Isaacs residents are appalled with the ACT government and say poor consultation meant the community was "railroaded" into large scale changes to the character of Isaacs Ridge.
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Bernard Borg-Caruana, one of a 30-strong group of residents unified in opposition to the ACT Park and Conservation Service project which began construction in February, said the government's community consultation process held in August 2015 may as well have been so "in name only".
He said the scale of the proposal was not outlined to the community and there was a strong feeling residents' concerns for safety and the proximity of trails to adjoining properties had been cast aside by a government preoccupied with boosting mountain biking culture in the ACT.
"Residents were not directly approached and do not believe the claim that there was a 'letter box drop'," he said.
"The consultation primarily served to marshal mountain biker participation in a survey which was used to railroad the process."
He said there was "certainly no mention of an additional 120 space car park in Shepherdson Place, or mention of regular organised events with 50-150 participants".
Residents were surprised there was nothing in the consultation report about the impact on adjoining properties and that serious concerns about increasing the volume of traffic by creating the large car park on a narrow, winding street with concealed driveways and no footpaths hadn't resulted in any modification of the plan.
"TAMS are well aware of the disturbance of Holder and Duffy residents by mountain bike events at Stromlo Forest with loud-speakers and lights going day and night in their 24-hour events," he said.
"The distance from Stromlo to Holder is far greater than the distance of these proposed events to our residences."
With at least 11 significant parcels of land already set aside for mountain biking across the capital, Mr Borg-Caruana said dedicating more land and money to the activity at Isaacs Ridge was excessive and served to hamper broad use of the leisure space.
The Isaacs residents opposing the project have sought documents through a freedom of information request to ascertain the government's business case for the trail upgrade project and process of selecting consultants.
A TAMS spokesman said the consultation process on the $185,000 project was rigorous and received 307 submissions, 80 per cent of which were supportive of the plans.
"The ACT government is committed to consulting the community on changes that affect them," the spokesman said.
"The entire suburb of Isaacs was letterbox dropped in August 2015 to advise residents of consultation opportunities. The provider has confirmed this was completed including all townhouses."
The TAMS spokesperson said consultation with residents on Shepherdson Place about the proposed car parking was ongoing and working to clarify concerns and "ensure residents are comfortable with the proposal and to adjust if required".
A community meeting to discuss the concerns about the planned car park has been set for Monday April 18 at Isaacs Ridge at 5.45pm.
