An illegal playground of large wooden ramps up to 20 metres long have been discovered in bushland between Woronora and Engadine apparently built for bike riders is being investigated by Sutherland Shire Council.
The sophisticated construction was discovered by a bushwalker last week.
It includes an elaborate 15-metre trestle jump for bikes build illegally in sensitive public bush reserve, zoned for Environmental Conservation.
The discovery has prompted the Woronora Valley Residents Association to call on the council to demolish the illegal structures and step up security along all fire trails in extensive bushland in the area.
WVRS president Don Page described the illegal structures as a serious desecration of local bushland by vandals who have declared war on nature reserves.
“This launch pad is a potential killer and should be removed immediately,” Mr Page said. “It’s up to two-and-a-half metres off the ground. There is no soft landing. It’s all rocks and trees.
“It is also a legal liability for the State Government is any child is killed on injured on it.
“This amount of timber must have been driven in by 4WD.
“Mountain bikes are tolerable so far, but motorcycles and 4WDs are defiantly creating an illegal off-road playground where quiet bushland exists now.”
The discovery follows several incidents of damage to council gates, locks and barriers by off-road vehicles recently.
“About five padlocks, chains or latches have been destroyed in recent months by law-breakers keen for an illegal off-road playground,” Mr Page said.
“Clearly they needed access to truck in their building materials.
“This is not a new problem, but has escalated hugely in a few months.”
Mr Page said there had been damage to gate-locks of fire trails to Engadine on December 3.
He said a number of vehicles have been photographed on fire trails at the time around 8pm on that day, with the locks damaged and relinked to appear intact behind them.
“Persistent malicious damage has been committed to public property about six times in about two months, costing hundreds of dollars to replace each time.
“It is serious offence, punishable by five years in prison.
“Due to the continuous destruction of padlocks, chains and earth barriers, the council may need to produce a more technical defence against this blatant sabotage.
“The gate at The Crescent, Woronora may provide a useful design, or some creative thinking may produce a cheaper but effective solution.”
A Sutherland Shire Council spokesman said, “Council commends the vigilance of residents in alerting our officers to the presence of the illegal structures in the Woronora Valley.
“We are currently working with residents to pinpoint the precise location of these illegal structures and determine whether Crown Lands be notified as a potential stakeholder in the area.
“Council is also investigating strategies in collaboration with Sydney Water and the NSW Rural Fire Service to secure access roads and fire trails into the area following repeated vandalism of the locks and chains securing the gates."
