Changing tracks in Hillview Bushland Reserve
Cardinia Shire Council has begun removing 3.5km of unauthorised mountain bike tracks in Hillview Bushland Reserve, Pakenham.
Hillview Bushland Reserve is protected as a conservation reserve under a Trust for Nature Covenant. It is home to rare, endangered and protected plants including the Wine-lipped Spider Orchid and Cobra Greenhood; orchid species make up 20 per cent of vegetation in the 50 hectare reserve.
Council’s Natural Resource Planner Rob Jones said it was disappointing that the indigenous and native vegetation was being put at risk by these unauthorised tracks.
“The flora and fauna in this area is rare and very valuable and the reserve was created to conserve the plants and animals. Creating these mountain bike paths and jumps vandalise the environment and is a significant safety risk,” he said.
“We encourage visitors to keep to the paths provided, enjoy the environment responsibly and contact Council if you see any damage occurring.”
Three kilometres of track will remain. Council has installed signage to identify tracks to be removed and revegetated. Penalties apply for the unauthorised excavation of public land.