While this month's wet weather may have delayed the official opening of new mountain bike trails around Mount Kembla, riders are excited the 20 kilometres of trails will be in action for spring.
News of the opening has also prompted calls for the urgent remediation works on "rogue illegal track construction" along the escarpment.
The new formal trails have been two years in the making, a joint effort between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Wollongong City Council. The trails are designed to cater for riders of all ages and abilities, featuring green and blue trails as well as black trails for more experienced riders.
"When these trails open in spring they will deliver sustainable and inclusive mountain biking in one of NSW's most iconic natural landscapes," said Ryan Park, Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast.
"Whether you're exploring with family or seeking a bit of adventure, these trails will be an exhilarating way to discover the Illawarra Escarpment."
Why has there been no remediation work?
While a boon for off-road cyclists, the NSW Greens aren't happy that work on the new trail network hasn't been complemented with rehabilitation work on the myriad of existing illegal mountain bike tracks.
Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment, Sue Higginson says, "It's time to repair the bush that's been impacted by rogue illegal track construction through sensitive ecological and cultural areas.
"Conservation should be the primary role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, but we're seeing public funding being spent on infrastructure while ecological restoration and erosion control is neglected.
"While hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent on formal mountain bike trails, we need to see enforcement action taken to remove the illegal ones from the Illawarra Escarpment. The public investment on formal trails was always justified on the removal of illegal trails – so let's see it. No waiting. No delays.
"The Illawarra Escarpment bush is under pressure, and we want to see investment in conservation and ecological restoration," Ms Higginson added.
Her comments have been strongly supported by Wollongong Greens Cr Kit Docker who said Council has invested in supporting infrastructure including car parking at trail heads and ends. "Now it's time for the state government to invest in illegal trail remediation and conservation," he said.
"We know opening up new trails risks the spread of weeds, myrtle rust and other pathogens, so where is the investment in conservation?"
The escarpment should be for everyone
Cr Docker said the Illawarra Escarpment should be managed and conserved for all to enjoy, not just mountain bikers.
"We've had helicopters dropping in construction materials for the mountain bike trails, but where is the same level of investment in environmental repair? The Illawarra First Nations community have told us that the cultural heritage of the escarpment is significant. We want to see Merrigong protected and restored."
Updates on when the new trails will be open for use will be provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service via physical signs on the trails, alerts on the NPWS website and on the Trailforks app.
