Ku-ring-gai Council Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy - March 2020
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Ku-ring-gai Council Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy March 2020
Council acknowledges the
Guringai people as the Traditional
Owners of the land of which the Ku-ring-gai
local government area is a part, and pays
its respects to their Elders, past
and present.
Table of Contents
Purpose............................................................................1 Guiding management principles.....................................19 Management actions – rock-climbing, bouldering
Managing environmental impact............................................. 19 and abseiling..................................................................37
Vision................................................................................1 Management action table – rock-climbing,
Accessibility and inclusiveness............................................... 19
bouldering and abseiling......................................................... 39
Objectives.........................................................................1 Nature play education and citizen science.............................. 19
Sustainability........................................................................... 20
Scope...............................................................................2 Management actions – orienteering and rogaining .......40
Risk management approach................................................... 20
Pre-assessed locations for on-track events*........................... 41
Background......................................................................8 Limited resources.................................................................... 20
Pre-assessed locations for off-track events ........................... 41
Recreation within an ecological system.................................... 8 Multi-use and shared facilities ................................................ 20
Conditions for on-track and off-track events........................... 41
Benefits of nature based recreation........................................ 10 Bookings ................................................................................ 21
Management action table
Nature based recreation in New South Wales........................ 11 Codes of Conduct .................................................................. 21 – Orienteering and rogaining.................................................. 44
Nature based recreation in Ku-ring-gai................................... 12 Partnerships............................................................................ 21
Snap shot of current recreation infrastructure Appendix........................................................................46
in Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas.................................................. 13 Risk management..........................................................22
Safety risks ............................................................................ 22
Looking to the future.......................................................14 Environmental risks................................................................. 22
Managing recreation within an ecological context.................. 14
Managing increased demand sustainably............................... 15 Management actions......................................................23
Increased visitation................................................................. 15 Snapshot of management actions across
all recreation activity areas..................................................... 23
A regional perspective............................................................. 15
Management action table - all recreation activities ................ 25
Future trail networks............................................................... 15
Management actions - trail dependent recreation..........27
Legislative context..........................................................16
Criteria for assessing trail infrastructure................................ .27
Development of this strategy Trail closures........................................................................... 27
– community consultation...............................................18 Management action table – trail-dependent
Stage 1: User based consultation........................................... 18 recreation activities ................................................................ 30
Stage 2: Consultation with environment groups..................... 18
Stage 3: Community forum..................................................... 18 Management actions – mountain biking.........................32
Stage 4: Public exhibition ....................................................... 18 Management action table – mountain biking.......................... 35
Purpose Vision Objectives
The Recreation in Natural Areas A Ku-ring-gai where recreation activities The objectives of this Strategy are to:
Strategy (the Strategy) provides in natural areas are conducted in • Provide and support a range of
a management framework for the harmony with the local environment ecologically sustainable, diverse,
provision and support of a diverse and within ecological limits and where inclusive and accessible recreation
and accessible range of recreation important environmental, social and opportunities and supporting
opportunities in the natural areas cultural values are preserved. infrastructure within Ku-ring-gai’s
of Ku-ring-gai in a way that protects natural areas
and enhances our local environment.
• Manage recreation in natural areas to
ensure the protection of environmental,
A Ku-ring-gai with well maintained, social and cultural values
connected, accessible and highly
valued trail networks and recreation • Prevent the unauthorised construction
infrastructure where locals and visitors and use of informal tracks and trails
can enjoy and connect with nature in and other recreation infrastructure
sustainable ways. within the Ku-ring-gai Local
Government Area (LGA)
• Create an informed and educated
community who appreciate the value
of our natural areas and sustainable,
A Ku-ring-gai where participants use
nature based recreation
and share resources appropriately,
amicably and safely, and where the • Promote Ku-ring-gai’s nature based
impacts of nature based recreation are recreation opportunities to encourage
controlled to acceptable levels. active and healthy lifestyles
• Identify management actions that
improve the overall experience of
recreation in Ku-ring-gai
• Participate in regional collaborations,
advocacy and partnerships to
represent the interests of Ku-ring-gai’s
recreation user groups and individuals
1 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy
Scope
The Strategy applies to land owned or
managed by Council that is dedicated and
categorised as Natural Areas under the
Local Government Act 1993.
For the purpose of the Strategy, ‘recreation
in natural areas’ includes activities and
experiences:
• That are dependent on the natural
environment
• Where an appreciation of nature is a key
motivational factor
• That do not require substantial modification
of the natural environment; and
• Where the natural environment is critical
to the participation and satisfaction of
participants; not just incidental to it
Activities within the scope of this
Strategy include: There is a need to provide a
• All track dependant recreation (such as range of diverse, inclusive and
bush walking, running and bird watching) accessible recreation activities
• Mountain biking (all disciplines)
and infrastructure within
• Orienteering and rogaining
Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas whilst
• Rock climbing, abseiling and bouldering
conserving and protecting
This strategy focuses on the Natural Areas
within the Ku-ring-gai Local Government Ku-ring-gai’s environmental
Area (LGA), as shown in Figure 1. However, assets and values.
the Strategy broadly applies to all land within
the jurisdiction of Ku-ring-gai Council.
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 2
Figure 1: Natural Areas and ecological
assets within the Ku-ring-gai LGA
3 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy
Strategic alignment with The district plans require each council
to prepare a Local Strategic Planning
Ku-ring-gai Council Plans Statement (LSPS) for their area to guide
and the North District Plan future land use planning and development.
The LSPS brings together established
The Ku-ring-gai Community Strategic Plan council policies and community views to set
(CSP) sits at the top of Council’s strategic a framework as to how Ku-ring-gai will evolve
planning framework and provides long into the future, while also ensuring that those
term direction for the organisation to align elements that are special to the character of
its delivery of the community’s policies, the area are maintained.
programs, projects and services. It also
integrates with key Council plans and policies This Strategy is closely aligned with these
and acts as a guide for other stakeholders plans, and the following table outlines the
(organisations, government agencies, strategic links between the Strategy, the
business and individuals) in planning and Ku-ring-gai CSP and LSPS, and the NSW
delivering services for our area. North District Plan Directions and Priorities.
In 2018, the New South Wales (NSW)
Government introduced new plans for both
metropolitan Sydney and the northern area
of Sydney. These are ‘A Metropolis of Three
Cities – The Greater Sydney Region Plan’
and the ‘North District Plan’ for the northern
councils of Sydney. The Ku-ring-gai LGA
is part of the North District Plan. The North
District Plan provides a 20-year plan to
manage growth and achieve the 40-year
vision, while enhancing Greater Sydney’s
liveability, productivity and sustainability into
the future.
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 4
Table 1 Links with the Ku-ring-gai’s CSP & LSPS and North District Plan
Infrastructure and Collaboration
District Plan Direction – A City Supported by Infrastructure
North District Plan Priorities Ku-ring-gai Community Strategic Plan Ku-ring-gai LSPS Priorities Recreation in Natural Areas
Themes and Objectives Strategy Objectives
N1. Planning for a city supported Theme 3: Places, Spaces and K1. Providing well-planned and Provide well-planned and sustainable
by Infrastructure Infrastructure sustainable infrastructure to support infrastructure including sustainable
P6. Enhancing recreation, sporting growth and change recreation opportunities (sporting and
and leisure facilities recreation facilities, walking tracks and
trails), to support future growth and
P6.1 Recreation, sporting and leisure
changing community needs
facilities are available to meet the
community’s diverse and changing
needs
P7. Enhancing community buildings
and facilities
P7.1 Multipurpose community buildings
and facilities are available to meet the
community’s diverse and changing
needs
District Plan Direction – A Collaborative City
N2. Working through collaboration N/A K2. Collaborating with State Government Collaborate with adjoining councils,
Agencies, and the community to deliver State Government agencies, sporting
infrastructure projects organisations and the community
to deliver and maintain recreational
infrastructure and promote regional
opportunities
5 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy
Liveability
District Plan Direction – A City for People
North District Plan Priorities Ku-ring-gai Community Strategic Plan Ku-ring-gai LSPS Priorities Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy
Themes and Objectives Objectives
N3. Providing services and social Theme 1: Community, People and K14. Providing a range of cultural, Provide innovative and sustainable
infrastructure to meet people’s Culture community and leisure facilities to foster approaches for the community to access
changing needs C1. Community health and wellbeing a healthy, creative, culturally rich and natural areas for active and passive
N4. Fostering healthy, creative, socially connected Ku-ring-gai recreation
C1.1 A equitable and inclusive
culturally rich and socially connected community that cares and provides K17. Providing a broad range of open Provide opportunities for community
communities for its members spaces, sporting and leisure facilities stewardship, participation and
to meet the community’s diverse and engagement through volunteer
C3. Community connectedness
changing needs care groups
C3.1 A community where opportunities
K18. Ensuring recreational activities Provide a network of sustainable
are provided for all voices to be heard
in natural areas are conducted within walking and cycling links for leisure
and where community stewardship,
ecological limits and in harmony with no and recreation
participation and engagement is
net impact on endangered ecological Promote opportunities for the community
supported and promoted
communities and endangered species or to embrace nature based recreation for
C4. Healthier lifestyles their habitats fitness and wellbeing and to encourage
C4.1 A community that embraces K19. Providing well maintained, active and healthy lifestyles
healthier lifestyle choices and practices connected, accessible and highly Provide well-planned and sustainable
Theme 3: Places, Spaces and valued trail networks and recreational infrastructure including sustainable
Infrastructure infrastructure where locals and visitors recreation opportunities (sporting and
P6. Enhancing recreation, sporting and can enjoy and connect with nature recreation facilities, walking tracks and
leisure facilities trails), to support future growth and
P6.1 Recreation, sporting and leisure changing community needs
facilities are available to meet the
community’s diverse and changing
needs
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 6
Sustainability
District Plan Direction – A City in its Landscape
North District Plan Priorities Ku-ring-gai Community Strategic Plan Ku-ring-gai LSPS Priorities Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy
Themes and Objectives Objectives
N15. Protecting and improving the health Theme 2: Natural Environment K28. Improving the condition of Ku-ring- Improve the condition of Ku-ring-
and enjoyment of Sydney Harbour and N2. Natural Areas gai’s bushland and protecting native gai’s bushland and native terrestrial
the District’s waterways terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna and aquatic ecosystems through well
N2.1 Our bushland is rich with native
N16. Protecting and enhancing bushland and their habitats managed sustainable recreational
flora and fauna
and biodiversity K29. Enhancing the biodiversity values infrastructure and accessible trails
N3. Natural Waterways
N17. Protecting and enhancing scenic and ecosystem function services of Improve connections with natural areas
N3.1 Our natural waterways and riparian Ku-ring- gai’s natural assets including river and creek corridors,
and cultural landscapes
areas are enhanced and protected bushland reserves and National Parks
N20. Delivering high quality open space K35. Protecting and improving the
Theme 3: Places, Spaces and health of waterways and riparian areas Prevent unauthorised construction of
Infrastructure recreation infrastructure within natural
K16. Protecting, conserving and
P5. Heritage that is protected and managing Ku-ring-gai’s Aboriginal areas
responsibly maintained heritage objective, items and significant Ensure recreation does not impact
P5.1 Ku-ring-gai’s heritage is protected, places Aboriginal heritage items and significant
promoted and responsibly managed K27. Ensuring the provision of sufficient places
P6. Enhancing recreation, sporting and open space to meet the needs of a Provide well-planned and sustainable
leisure facilities growing and changing community infrastructure including sustainable
P6.1 Recreation, sporting and leisure recreation opportunities (sporting and
facilities are available to meet the recreation facilities, walking tracks and
community’s diverse and changing trails), to support future growth and
needs changing community needs
7 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategyKu-ring-gai Council manages 1,152 hectares
of bushland, comprising 24 vegetation
communities. This includes seven threatened
vegetation communities listed under the
Background Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and four
listed under the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. These
vegetation communities provide habitat for
more than 700 native plant species and
over 300 vertebrate species, including at
least 10 threatened flora species and 23
threatened fauna species (12 mammal,
8 bird, 2 amphibian and 1 reptile species).
For a comprehensive listing of Ku-ring-gai’s
flora and fauna, refer to Council’s Biodiversity
and Riparian Lands Study.1 These natural
assets are highly valued by the community.
Recreation within
an ecological system
In Ku-ring-gai, nature based recreation
is dependent on a healthy and expansive
bushland reserves network and the adjoining
bushland of National Parks and other LGAs.
Wildlife corridors and connectivity are crucial
for the health of our wildlife and bushland,
and in some instances also provide strategic
recreational and commuting links.
Nature-based recreation operates within
an ecological system, where respect and
1. Ku-ring-gai Biodiversity and Riparian Lands Study, http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/
Plans_regulation/Building_and_development/Town_Planning_documents/Supporting_
documents
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 8protection of this ecological system Figure 2: Recreation within an ecological system
and the services the system provides
is paramount to the sustainability of
the system.
Whilst recognising the importance of
providing opportunities to participate in
recreation activities within Ku-ring-gai’s
natural areas, Council and the community
must manage the potential detrimental
impacts of these activities on ecosystem Rock climbing,
abseiling & bouldering
components. In providing recreation
opportunities, the limits of the ecological
system needs to be considered, as well as
the capacity of an area to support recreation Track dependent
infrastructure, so that unacceptable and recreation
often cumulative damage to these ecological
systems is avoided, both now and for future
generations. If not managed correctly,
ENVIRONMENT
recreation in natural areas can have serious
and irreversible impacts on the environment
and act to enhance a number of key
threatening processes.
The natural areas within Ku-ring-gai
define its character. Many residents and
visitors to Ku-ring-gai come to experience
and connect with nature. Preserving our
natural environment for future generations
is a shared responsibility of Council and Orienteering &
rogaining
the community.
Mountain Biking
9 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategyBenefits of nature economy. An active population leads
to improved productivity as well as
based recreation
addressing preventative health costs facing
Nature based recreation benefits governments.2
individuals and the wider community by
Recreation brings people and communities
improving physical and mental health (with
together which contributes to a stronger,
associated economic benefits), facilitating
more socially inclusive society. Recreation
social interactions, providing economic
promotes social bonds by uniting families
development and increasing environmental
and friends and provides a positive outlet
awareness and stewardship.
for our youth. Proximity to recreation
There are numerous health benefits facilities leads to volunteerism and livelier
associated with recreation, including: communities. People who spend time in
• Reduced stress, fatigue, depression natural areas are also more likely to develop
and anxiety an appreciation and understanding of the
value of the natural environment and to
• Improved short term memory and ability contribute towards sustaining and
to focus conserving it.
• Lowered blood pressure, boosted immune
system, stronger bones and muscles
• Reduced risk of obesity and lifestyle
related illnesses across life stages such
as diabetes, heart attack or stroke, and
increased life expectancy
Participation in recreational activities is
an important contributor to mental health,
general wellbeing and quality of life, boosting
self-esteem and personal growth.
Sporting and other recreational events
attract visitors to cities and communities,
and are significant drivers for the visitor
2. NSW Office of Sport’s Strategic Plan 2018-2022, https://sport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/
files/OoS-Strategic-Plan-2018-2022.pdf
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 10and life of our cities. With future urban Unlike the adult data, the 2019 AusPlay
growth and development, access to high survey measured children’s participation
quality open space will become increasingly in organised sport or physical activity
important. Our parks, green spaces and outside of school hours in 2018. It found
NSW residents aged natural landscapes are the places where that 346,800 NSW children aged 0 – 14
15+ participated in people can relax, exercise, play and enjoy years, representing 23% of the NSW child
our natural heritage and culture. Critically, population, participated at least three
nature based outdoor these places also provide habitat for wildlife, times per week. A total of 912,300 NSW
recreation 53 million help protect NSW from the impacts of climate children, representing 61% of the NSW child
change and provide ecological services population, participated at least once a week.4
times in 2018*. essential for human health and productivity. Two reports released in 2013 by the
NSW Department of Planning and Australian Sports Commission, in partnership
Environment population projections show with the CSIRO, reported research that
that NSW will grow to 9.9 million people by Australians are increasingly favouring more
2036; a population increase of 2.71 million flexible, non-organised forms of physical
compared to 2011.3 As the population in NSW activity, such as running with headphones
grows and our cities expand, demand for open on and pursuing new adventure sports.5
spaces and the ability to connect with nature AusPlay participation rates show that the
through recreation will similarly increase. proportion of the NSW population that
Nature based recreation
According to the AusPlay April 2019 State participate in physical activity, as well
in New South Wales and Territory Results, 4,019,600 NSW adults as sporting and recreational pursuits, is
In New South Wales (NSW), people enjoy (15 years +), representing 63% of the NSW generally increasing. In 2018 walking
a myriad of outdoor pursuits, both as adult population, participated in sport or (recreational) was the most popular activity,
individuals and as groups. Open space, physical activity at least three times per with a 44.2% participation rate. Bush walking
national parks, harbours, beaches, week in 2018. This was is in line with the was the seventh most popular activity, with a
coastal areas, creek corridors, waterfront national rate of 63%. A total 5,286,100 NSW 5.9% participation rate.6
promenades, playgrounds, and reserves adults, representing 82% of the NSW adult
are all utilised by outdoor enthusiasts. population, participated in physical activity 3. NSW Department of Planning and Environment, 2016 NSW population and household
projections https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Research-and-Demography/Demography/
These spaces are integral to the character at least 1 time per week. Population-projections
4. Australian Government, Australian Sports Commission, 2019 Sport Australia AusPlay
state/territory results: https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/research/smi/ausplay/
results/state
5. Hajkowicz, S.A., Cook, H., Wilhelmseder, L., Boughen, N., 2013. The Future of
Australian Sport: Megatrends shaping the sports sector over coming decades. A
Consultancy Report for the Australian Sports Commission. CSIRO, Australia.
* Marsden Jacob report for Outdoors NSW (2018), New South Wales Nature-Based 6. Australian Government, Australian Sports Commission, 2019 Sport Australia AusPlay
Outdoor Economy, Key estimates and recommendations, http://outdoorsnsw.org.au/ state/territory results: https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/research/smi/ausplay/
about/history/ results/state
11 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategyFigure 3: Age range of people
participating in recreation in
Nature based recreation in Ku-ring-gai Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas
(based on responses to consultation survey)
Sustained population growth in Ku-ring-gai Population size is a determining factor for
and in neighbouring local government the demand placed on natural areas for 45%
areas will continue to increase the recreation. The population of Ku-ring-gai 40%
demand for access to Ku-ring-gai’s in 2016 was 123,143 people7, with 35%
natural areas for recreation pursuits. population projected to grow to154,500 30%
by 2036.8
There is limited information regarding 25%
the demand for and participation in Whether it is a family looking for an easy 20%
recreation activities within Ku-ring-gai. bushwalk or an elite athlete looking for 15%
Anecdotal evidence suggests there an extreme challenge, residents and 10%
is significant growth in a number of visitors alike enjoy Ku-ring-gai’s bushland. 5%
activities, with high traffic on bush tracks Responses to a survey conducted as part
0%
and trails and the inclusion of many of the consultation for the development of
24
34
49
59
69
84
er
recreation sites within Ku-ring-gai on this Strategy indicates that a broad range
ov
to
to
to
to
to
to
d
18
25
35
50
60
70
public forums and webpages focused of age groups are involved in recreation
an
85
on outdoor recreation. in Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas:
7. Ku-ring-gai Community Profile
8. NSW Government 2016, 2016 NSW population and household projections, https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Research-and-Demography/Demography/Population-projections
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 12Snap shot of current recreation infrastructure in Ku-ring-gai’s Figure 4: Current track, trail and other recreation infrastructure in natural areas Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas The current track, trail and other recreation infrastructure within Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas are shown in Figure 4: 13 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy
Managing recreation
within an ecological context
Ku-ring-gai has unique strengths as a nature
Looking to based recreation destination and through
the provision of high quality, well-constructed
the future… and maintained facilities a balance can
be reached between meeting community
demand for nature-based recreation and
the vital need to protect and enhance our
ecosystems and biodiversity. Whilst over
exploitation presents a risk to Ku-ring-gai’s
native bushland, an increased understanding
and appreciation of Ku-ring-gai’s native
bushland through recreation is also an
opportunity to inspire a sense of stewardship
and environmental protection.
The beauty and health of our natural areas
are the reason that Ku-ring-gai is and will
continue to be a popular nature based
recreation destination. However, these natural
areas are unable to provide for all recreation
pursuits at all levels of skill. The natural areas
of Ku-ring-gai are ecologically sensitive and
vulnerable to over-exploitation. Biotic and
abiotic factors, such as topography, erosional
landscapes, demography and prevalence of
rare and threatened species and ecological
communities means Ku-ring-gai is not suited
to some recreation pursuits and there is
limited recreation infrastructure that can
be provided due to the area’s ecological
constraints.
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 14When looking at recreation opportunities, Increased visitation Future trail networks
Ku-ring-gai has an obligation to consider
As Sydney’s population expands, people Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas offer a multitude
the environmental and social impacts and
from across the city will be looking to get out of recreation opportunities which are either
ensure these impacts are clearly identified
and explore nature. Ku-ring-gai LGA’s close wholly dependent on tracks and trails, or
and mitigated.
proximity to the Sydney Central Business require trails to provide access to rock faces
District and its connectivity to three national or other features. Some of the activities
Managing increased parks makes it a great place to set out and currently conducted on bushland tracks and
demand sustainably explore Sydney’s natural environment, trails in Ku-ring-gai include:
whether on foot or on a bike. Ku-ring-gai’s • Bushwalking
The NSW Department of Planning, Industry
bushland reserves offer unique and varied • Dog walking
and Environment estimate that by 2036
experiences for nature based recreation,
Ku-ring-gai’s resident population will reach • Rock climbing, bouldering and abseiling
with a long history of rock-climbing and bush
154,500 people, increasing by 25% or 31,000 • Mountain biking and BMX riding
walking built on a legacy of conservation.
new residents compared to 2016.9 The
• Orienteering and rogaining
population increase will be accommodated
through a substantial expansion of medium- A regional perspective • Bird watching
to high-density residential development. • Running and jogging and
By adopting a regional approach for the
This trend means that bushland will more provision of recreation, Ku-ring-gai Council • Horse riding
frequently become the “backyard” to a will be able to focus on high quality local Recreation and the activities people engage
greater number of residents. With more experiences supported with adequate in are constantly evolving. Land managers
people looking to access and enjoy Ku-ring- infrastructure and maintenance schedules. need to recognise how natural areas are
gai’s natural areas, the pressures on its Where Ku-ring-gai is unable or unsuited used, and consider future use and recreation
natural ecosystems grows. Additionally, a to provide for a recreation pursuit, Council trends. In order to future proof recreation
greater number of recreation users have the will take an advocacy role and seek to experiences, Ku-ring-gai will primarily
potential to increase conflicts between user promote regional opportunities. This focus on a multi-use track and trail network
groups, especially with multi-use facilities. approach requires far greater collaboration capable of supporting many different
between land mangers across the region recreation pursuits.
and recognition from recreation users that
not all activities will be catered for within
any single LGA. Whilst Ku-ring-gai will host
opportunities worth travelling for, similarly,
some nature-based recreation will require
participants to travel out of Ku-ring-gai.
9. NSW Government 2016, 2016 NSW population and household projections,
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Research-and-Demography/Demography/Population-
projections
15 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategySection 8A (2) of the Local Government
Act 1993 require Councils to consider
the principles of ecologically sustainable
development, diverse community needs and
Legislative interests, and the long term and cumulative
impacts of actions on future generations in
context their decision making.
The core objectives for the management
of community land categorised as Natural
Areas under the NSW Local Government
Act 1993 include:
a. Conserve biodiversity and maintain
functional ecosystems and habitat on land
that is categorised as natural areas
b. Maintain the land, feature or habitat,
in its natural state and setting
c. Provide for the restoration and
regeneration of the land, and
d. Provide for community use of and access
to the land in such a manner as will
minimise and mitigate any disturbance
caused by human intrusion.
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 16Across the four user
group workshops, 95% of
participants agreed or strongly
agreed with the statement
“there is a need to balance
conservation and recreation”
17 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategyDevelopment of this Additionally, at each of the four user group Stage 4: Public exhibition
workshops, participants were engaged in The Strategy was also placed on public
strategy – community discussions related to risk management and exhibition prior to its adoption by Council,
consultation ecological sustainability. offering another chance for the community
The development of this Strategy involved to provide feedback.
Stage 2: Consultation with
extensive community consultation over a
number of stages.
environment groups
Input was then sought through an online
Stage 1: User based consultation survey and consultation workshop with
individuals and representatives of environment
Input was sought through an online survey
or community groups who have a specific
and four consultation workshops with primarily
interest in the Strategy from an environmental 95% of
individuals, and representatives of groups,
who undertake recreation activities in our
perspective.Through the workshop, Council workshop participants
sought specific input on strategies to
natural areas. The workshops focused on:
proactively manage the potential impacts
agreed or strongly agreed
• Mountain biking (all disciplines) of recreation in natural areas and to balance with the statement
• Orienteering and rogaining the need for environmental protection with
the demand for recreation.
“People who get out and
• Rock climbing, abseiling and bouldering,
and
experience natural areas
Stage 3: Community forum are more likely to fight for
• Track dependant recreation
Following the targeted consultation
At the workshops, participants were asked sessions, the draft Strategy was presented their protection” *
to provide feedback on the following areas at a community forum. At the forum Council:
relating to their recreation activity area: • Provided a summary of the key issues
• Amount of infrastructure raised at the consultation workshops
and the response to these issues in the
• Appropriateness/suitability of infrastructure
Strategy,
• Condition of infrastructure
• Outlined the framework for the Strategy, and
• Bookings process
• Provided the management actions in
• Signage the Strategy for the four activity areas
• Access (mountain biking, orienteering/rogaining,
• Promotion/communication rock-climbing/abseiling and track
dependent recreation) and invited feedback
• Advocacy on these management actions.
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 18The following management principles form
Guiding the basis of this Strategy:
management Managing environmental impact
principles Disturbances from recreation include
vehicle use, people trampling plants, the
exposure of natural areas to the infiltration
of weeds or feral species, such as foxes
and rabbits, and the intensification of soil
erosion. Unmanaged disturbances may
result in a decline of flora and fauna species
diversity, distribution and abundance, as
well as a degradation of the structure of
vegetation communities, habitat quality and
function. Remnant vegetation within urban
bushland is subject to a greater number
of disturbances than large intact areas of
bushland. Council will ensure that recreation
use does not exceed the carrying capacity of
the ecosystem.
Accessibility and inclusiveness
Where possible, Council will look at access/
inclusivity issues to ensure that people of
different abilities have opportunities to enjoy
recreation in natural areas.
Nature play education
and citizen science
Council will promote and support nature
play for children, being unstructured play
outdoors that gets children active or thinking
actively, with the end goal of building skills
and ability to play without the need for
parental or adult control.
19 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategyCouncil will also promote and support citizen and economically sustainable way. In line time available for Council to dedicate to
science, which actively involves citizens in with the principles of ecologically sustainable recreation projects and programs. In some
scientific endeavours that generates new development, Council seeks to meet the cases, Council will not be able to provide
knowledge or understanding. needs of present generations without infrastructure for recreation activities
jeopardising the ability of future generations within natural areas, for financial, social or
to meet their own needs. environmental reasons, or a combination
of these. In these cases, Council will seek
Nature play is, of itself, Risk management approach partnerships and grant funding, where
There are many inherent risks to recreation appropriate, or play an advocacy role in
an intrinsic good and in a natural area setting. Risks can relate promoting recreation opportunities regionally.
from it flow benefits directly to those participating in recreation,
Multi-use and shared facilities
to others in the community impacted as
in health, cognitive, bystanders, or to the environment, and can Council recognises the diverse range of
social and emotional be negative or positive. Council will adopt a users with an interest in accessing and
risk management approach when managing enjoying the natural areas of Ku-ring-
development and in the recreation in its natural areas. gai. Whilst multi-use tracks and trails are
building of resilience Council has completed a risk assessment generally able to safely accommodate user
groups undertaking different activities, there
and creativity. Experience for recreation activities conducted within
are some instances where one activity
Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas, which forms part
in nature as a child also of this Strategy (see the risk management may impinge on the ability of other user
leads to environmental section below). Council will take steps and/ groups to safely use an area or trail. This
or work with individual users and/or user Strategy strives to balance the needs of all
stewardship later in life*. groups to implement controls to reduce risks user groups with a focus on a multi-use trail
and ensure recreation in natural areas is network complimented with limited single use
conducted in a safe and environmentally infrastructure.
Sustainability
sustainable manner. Reducing risk is a Recreation infrastructure has to respond to
Whilst recognising the importance of shared responsibility. increasingly complex and diverse social and
providing opportunities for people to get recreation patterns. This diversity requires
out and enjoy our natural areas through
Limited resources a variety of flexible infrastructure and
recreation pursuits, Council will manage amenities, capable of being multifunctional
the potential of these activities to degrade Within the Ku-ring-gai LGA there are limits
to the amount of natural areas and space and accessible. Infrastructure, including
the natural environment and by ensuring tracks and trails designed for a single
that they are only carried out in appropriate that can be provided for recreation, as
well as limits to the amount of funding and purpose lack the flexibility to respond to
areas and in an environmentally, socially
* Nature Play Australia, 2019, https://www.natureplay.org.au/about
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 20changing needs or to accommodate more Codes of Conduct
than one type of activity. To make the best Council will work with community groups,
use of limited resources, recreation facilities clubs and recreation participants to develop
that provide for multiple uses and serve a codes of conduct. Codes of conduct set out
range of population groups, as well as being the expectations of users, the community
capable of adapting as needs change over and Council and help guide participants to
time will be a preference. partake in recreation in natural areas in a
socially and environmentally sustainable way.
Bookings The community and Council may choose
Council will focus on a single, quick and to adopt in whole or part codes of conducts
easy recreation booking application process, produced by the Australian Adventure Activity
which allows for efficient and consistent Standard and the related Good Practice
assessment and approvals for all bookable Guides.10 Codes of conduct are to include
resources. Fees for bookings will be clearly consideration of trail etiquette.
established and not-for profit groups and
clubs will generally only be required to Partnerships
make nominal, if any, payment. In general, Ku-ring-gai Council adjoins land managed by
Council will maintain free access and ensure Northern Beaches Council, Hornsby Council,
individual users are not disadvantaged by Willoughby Council and NSW National Parks.
commercial groups. In order to optimise recreation experience
Bookings allow Council to assess potential and create strategic linkages, Council will
environmental impacts associated with an work with all land managers within the
activity and identify mitigation measures, Northern Sydney region. Additionally, on a
ensure limits on numbers of people using larger regional and state level, Council will
a space at any given time, and obtain seek to collaborate with state organisations
documentation (such as public liability to advocate and promote the recreational
insurance or qualifications) for certain events. interests of residents within Ku-ring-gai.
Bookings also allow for Council, where
considered appropriate and desired by event
organisers, to further promote events.
Bookings also provide Council an opportunity
to ensure events are run in accordance with
the Sustainable Event Management Policy
and Guide 2020.
21 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategyRisk management These modifications are not authorised or Environmental risks include but are not
maintained by Council, and as such, their limited to:
Risk management is a shared responsibility.
safety and structural integrity are unknown. 1. Encroachment and illegal clearing
Council has conducted a risk assessment
(see Appendix 1) for trail dependent Council has a duty of care to people using 2. Unauthorised activities such as track
recreation, mountain biking, rock climbing natural areas managed by Council. However, and jump building
and bouldering and orienteering, which many nature based recreation activities are
identifies a number of controls to reduce inherently high-risk and these risks need to 3. Weed infestation
the risks or consequences associated with be understood by all participants. Recent 4. Feral and domestic species
recreation in natural areas. These risk reforms to insurance liability legislation have
5. Accelerated erosion
controls will be implemented as part of the placed much of the responsibility for personal
delivery of this Strategy; however, the risks safety in recreation activities back onto the 6. Changes to natural hydrology
from these activities cannot be completely individual participant. Organisations and 7. Fragmentation of ecosystems and
eliminated. Those participating in recreation groups undertaking nature based recreation loss of habitat; and
in natural areas do so at their own risk. are encouraged to complete their own
specific risk assessment and carry out any 8. Removal of bush rock, logs and
identified risk mitigation measures. plants from bushland.
Safety risks
Natural areas are dynamic and changing The risk assessment is only a starting point
environments containing numerous hazards. Environmental risks and all persons, groups or organisations
Many activities conducted in natural areas Recreation in natural areas has the potential entering bushland or participating in
have the potential to cause serious risk of to impact upon the natural environment. recreation need to be aware of the risks and
injury or death, to both those participating Managing environmental impacts is a major potential harm associated with accessing
in recreation activities and to bystanders. challenge to land managers and involves natural areas. All persons must also be
All recreation users are required to take expert planning, community engagement and aware of how to pursue recreation safely.
responsibility for their own and others’ safety. continual monitoring.
In many circumstances, individuals have Many of the potential impacts are the same
modified the natural environment to across different landscapes, communities
accommodate certain recreation activities and activities, whilst others may be
without Council knowledge or approval. For environment, community, activity specific
example, rock climbers may have installed or change following management or other
bolts and belay points on many rock faces, activities. For example, following fire, an
downhill mountain bike riders may have built ecosystem is particularly sensitive and this
jumps and berms, and walkers may have needs to be considered in the management
carved out informal tracks. of recreation.
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 22Management actions
Snapshot of management actions across all recreation activity areas
Below is a snapshot of the key management actions for implementation across all of the recreation activity areas.
The management actions for each recreation activity area are further detailed in the following sections.
Activity Provision of new infrastructure Enhanced experience Advocacy and promotion Restrict or close
and improved infrastructure
All Improve website and information Advocate for improved public/
Improve interpretive and directional community transport
signage
More rubbish bins and access
to water sources
Develop standardised online
booking and approval processes
and fee structures
Actions to improve access and
inclusivity
Develop codes of conduct
Establish and manage an
Environmental Advisory Group
Track Develop strategic Actions to improve access and inclusivity Advocate for improved public/ Measures to temporarily or
dependent linkages Conduct an audit of Council’s trail community transport permanently close trails, due
recreation networks and provide updated mapping Work collaboratively with to unauthorised construction,
and walking trail grading neighbouring landholders inappropriate use and
to identify and construct key environmental damage
Provide education to recreational users
strategic trail linkages across Develop an effective and
Designate single-use walking trails
land tenures enforceable (i) unauthorised trail;
Implement a trail maintenance schedule and (ii) authorised trail closure
to maintain walking trail grades and communication process
Respond to extreme weather events/ Proactive management and
warnings stakeholder engagement
23 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategyActivity Provision of new infrastructure Enhanced experience Advocacy and promotion Restrict or close
and improved infrastructure
Mountain Re-open and upgrade the ‘southern’ Establish and coordinate a TrailCare Work collaboratively with Implement measures to
biking section of the Warrimoo downhill volunteer group neighbouring landholders to temporarily or permanently
mountain bike track Establish and manage a Mountain identify and construct key close trails, due to unauthorised
Develop strategic linkages Bike Riding Advisory Group strategic mountain bike track construction, inappropriate use
linkages across land tenures and environmental damage
Conduct grading for selected mountain
bike tracks and develop and promote a Chair a Regional Land Develop an effective and
regional mountain biking map Managers Committee with enforceable (i) unauthorised
adjoining landholders and trail; and (ii) authorised trail
Install warning signage at key locations
government agencies closure and communication
and trailheads
process
Investigate the installation of bike
Proactive management and
racks at key mountain bike trailheads
stakeholder engagement
Designate the Warrimoo downhill
mountain bike track as single-use
and provide signage
Formalise the walk-up track from Support and promote CragCare groups Monitor Aboriginal heritage
the bottom of Cliff Oval to the top Install warning signage at key locations sites affected by climbing and
of the climbing rocks and trailheads mitigate impacts if necessary
Provide certainty of access for Provide access to the toilets (for
Rock-climbing, the Cliff Oval, North Wahroonga bookings) and promote amenity opening
abseiling and and Lindfield Rocks climbing sites and closing times
bouldering within future plans of management
Orienteering Establish permanent orienteering Host annual planning events with
and rogaining courses in appropriate locations orienteering clubs
Prepare a general environmental
assessment template for orienteering
and rogaining events
Investigate the possibility of a storage
facility within the Ku-ring-gai LGA
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 24Management action table - all recreation activities
Below are the key management actions for implementation across all recreation activities in Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas:
Action area Management action Timeframe Responsibility
Improve Infrastructure/Enhance Experience
Website Develop ‘recreation in natural areas’ specific pages on Council’s website Ongoing Environment and Sustainability
to disseminate information such as recreational opportunities and
locations in the Ku-ring-gai Local Government Area (LGA), recreation
activity profiles, safety information (including links to safety apps), codes
of conduct, environmental considerations, track and facility closures,
transport information and recreation events (in an events calendar).
Information Continually update and provide maps showing recreation opportunities Ongoing Environment and Sustainability
and locations across the Ku-ring-gai LGA.
Investigate the use of the Snap, Send and Solve11 application to facilitate 2019/20 Environment and Sustainability
effective maintenance and environmental monitoring of Council’s
recreation trails and facilities.
Improve the information displayed on Council’s amenities, in parks, Ongoing Infrastructure Services
ovals and reserves adjacent to recreation trails and facilities, including
accessibility and opening and closing times.
Provide fact sheets for recreation event managers regarding the local Ongoing Environment and Sustainability
environment and how to recreate responsibly in natural areas
Interpretive and Conduct a signage audit to determine the locations and condition of 2019/20 Environment and Sustainability
directional signage interpretive and directional recreation signage in Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas.
In collaboration with the community and other land managers and based on Ongoing Environment and Sustainability
the signage audit, develop and implement an Interpretive and Directional
Signage Strategy to support recreation in Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas.
Signage will be designed to inform users of environmental, Aboriginal and
other significant site attributes, to provide trail and track maps and grading,
to promote responsible user behaviour, to encourage environmental
stewardship and to improve safety; all to enhance the user experience.
Improve rubbish Increase waste collection points and waste collection services, in line with Ongoing Waste and Cleansing Services
facilities and access community demand, and investigate the installation of water stations at Infrastructure Services
to potable water key trailheads and strategic recreation locations across the Ku-ring-gai
LGA.
11. Snap Send Solve provides a platform that enables authorities and their customers to identify and resolve local issues https://www.snapsendsolve.com
25 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategyAction area Management action Timeframe Responsibility
Booking processes Develop standardised online booking and approval processes and fee 2020/21 Environment and Sustainability
and fee structures structures for organised and commercial groups and for events, for
all endorsed recreation activities in Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas; to limit
numbers on sites, provide equitable access; and provide consistent fees
for users.
Access and inclusivity Work collaboratively with access and inclusivity groups to implement Ongoing Environment and Sustainability
solutions that remove the barriers and obstacles that prevent people from
participating in recreation activities.
Implement the Naturally Accessible Framework12, to improve access to Ongoing Environment and Sustainability
Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas for people with mobility- based disabilities
through improving access through information, rather than infrastructure.
Codes of Conduct In collaboration with recreation user groups, develop codes of conduct 2020/21 Environment and Sustainability
for endorsed recreation activities in Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas, as well Recreation users
as dog walking and horse riding, to facilitate responsible and safe user
behaviour and practices and to reduce conflict between recreation user
groups and individuals. Codes of conduct will guide users to partake in
recreation in natural areas in a socially and environmentally sustainable
way.
Environmental Establish and manage an Environmental Advisory Group, with Ongoing Environment and Sustainability
Advisory Group representatives from Council, the community and environment groups, Bushland Services
to provide advice on environmental issues and opportunities in relation to
recreation in natural areas and to assist Council in promoting responsible
and sustainable recreation in the region.
Advocate/Promote
Public transport Advocate for improved public/community transport from rail and bus Ongoing Environment and Sustainability
stations to trail heads across the Ku-ring-gai LGA, including to state
government and transport authorities.
12.National Parks Association of NSW, Naturally Accessible, http://www.naturallyaccessible.org
Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas Strategy 26Management actions whilst unused, badly maintained or • Threatened ecological communities
inappropriate trails will be closed and and flora and fauna species
– trail dependent recreation rehabilitated. • Aboriginal and European heritage
Within Ku-ring-gai’s natural areas, the Information through signage, Council’s • Soil landscapes and characteristics
majority of recreation is trail dependant. A website and the grading of trails will help users
well-maintained and connected trail network to plan and navigate the trail network and • Topography and slope
benefits multiple user groups and allows provide context of place for locals and visitors • Access and connectivity
people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and to the region. Information on points of interest,
connect with nature through recreation and • Community requirements
the natural environment and Aboriginal
exploration. These trails are also crucial heritage will make recreation in natural areas
for fire management, for accessing and more meaningful and provide the connection Trail closures
servicing utilities and for providing access for to nature that people are seeking. In some instances, due to changing
environmental monitoring and conservation. environmental, social or legislative conditions
Improved accessibility to the trail network
Well-managed trail networks require will allow people of different abilities to or informed through monitoring and an
appropriate planning, skilful construction and make informed choices regarding what trails improved understanding of environmental
regular maintenance in order to maximise the are suitable and what trails will offer an and social impacts, trails may be closed
user experience and minimise environmental appropriate level of challenge and interest. or re-aligned permanently or temporarily.
impacts. Poorly designed, located and Where the trail closure affects informal or
maintained trails can have a significant unauthorised tracks, or illegally constructed
Criteria for assessing trail
impact on the sensitive environments they jumps or other infrastructure, there are a
infrastructure range of enforcement actions that may be
pass through. Trails that have inadequate
drainage and weed management will Ku-ring-gai Council has and will continue to taken by Council, including:
contribute to soil erosion and lead to investigate opportunities to provide additional • An order or issue notice to stop work,
diminished water quality within our recreation opportunities and strives to place demolish, alter, repair or remove the
waterways. If poorly managed, trails increase itself as a regional leader in the provision of unauthorised structure/works
edge effects, contribute to the fragmentation recreational activities that are well suited to
the unique physical, social and environmental • The issuing of fines (penalty infringement
of habitat, assist in the spread of exotic weed
characteristics of the Ku-ring-gai area. notices)
species and pathogens and can open up
areas of bushland to feral vertebrates. The primary considerations for assessing • Bushland remediation works and the
any construction and maintenance of Ku- associated cost recovery
To optimise user experience throughout the
trail network, Council will focus on improving ring-gai’s trail network for recreational • Commencement of legal proceedings in
infrastructure and access to information. purposes are: a Court to remedy or restrain unlawful
Network expansion will be focused around • Bushland significance ratings activities
strategic linkages and multi-use opportunities
• Type of vegetation community
27 Ku-ring-gai Council – Recreation in Natural Areas StrategyYou can also read
