Meryla State Forest is a playground for four-wheel-drivers most weekends.
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And residents aren’t happy about it.
Although four-wheel-driving is permitted in the forest by the Forestry Corporation, residents have raised their concerns about the damage being done to the natural environment.
One resident, who used to ride his bike through the forest, said the task had become a lot more difficult of late, and he often had to jump on and off his bike.
The drivers have created new paths which have gouged the ground in some areas, leaving an uneven surface.
Residents have also raised concerns about the state of the fire trails.
“They’ve just become impassable which is very concerning,” one resident said.
However, Goulburn MP Pru Goward assured the community that emergency access was still possible. “I have been advised by Forestry Corporation NSW that emergency services’ access has not been negatively impacted,” she said.
The issue has been brought to Ms Goward’s attention several times over the past few months, and she said she was actively working toward a resolution.
“I have been approached by numerous constituents with concerns to Meryla State Forest as a result of recreational traffic and rest assured, I am representing their concerns to Minister for Environment and Heritage, the Hon Gabrielle Upton MP,” Ms Goward said.
While there are no concrete plans to tackle the issue just yet, Ms Goward said it was important and she would work to “ensure a fair and equitable outcome that reflects both the natural and cultural values of Meryla State Forest.”
Litter and vandalism is another problem that has arisen from recreational traffic in Meryla State Forest.
Residents said trees had been run down by four-wheel-drives and rubbish was often left behind by drivers.
Ms Goward said this, along with safety of drivers, was of equal importance.
“Both Ms Upton and I are looking into ensuring ongoing measures are in place to preserve the natural habitat.”