Rockhampton Regional Council has today released a statement setting out the facts around the situation regarding Four Wheel Driving at the Mount Morgan No 7 Dam.
Acting Mayor Neil Fisher said it was important that a number of mistruths being perpetuated by some in the community were addressed.
"At the outset, let me say that Council is well aware of the disappointment and concern from our four wheel drive community that signs have been put up saying no vehicles allowed," Cr Fisher said.
"The fact of the matter is that recreational vehicles have never been allowed up there. The land is State Land classed as "Recreation" and Council is the trustee. Using a motor vehicle there is illegal unless approved by the Department of Resources under Section 52 of the Land Act. Council's Local Laws also prohibit it.
"With the growing number of pedestrians and cyclists using the area, we have had to put up those signs because safety is our top priority and more people on the tracks means a higher risk if four wheel drives are going at the same time.
"As Council has said previously, we have heard the disappointment from the four wheel drive community. We understand that recreational driving is popular, and that's why as part of the Advance Mount Morgan Strategy we have a feasibility study planned for early next year to see which areas around Mount Morgan might be better suited to this.
"We know it's something that a lot of people in Mount Morgan love and something people travel to Mount Morgan for. We want to work with the community to develop alternative areas for people to enjoy four wheel drive and dirt bike activities safely and legally," Cr Fisher said.
Sporting and Recreation Councillor Cherie Rutherford said Council has committed to sitting down with the Four Wheel Drive Community early in the New Year to work through the issues.
"I've had discussions with a lot of people in Mount Morgan who are passionate about this issue which is why I gave a commitment to them that Council would talk to the community early next year and find a solution," Cr Rutherford said.
