Paper Petition

The Petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House the threatened loss of horse riding enthusiasts' rights to ride horses in South East Queensland State Forests. The community is concerned that the loss of reasonable access by horse riders to the Forests may result in: 1. Horse riders being forced to ride on gazetted roads, which will create safety risks to both riders and motorists. 2. The adverse effects of the loss of revenue currently generated by this growing and valuable industry. 3. The possible breakdown of the partnership between the State Government and horse riding enthusiast in their role as guardians of our forests. Horse riders using forestry areas are voluntary, consistent monitors of forest tracks and fire breaks. We strongly believe that the community is best served by achieving a balance between conservation, recreational use and community safety.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to make provision in the proposed new tenure for Forest Reserves to have the already existing tire trails and tracks set aside as Conservation Park Corridors.