PARKS Victoria's chief ranger in the Wimmera has admonished riders that created an illegal bike track near a sacred Indigenous site in Black Range State Park.
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On Monday, Parks Victoria released a statement saying a crew of 20 staff had dismantled it.
The statement said the trail appeared to have been constructed over the June long weekend and was near the Mudadgadjin Aboriginal place, which includes a significant rock art shelter.
"While working, the crew maintained physical distancing and hygiene requirements at all times," the statement read.
"The Black Range State Park protects native plants and wildlife on rugged terrain in Victoria's west. Part of the Gariwerd cultural landscape, the park contains important natural and cultural values. Off-road biking and the creation of new tracks can damage the environment and Aboriginal cultural heritage, cause erosion and spread weeds."
Black Range State Park is located 55 kilometres south of Horsham, on the western edge of the Grampians National Park.
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In the statement, area chief ranger Rhonda McNeil said: "
"The Black Range State Park protects a special landscape, and off-road mountain-biking and the creation of illegal tracks can damage that landscape."
"With so many designated roads and tracks available for legal mountain bike riding there's no excuse for this type of activity. Anyone caught will face penalties under the National Park Regulations."
A Parks Victoria spokesman said mountain biking was permitted on designated vehicle tracks in most parks and reserves across Victoria.
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
