COMMENT ON PROPOSED CENTENARY TRAIL ROUTE - DECEMBER 2011

Mt Ainslie Weeders ParkCare Group welcomes the opportunity to comment on this project, particularly since ParkCare and other conservation/environmental groups were not deemed to be stakeholders and were not invited to participate in the Aspiration Workshop last year. Most of the Centenary Trail (CT) will pass through Canberra Nature Park (CNP) and we strongly believe that conservation values must be protected as enshrined in the Canberra Nature Park Management Plan and that increased recreational activities must not interfere with the management of the biodiversity and natural and cultural heritage values of the nature park.

The following comments relate specifically to the proposed route through the Mt Ainslie Nature Reserve, i.e from where the track "crosses Treloar Crescent to the North West of the War Memorial" (Centenary Trail Ground Truthing Final Report, p.6) to "At this point the trail turns north and follows the fire road" (Report, p.8). Some additional comments are also included.

We acknowledge the aim of the CT to allow walkers and cyclists to ascend Mt Ainslie and enjoy the spectacular view of Canberra and the Brindabellas from the summit. The existing summit walking track is already a popular expedition for locals and visitors and will need some repair work. The "Centenary Trail Feasibility Report" admits that "Mt Ainslie is an environmentally sensitive area" (p.94). Why, then, is a large amount of new track proposed for cyclists to get from the Australian War Memorial to the summit? The proposed track goes through steep areas of endangered woodland (currently little used) which would be subject to fragmentation, erosion and the introduction of weeds if new track were put through. In addition, the route passes through the Mt Ainslie quarry, which is a habitat of regional significance for three uncommon ferns (Canberra Nature Park Management Plan 1999, Appendix 4). The quarry would be a natural stopping place for cyclists on their way up and damage could unwittingly occur. We suggest instead that the CT be routed around the southern base of Mt Ainslie, across the summit road, past the Gun Club, and on to the southern end of the East KVA Rd, all on existing tracks. The climb towards the summit would be via the track to the lower aircraft beacon (requiring one switchback?), then follow the access road from the beacon to the summit road. From here, a short section of new track would be required, just below and parallel to the summit road to join up with the section between 35- 15.59.86s 149-09.47.55e and the summit. At this point, there are two possible ways to reach the summit: (a) cross the summit road and join the most northerly point 35- 16.02.73s 149-09.43.33e of the section of the proposed trail from the Mt Ainslie quarry (Report p.7) (see map, green line); or (b) a short "return" section on the existing old road alignment on the western face of Mt Ainslie; cyclists would have to return the same way to resume the CT route towards Little Mt Ainslie (see 
map, white line). This route, with its two alternatives for the last stretch to the summit, would require the construction of very little new track and leave the steep area above and below the Mt Ainslie quarry safe from depredation.  At the time of writing, much of the eastern side of Mt Ainslie is off limits while a survey of unexploded ordnance is conducted, so it is not possible to groundtruth this suggested route in detail. However, Google Earth clearly shows the route to be feasible. Given that an Environmental Impact Statement may be necessary for the proposed section, this alternative alignment would avoid delays to the project.

The section from the summit to the saddle between Mt Ainslie and Little Mt Ainslie is sensible, as the existing heavily used, uneven, informal track would benefit from an upgrade.

The track then follows the existing old road alignment down the eastern face of Mt Ainslie. However, instead of continuing down this road which narrows and becomes an informal foot track descending to the East KVA Rd, the Report proposes a new section of contouring multiuse trail through an area that is relatively untouched and free of tracks. It also contains a large stand of Casuarinas which are visited regularly by Glossy Black Cockatoos to feed on the fruit. We would prefer that the CT descend directly to the East KVA Rd. This lower section may be considered too steep; however, it could be contoured lower down to merge with the East KVA Rd and in any event is no worse than parts of the proposed trail above and below the Mt Ainslie quarry. The trail would then continue north along the East KVA Rd, which has bush on both sides and lovely vistas to the north-east, before joining up with "the existing trail at 35- 15.39.68s..." (Report, p.8) (see map, yellow line)  There is no justification for new trail here as some parts of the proposed new section would be within only 50 metres (plus or minus) of the existing road. This would save on construction and maintenance costs and preserve the conservation values of a small area of Mt Ainslie. 

The remainder of the proposed Mt Ainslie section is already a well worn track through an attractive area of bush.

Additional comments

We are not in favour of the proposed route through the endangered grassy woodlands linking Mts Ainslie and Majura. This is a narrow strip that needs protection. The CT should be routed either along the fire trail behind the Hackett houses or under the powerlines where vegetation has already been cleared. 

The Feasibility Report is written from a town planner and recreational user group perspective. No environmental or conservation groups were consulted during the preparation of this report; sustainability and environmental protection are barely mentioned. The likelihood of more organized events in CNP once the CT is built is of concern, not only in view of environmental damage, but also trail maintenance. Big events are likely to cause more damage and thus require more maintenance.  It is worth stressing again that the CNP Management Plan's vision is to conserve and manage the Park on an ecologically sustainable basis.

Maintenance of the CT has not been adequately addressed. The transfer of current expenditure to the CT would take funds from other tracks and trails badly in need of attention. So far, only a verbal indication has been given of a budget for ongoing manintenance. It is unacceptable to cut corners by suggesting that volunteers should be relied on for maintenance work.

The existence of the Centenary Trail is likely to bring an increase in the number of cyclists on Mt Ainslie and with it the potential for a network of illegal bike tracks fanning out from the CT in to other areas of the mountain.

Attached are the Guiding Principles for the proposed Centenary Trail formulated by the Friends of Mt Majura/Mt Ainslie Working Group on the Centenary Trail.