Ongoing access to National Park riding trails has been reinforced by Rob Stokes, Liberal Candidate for Pittwater. “This area has the largest riding school in NSW, boasting more than 100 active members, and they have expressed concerns about fluctuating relations  with National Parks hierarchy" Mr Stokes said.

“Landholders and riders have enjoyed good relations in the past with local National Parks and Wildlife Service figures when it comes to access and maintenance of trails in the Kuring- gai Chase National Park, but that has been strained by rulings further up the line,” he said.  “They also say a Memorandum of Understanding signed in the 1990’s has not been strictly adhered to by National Parks.  

Local residents have also expressed concerns about the potential sell-off to developers of important parcels of virgin bushland controlled by the Metropolitan Land Council. Local  landholders say they fear that any future development may not be in the best interests of the area now that Warringah Council is controlled by an administrator. “If elected as the Member for Pittwater, I would push for a consultative committee comprising local Members of Parliament, National Parks officials, the Warringah Administrator and the Metropolitan Land Council to properly handle the area.”

Locals suggest there should be a buffer zone between Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and private landholdings to ensure adequate fire protection. “They also say a Memorandum of Understanding signed  in the 1990’s has not been strictly adhered to by National Parks. Local residents have also expressed concerns about the potential sell-off to developers of important parcels of  virgin bushland controlled by the Metropolitan Land Council.

Local landholders say they fear that any future development may not be in the best interests of the area now that Warringah Council is controlled by an administrator. “If elected as the Member for Pittwater, I would push for a consultative committee comprising local Members of Parliament, National Parks officials, the Warringah Administrator and the Metropolitan Land Council to properly handle the area.”

Locals suggest there should be a buffer zone  between Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and private landholdings to ensure adequate fire protection.