By Chris Thomson | posted on November 23, 2018
PROMOTERS of a Mundaring to Albany four-wheel-drive track have been asked by the State to desist until concerns about dieback and other eco-nasties have been addressed.
In Parliament on Tuesday, Albany-based Greens WA MLC Diane Evers asked Environment Minister Stephen Dawson how many dieback-affected areas the so-called MundAl track would go through, and if the risk of spread had been assessed.
Mr Dawson said the Western Australian 4WD Association launched the track at the Perth 4WD Show on November 9.
“I am advised that no consultation was undertaken with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions even though a significant portion of the 900km track traverses land managed by DBCA,” he said.
“DBCA has now been provided with a digital alignment of the route which has been assessed for its appropriateness in relation to matters such as mining operators, prescribed burning operations, dieback hygiene management, drinking water catchment protection zones, visitor risk management, cultural heritage management and track management.
“While I am supportive of new tourism activities and people getting out and visiting our national parks and reserves, visitor use needs to be appropriately managed at suitable locations.”
Mr Dawson said DBCA had asked the 4WD Association to stop promoting the track until management issues had been “satisfactorily resolved”.