Shadow Minister for the Central Coast David Harris has ramped up his call for a Mountain Bike Plan of Management for the region following the discovery of a booby trap in Bouddi National Park last weekend.
Brisbane Water Police have launched an investigation into the discovery of a piece of wood holding a row of upright nails found hidden beneath leaves on a popular trail in the park, which is thought to have been set to target mountain bike riders.
Scott Uzelac of Kincumber was riding on the cliff track with two friends on Saturday afternoon when he made the grisly discovery.
“It was around 2pm on Saturday and we were half way into the trail when one of my friends got a flat tyre,” Uzelac said.
“We didn’t think much of it at first, but when I headed back to the car to get some parts, I got a flat as well.
“We thought there might be a hidden tree root or something, so I started kicking the leaves around to see what it was, and my shoe hit what ended up being a nail.
“So, I got down on my knees and found a whole row of nails sticking up out of the ground, attached to a piece of wood.
“It was a pretty scary find; I assume it was put there to stop mountain bikes.”
What made the situation even more alarming to the father of two was the fact that the trail is often used by family groups and bushwalkers as well as bike riders.
“If a runner had trodden on that it would have gone through their foot,” Uzelac said.
“As a dad I can’t even imagine one of my kids stepping on it.”
Uzelac took photos of the dangerous trap before taking it in to Terrigal police station.
Harris said the incident had highlighted growing tensions between various groups in the region.
“I have been working with mountain bike groups for some time on developing a comprehensive Mountain Bike Plan of Management to capture the great opportunities this sport presents both economically and health wise,” he said.
“Mountain biking is one of the fastest and most popular family friendly lifestyle activities in the country.
“It is now featured in numerous commercial promotions and the enjoyment, benefits and experiences that it offers individuals, friends and families is what encourages many people to get on their mountain bike and ride every week.
“This is highlighted by the number of people riding trails every weekend, before work and after work.”
Harris said developing a strategy could be a huge tourism boost for the region.
“Our proximity to Sydney offers incredible opportunities,” he said.
“The Coast must have a strategy that designates and highlights trails and tracks, allocates funding for infrastructure and identifies ways to attract riders to our area.
“A world class facility is being developed at Ourimbah State Forest but designated facilities at places like Kincumber Mountain, around the Peninsula and in the Northern Coast are a must.
Meanwhile, Police and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are investigating the booby trap incident.
NPWS staff are reviewing trails in the area and police are warning locals and visitors to the park to be extra vigilant when using trails in the area.
They are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/
Terry Collins