The needs of both cyclists and pedestrians will be taken into account as a result of consultation into the development of a master plan for the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve, according to a local conservation association.
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Public comment on the draft master plan closes today.
More than 70 species of birdlife have been recorded in the urban wetland at the eastern end of Lake Burley Griffin. The master plan will provide a guide for capital works to enhance and restore the wetlands.
The draft plan includes proposals for a visitor's centre, picnic area, viewing tower, walking track network and improved bird watching facilities.
Canberra cycling group Pedal Power ACT said the draft plan was ''masterfully ignorant'' of cycling.
Pedal Power spokesman Matt Larkin said the master plan rightly put a lot of emphasis on the environmental aspect of the area.
''However, the master plan is masterfully ignorant of the important role for cycling in the wetlands area currently and in the future,'' he said.
''Currently the majority of the people who visit the wetlands area are either cycling to it or through it as part of the very popular Lake Burley Griffin bike ride. This is part of Canberra's attraction to interstate tourism and as a result, a lot more people appreciate the wetlands than would be the case otherwise. This is not even mentioned in the master plan.''
Capital Woodland and Wetlands Conservation Association executive manager Jonathan Miller said the consultation process was meant to draw out reaction and Pedal Power's views would be taken into account when drawing up the final plan. He had also committed to meet with their representatives for further discussions, saying he was not unsympathetic to their views.
Mr Miller said the wetlands had to deal with the ''classic tension'' of shared paths being used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
There were no plans to remove any paths but there was a desire to ensure they could be shared with pedestrians.
The draft plan says: ''The cycle path will be a shared route, designed to slow cyclists within the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve. Bike racks will be provided to encourage cyclists to enter the wetlands visitor area''.
There is also mention in the draft plan of putting in ''speed control devices'' to encourage cyclists to enter the visitors area. Mr Miller said there was also a desire to slow cyclists down in areas where pedestrians might want to enjoy more ''passive'' or ''quiet'' recreation. Those devices could include speed bumps but also Pedal Power's suggestions of white lines on the paths. There were also plans for lighting for cycle paths.
Mr Larkin said Pedal Power would not be in favour of speed humps because they would be dangerous for cyclists, especially at night.
■ To view the draft master plan and provide feedback visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au, any Canberra Connect Shopfront or public library or email communityengagement@act.gov.au.
