An illegal mountain bike track on Mount Keira in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area will be closed and rehabilitated from next week.
Graham Bush from National Parks and Wildlife Service said the 250-metre unauthorised trail is damaging an area that has significant cultural and environment values.
"The type of forest where the track is provides habitat for a diverse range of native plants and animals including the powerful owl and eastern pygmy possum," Mr Bush said.
"Illegal tracks not only impact the conservation area but also pose safety issues for bike riders and others using the park.
"We will be working with the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council on the rehabilitation project due to the cultural significance of the Illawarra Escarpment and in particular Mount Keira.
"There are safe, sustainable and authorised tracks rights across the Illawarra region and National Parks and Wildlife Service continues to work with Wollongong City Council and the community to develop a 50-kilometre network of sustainable single use trails.
"The network of formal trails between Mount Brisbane and Mount Kembla will offer riders a safer, purpose-built experience that is sensitive to the ecological significance of the Escarpment," Mr Bush said.
An environmental assessment is currently being prepared to assess potential cultural, environmental, geotechnical and social impacts of the proposed Mountain Biking Network.
