Erskine residents angry with motorbikes ripping through conservation park

ERSKINE residents claim kids on motorbikes are ripping through Len Howard Conservation Park.

Geoff Hart-Davies said everyone was “sick to death” of kids on bikes decimating the bush.

He said it was mainly two motorbikes and it had started over the Christmas period.

Residents had even resorted to spraying the kids with hoses.

Paul Jackson said it was a public safety issue, because the motorbikes roared through the bush and there were blind corners.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen,” he said.

Mr Jackson was also concerned about the impact to wildlife.

“They don’t stick to the paths,” he said.

“This area is critical for bird breeding and habitat.

“The bikes stir the birds and interfere with nesting and feeding.”

Mr Jackson said a mob of kangaroos inhabited the remnant vegetation.

He said kangaroos could die from stress myopathy. Mothers, if panicked, could drop and abandon their joeys.

Mr Jackson said it was heartbreaking to see the destruction to vegetation.

“They’ve been through the samphire and it’s all churned up,” he said.

“They lack awareness and are ignorant to how sensitive these areas are.

“The park is a critical link in the Peel Yalgorup Ramsar chain.”

City of Mandurah chief Mark Newman said Len Howard Conservation Reserve was a popular location, with walk trails and a playground.

“The City is aware of reports of trail bikes and other behaviour at the reserve and our rangers conduct random patrols of the area,” he said.

“Residents and visitors are encouraged to respect the conservation reserve and report any incidents to Rangers or Police.”