Toowoomba Regional Council is urging all park users to follow permitted recreation uses in the city’s bushland parks.

Tourism, Events and Parks portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia said council was investigating reports of bike riding and horse riding in parks intended solely for bushwalking.

Cr Ramia said bushland parks were first and foremost nature reserves. He said all plants and animals were protected in these parks and it was illegal for people to alter the natural environment in any way.

“Council has dedicated specific recreation uses in some of the bushland parks and is asking all recreational users to follow guidelines which are marked on signs at park entrances,” he said.

“Council publishes a Toowoomba Escarpment Bushwalks brochure which summarises permitted activities in the listed parks. The brochure has illustrated maps detailing public facilities as well as distances and routes of walking tracks, bike tracks and horse trails. Copies are available at the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre at 86 James Street.”

Cr Ramia said mountain biking was permitted on dedicated trails in Redwood Park (Bridle Trail, Eagle's Nest Trail and Grass Tree Trail), Picnic Point Park (Picnic Point Bridle Trail), Jubilee Park (all tracks) and Glen Lomond Park (Bridle Trail and Spur Track). He said mountain bike riding was prohibited in all other bushland parks.

Cr Ramia said two-wheel thrillseekers could use purpose-built facilities in Jubilee Park.

“The Mackenzie Frenzy is a downhill mountain bike track for experienced riders. No walkers or equestrian activities are allowed on this track,” he said.

“The 3.8km Roller-Cat trail off Harvey Street is a purpose-built, cross-country mountain bike loop, open only to bike riders. Everyone using the parks must keep to existing paths and not ride or walk in undisturbed parkland.

“Other trails in Jubilee, Redwood, Picnic Point and Glen Lomond parks can be shared by pedestrians and mountain bikers.”

“It is important we preserve some parks and sections of bushland parks as dedicated wildlife and vegetation habitats.

“It is illegal to build tracks or jumps for any purpose in bushland parks. This can be dangerous and also disturb native animals.

“Anyone who cuts down trees for jumps or firewood or any use can be fined.”

People who notice illegal activities can contact council’s Parks and Recreation Services branch on 4688 6540.