well as indigenous cultural value and significant environmental importance. They are at risk from impact and soil compaction.
• In his welcomes to country to members and school groups, Kaurna/Peramangk elder Ivan ‘Tiwu’ Copley has outlined the historical importance to indigenous culture of careful management of the creeklines and the living environment – some trees date back to pre European history

Public Safety

• Current park users range in age from infants to the elderly, who safely use the park for walking (some with dogs), family celebrations, quiet contemplation, observation of the flora & fauna, and the like. Safe pathways and spaces are critical.
• The Gums does not fit as an “Action Based” space appropriate to Dirt Bike activities.
• Observation of the Dirt Bike riders reveals that their activity is competitive and that some ‘runs are timed’, putting other park users at heightened risk
• Members of TGLG have been spoken to abusively and directly threatened by some riders when they have been challenged about the impact of their actions.

Management

• The proposed site in the NE corner of The Gums flat fails all criteria of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Viz.
  1. Natural Access ie control to site
  2. Natural Surveillance ie open visibility, easy observation
  3. Territorial definition ie clear ownership of spaces for legitimate users
• There is environmental damage along the Dirt Bike track used by the current riders, trees cut and damaged, creek bank, and soil disturbance all of which required the use of tools
• The CC has until recently advised TGLG that Council does not manage enforcement of reasonable activity and that SAPOL should be contacted.
• Most recently TGLG has been advised not to contact SAPOL

Council Decision Making Processes

• Residents who abut the park boundary and TGLG await meaningful information about the exact site, the scale and the nature of the proposed Dirt Bike track
• Signage and day to day supervision of the proposed activity is unknown despite a Council decision to provide the track in The Gums
• TGLG, neighbouring residents and the COMMUNITY are dismayed by the Council’s processes because a decision has been made before all stakeholders have been provided with real information on the exact location and detail of the proposal.
• Prior to the decision being taken the Mayor, ALL Councillors and some Staff have been contacted, mostly by email, and we wonder why such a clear decision was made without meaningful broad consultation and dialogue.
• Hectorville Ward Councillors Blackborough & Kennedy were the mover and seconder of the motion. Prior to the vote they had been contacted by many residents about the issue. Please write to them about your concerns.

Action Based Facilities

There is no doubt in the minds of citizens opposing the Dirt Bike track in The Gums that there is a need for such a facility but that it needs to be in an appropriate location with the necessary infrastructure and management (CPTED preferred)