Saturday 13 June 2009

Dawn Road Reserve's no place for trail bikes

Why you should leave your trail bike at home when you come to the Dawn Road Reserve

  • Fire risk is very high, year-round, in the reserve. It only takes one spark from a trail bike’s exhaust pipe to light a blaze that may quickly destroy the reserve, its native animals and even the properties that adjoin the reserve (that’s homes, parks and sportsgrounds in the Albany Parkside, Woodlands and Country Club estates in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area and Bridgeman Downs in Brisbane City Council area)
  • There are areas of high conservation values throughout the reserve. Trail bikes cause damage to those areas as well as to undergrowth, clearings, fire and walking trails
  • You risk harming native animals, birds as well as a variety of nesting areas or other habitat
  • Loud noises not only annoy those living in neighbouring properties they also frighten native animals and birds, especially their young
  • If you are hurt, it’s very difficult to locate where you are and get help to you
  • It’s against the law to ride bikes in the reserve and, if caught, you may face a stiff fine

Come instead on foot or your pushbike and you are more likely to

  • See and hear an amazing array of undisturbed flora and fauna as the seasons unfold
  • Appreciate and leave undisturbed areas of great beauty and diversity
  • Learn more about native animal and plant species local to your area as well as introduced and weed species of plants
  • Grow to love, respect and protect the reserve as much as many others in the community already do

Things you can do to stay safe while in the reserve

  • Bring a water bottle (may sure to take it home with you) because there are no taps
  • Having a mobile phone is wise in case you need to summons help
  • Stick to the established fire and walking trails
  • Remember to watch where you put your feet and to look up ... avoid stopping/sitting underneath damaged trees, dangling branches or other overhead dangers
  • Be careful when moving around the edges of the creek, where surfaces can be slippery and sometimes prone to collapse, especially after heavy rains
  • If you bring stuff into the reserve (i.e., hats, bags, soft drink cans, chip packets, etc.), take it out when you leave ... there are no rubbish bins
  • Look out for permanent features that you can use as landmarks (in case you need to call for help or return to a favourite spot)
  • Don’t chase/approach native wildlife, appreciate it from a distance and, if you’ve a camera with you, take photos instead

Want to learn more about the reserve?

  • Read on! There’s a growing collection of blog entries to explore. Click on the comment button to add your own observations or ask a question.
  • Join in the Moreton Bay Regional Council’s monthly Bushcare activities to learn more about the plants and animals that populate your Dawn Road Reserve. The group meets for a two-hour working bee on the second or third Sunday of the month. For details, call Adam Christison or Wendy Heath on 07 3205 0555.

Happy exploring

TrinaMcL