NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is alerting residents in the Illawarra region of ongoing helicopter operations starting in October as a part of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project.
Weather permitting, helicopter operations are expected to be carried out about every two weeks for three months with each operation likely to take up to two days to complete. The first helicopter operation is scheduled to occur on 8 October between 9am and dusk and will run for two days.
Dates for future works as well as ongoing closures in the area will be posted on the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area NPWS webpage.
NPWS regularly relies on helicopters to transport construction materials to tracks that are difficult to access due to the location and rugged terrain that makes vehicle access impossible.
Delivery of the new 76-kilometre sustainable mountain bike network commenced in 2023, with the project set to become a valued recreational mountain biking network within the unique natural setting of the Illawarra escarpment.
Over 60 percent of Stage 1 of the Kembla Network has been built, despite substantial delays due to inclement weather. This includes over 10 kilometres of fit-for-purpose track, with another 8 kilometres under construction.
This part of the network includes challenging climbing trails, a jumps park, cross-country loops and a broad range of technical, flow and gravity trails for a broad range of rider skill levels.
The next steps for Stage 1 include the installation of trail features such as bridges, fly overs and additional infrastructure.
Following the opening of Stage 1 of the Kembla Network, which is expected to occur in mid-2025, unauthorised tracks at Mount Keira will be progressively closed and rehabilitated, to better protect Aboriginal cultural and natural heritage values.
This will be completed in a staged approach and will include the removal of structures, erosion management, revegetation, signage and a monitoring program.
For further information on the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network, or to register your interest to receive progress updates visit the project’s webpage.
NPWS South Coast Director Julie Peterson said the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project is set to offer an inclusive mountain biking experience for all ages and abilities, while ensuring protection to the area’s outstanding natural and cultural values.
“We are asking the public to please stay off the tracks for their own safety as the area is still a closed construction site and works are still ongoing, everyone will get a chance to try out the new trails soon,” she said.