My question is directed to the Minister for Lands and Property. In May this year the popular Red Hill dirt jumps were flattened, with no warning or consultation, following anonymous complaints, which devastated the huge local mountain biking community, which is huge. Will the Minister commit to facilitating the restoration and formalisation of the jumps at Red Hill by working with me and the Northern Beaches Council?

Mr STEPHEN KAMPER (Rockdale—Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Multiculturalism, Minister for Sport, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism): I thank the member for Wakehurst for his question and for raising the concerns of the mountain biking community on the northern beaches about the former Red Hill dirt jump circuit. I acknowledge that the member for Wakehurst is an absolutely fantastic representative for his community. I note the important work of the member, who harasses my office on many occasions to get outcomes for his community.

The site in question at Red Hill is a Crown land reserve. Let me begin by saying that we recognise the growing popularity of mountain biking and the need for designated areas where it can be done appropriately and with proper planning and safety considerations in mind. I note that the reserve has been reopened to the community, which is an exciting first step. As the member for Wakehurst will know, the State has a duty to ensure that Crown reserves are managed safely, legally and in an environmentally responsible way. I agree with the member that it was unfortunate that the site had to be closed. I confirm to him that we want to see safe, legal, sustainable off-road biking opportunities that the community can enjoy with confidence.

We are keen to progress options for local management of the reserve. I thank the member for Wakehurst for his staunch advocacy for his community, and I will continue to work closely with him to achieve a great outcome for the northern beaches. My priority remains getting greater utilisation of Crown land and supporting recreation where it can be responsibly managed. I encourage the biking community to engage with Northern Beaches Council to work together on future options and bring forward new sustainable ideas that we can all support.