BUSHLAND at Whites Hill Reserve has been hacked down in the latest stoush between local bushcare groups and mountain bikers.

media_camera A make-shift ramp at Whites Hill Reserve. PICTURE: Supplied.

A Brisbane City Council officer discovered a network of tracks, including trees cut down and makeshift ramps, in the conservation zone of the reserve.

The incident has renewed calls from local bushcare groups he SCRUB Catchment Care Group and the Whites Hill Bushcare group for mountain bikers to stay out of the reserve.

Sankeys Scrub Bush Care Group, a part of the SCRUB, president John Evans said they had destroyed endangered tree species including Shirley’s Tuckeroo and a rare macadamia nut tree.

“I was a little bit devastated,” Mr Evans said.

media_camera A hacked down tree in Whites Hill Reserve. PICTURE: Supplied.

“This particular stand of trees is in the conservation zone of the reserve known as Sankeys Scrub, which is documented as one of the last remnant rainforest /vine scrubs in Brisbane.”

Mr Evans called on the council to exclude mountain biking from inner-Brisbane nature reserves such as Whites Hill and Mt Gravatt in its upcoming recreation plan.

A Brisbane City Council spokesman said it received its first complaint in March this year but was yet to identify any perpetrators.

The spokesman said star pickets, jumps and ramps discovered by council officers had been removed.

Chandler ward councillor Adrian Schrinner said he was concerned with the reports of illegal mountain biking activity at the Whites Hill Reserve and the damage that it caused.

“Our compliance officers are working with the Queensland Police Service to undertake increased patrols of Whites Hill Reserve to around six this month, so that it remains a safe and attractive space for the whole community,” Cr Schrinner said.

“It’s also about education so that people are aware that it is a serious offence with harsh penalties.

“Council supports the responsible use of mountain bikes in selected natural areas.”

South East Queensland Trails Alliance president Andrew Wilson said while he had not heard about the latest illegal bike trail at Whites Hill, the groups wanted to work with council to develop more sustainable bike paths throughout Brisbane.

Cairns' new downhill course A rider takes on Cairns' new downhill course for April's Mountain Bike World Cup.

“We absolutely don’t condone that behaviour,” he said.

“There’s just too much demand and not enough supply of adequate riding locations in the Brisbane City Council area.”

Residents can report damage to Brisbane City Council by calling 3403 8888.