BORRA's submission on Council's Draft MTB Concept Plan for Mt Coot-tha

BORRA finalised and submitted our response to Council’s Draft MTB Concept Plan for Mt Coot-tha on 30 October 2022

Our submission represents over two years of hard work by the BORRA Committee, and we couldn't have done it without our members and supporters. We thank everyone involved in any way in this submission - from donations to comments on specifics points via social media, email or surveys. Every little bit has helped. You can download the BORRA response here.

Key points from the cover letter:

  • It is clear some hard thinking has taken place. Some of the ideas presented in the draft for Area A look like positive progress will be made in the future. We particularly like the idea of linking Gap Creek and Gold Creek with a BLUE rated trail via Gillian’s Circuit. We also like the scope for improving the diversity of trails to encompass higher skilled riders. Converting more trails to one way also helps with higher use.

  • We do not support the wholesale closure of Area C to mountain biking, and many elements of Area B in the draft are similarly not supported.  It  seems that there has been a reversal of the 2019 commitment to retain most of the unsanctioned trails – this is highly disappointing and we hope that the feedback council gets on this topic will lead to  a reconsideration.

  • The plan entirely misses the mark on Access Trails. There are many important reasons that Brisbane residents need to be able to Ride to the Ride, rather than drive and park.

  • It is good to see some plans for trails on the Eastern side of Area A in the plan. However, the arbitrary line marking the South East border of Area A excludes a more gentle slope further east which would be perfect for an easy (GREEN) beginner descent and a more moderate climb to the trail head.

What happens next?  The project team at Council are currently assessing the feedback and submissions, with an intent to issue the Final Concept Plan 'this year' (2022).   So now is the time raise the topic with your local councillor - they probably don't know anything about it yet!

BORRA knows for certain there is a very vocal minority  who will continue to run hard and loose with their anti-bike sentiment.  Right now, they are writing letters and meeting with individual councillors, and mobilising a campaign for talkback radio.

Their mis-information could be all that your councillor hears.

It's critical to know that this BORRA submission and your feedback via Council's survey is not enough make your local councillor aware of your take on the issue, and they need to be made aware - regardless of how far their Ward is from Mt Coot-tha.  We've spoken to several local councillors who are not aware that trails will be closed and access will be affected by these plans.

To ensure balance and reason on this issue, please consider writing an email or a letter to your local councillor and signing the petition that has been set up addressing the Lord Mayor.


Here are the email addresses for all local councillors


Writing emails/letters is now critical - You can simply follow up your survey response and send a summary of it to your local councillor - the BORRA submission has a copy of all the key questions to refresh your memory.  The key points from the cover letter we included in the submission is reproduced above if you just wanted to pick up some highlights for your local councillor. Remember to close with a request to meet with your councillor.

If you just want to underline the point about the Lord Mayor keeping his promise from 2019: ‘After having this matter brought to my attention, I wish to let you know that Council is not undertaking wholescale removal of the unauthorised trails.' ... then simply sign this petition :qrcc.me/rlpt8lll8b6g

Dan Crawford