The Parks and Wildlife Commission NT has expressed concern over the increased incidence of illegal motorcyclists accessing the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve.

Chief District Ranger Wayne Gaskon said illegal motorcycle use compromised public safety and caused unwanted noise as well as damaging the environment and the new walking and mountain bike track system.

Mr Gaskon said Commission Rangers had stopped two motorcyclists at Wigley Gorge during the past week and another group was seen riding on walks close to the Telegraph Station.

There have also been several complaints lodged with Rangers about illegal motorcycle use for both safety and noise reasons on other tracks.

“Many people see the Alice Springs Telegraph Station’s much loved historic buildings and the associated picnic area as the extent of the Reserve,” Mr Gaskon said.

“However, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve is about 2000 hectares and runs from the edge of town near St Philip’s College and Spencer Hill either side of the Todd River right up to and beyond Wigley Gorge and Waterhole, and across to the Stuart Highway where it joins Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park.

"The same Park by-laws and rules governing usage within the Historical Reserve apply to this area as they do in other National Parks and Conservation Reserves.

“The Reserve is bigger than many people think and with the recent construction work on new mountain bike and walking tracks, we are concerned about the safety of trail users and the damage caused to these tracks by illegal motorcyclists.”

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station currently has a 17km track network that is used by mountain bikers, runners, walkers, schools and community groups such as scouts and guides.

“The use of the tracks by motorcycles can pose a significant danger to these other users,” Mr Gaskon said.

“The tracks are designed to cater for mountain bikes and foot traffic, but are not designed to withstand continued motorcycle use.

“Apart from the obvious safety concerns posed by motor bikes, their use will also lead to expensive repairs in the future if not stopped.

“In the past few weeks we have noticed an increased use of unregistered motor bikes coming into the park.

“Under the current Parks and Wildlife By-laws a fine of eight penalty units ($1224) can apply to any vehicle driving off road in a park and reserve and a further fine of four penalty units ($612) for disturbing or annoying park users.

“These motorcyclists can be difficult to catch but we are hoping that the public can help us identify consistent offenders.

“The Commission is keen to get the message out that we will take action if we catch anyone illegally riding their motorbikes within the Reserve.

“Motorcyclists also need to be aware that the Wigleys Gorge and waterhole carparks is a public road and can be only be accessed by visitors in registered vehicles.”

Ends

Media note – Wayne Gaskon can be contacted on 89537383

Issued: 9.30am Monday, 30 November 2015