ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & MINIMAL IMPACT POLICY
Issued by MTB Detour Pty Ltd (ACN 693 200 289)
Version 1.0 — Effective 1 January 2026
1. Purpose
1.1 This Environmental Sustainability & Minimal Impact Policy (“Policy”) establishes the environmental standards, sustainability commitments, and minimal-impact expectations for all Participants, staff, Guides, contractors, and volunteers engaging in tours, coaching sessions, races, events, and related mountain biking activities (“Activities”) delivered by MTB Detour Pty Ltd (“the Operator”).
1.2 This Policy reflects the Operator’s commitment to conservation, responsible recreation, and stewardship of the natural landscapes we ride through.
1.3 This Policy supports compliance with:
(a) Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld);
(b) Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld);
(c) Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld);
(d) Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld);
(e) land manager regulations;
(f) local government trail-use policies.
2. Scope
2.1 This Policy applies to:
(a) all Participants;
(b) all Guardians of participating Minors;
(c) all staff, Guides, and volunteers;
(d) all Activities conducted in natural, urban, or cultural environments.
3. Principles of Environmental Stewardship
3.1 The Operator adopts the guiding principle:
“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but tyre tracks.”
3.2 The Operator is committed to:
(a) reducing environmental impact;
(b) preserving ecosystems and biodiversity;
(c) avoiding pollution or waste;
(d) respecting natural and cultural heritage;
(e) supporting local conservation initiatives.
4. Participant Environmental Responsibilities
4.1 Participants must:
(a) stay on designated or approved trails;
(b) avoid riding off-track or shortcutting switchbacks;
(c) minimise skidding and trail damage;
(d) carry out all rubbish, including food scraps;
(e) avoid disturbing wildlife;
(f) protect flora, watercourses, and delicate ecosystems;
(g) comply with Guide instructions regarding environmental protection.
4.2 Participants must not:
(a) litter or leave equipment behind;
(b) create unauthorised trail alterations or jumps;
(c) damage cultural or historical sites;
(d) disturb vegetation unnecessarily;
(e) wash bikes in streams or natural water sources.
5. Minimal Impact Riding Practice
5.1 Participants must practice minimal-impact riding, including:
(a) controlling speed to prevent soil displacement;
(b) yielding appropriately to other trail users;
(c) avoiding riding when sick or fatigued to reduce risk-taking;
(d) using smooth braking to avoid erosion;
(e) respecting trail closures, signage, and seasonal restrictions.
6. Biosecurity Responsibilities
6.1 Participants must take steps to prevent the spread of pests and pathogens including:
(a) cleaning tyres, frames, and shoes before and after the Activity;
(b) avoiding cross-contamination between different trail systems;
(c) following land manager biosecurity preferences (e.g., washdown stations).
6.2 Equipment contaminated with seeds, soil, or organic material must be cleaned prior to transport.
7. Waterway & Aquatic Protection
7.1 Participants must:
(a) avoid riding through streams or wetlands unless on designated trail crossings;
(b) not pollute water sources with chemicals, sunscreen residues, or debris;
(c) maintain distance from sensitive aquatic habitats.
8. Cultural and Heritage Site Protection
8.1 Participants must:
(a) respect areas of cultural or spiritual significance;
(b) follow instructions from Traditional Owners or land managers;
(c) not remove artefacts, stones, or natural materials;
(d) not photograph sensitive sites where prohibited.
8.2 Guides may modify or restrict access to protect cultural heritage.
9. Waste Management & Pack-In/Pack-Out Obligations
9.1 Participants must carry out:
(a) all general rubbish;
(b) food packaging;
(c) used tissues;
(d) broken equipment or components.
9.2 Human waste must be managed according to land manager requirements.
10. Weather, Soil & Trail Sensitivity Considerations
10.1 The Operator may adjust Activities based on:
(a) saturated trails;
(b) erosion risk;
(c) unusual heat or dryness;
(d) fire danger periods;
(e) wildlife migration or breeding seasons.
10.2 Participants must not ride in conditions likely to cause environmental harm.
11. Operator Sustainability Commitments
11.1 The Operator is committed to:
(a) reducing carbon emissions;
(b) sourcing environmentally responsible equipment and supplies;
(c) minimising vehicle use where practical;
(d) implementing recycling and repurposing systems;
(e) supporting local trail-care groups and conservation efforts;
(f) educating Participants about sustainability.
11.2 Where feasible, electric or hybrid vehicles may be utilised for support operations.
12. Prohibited Behaviour & Consequences
12.1 Environmental misconduct includes:
(a) wilful destruction of vegetation;
(b) leaving litter or debris;
(c) disturbing wildlife;
(d) damaging cultural sites;
(e) ignoring trail closures.
12.2 Consequences include:
(a) removal from the Activity;
(b) liability for repair or remediation costs;
(c) exclusion from future bookings;
(d) referral to land management authorities.
13. Jurisdiction
13.1 This Policy is governed by the laws of Queensland.
13.2 Local environmental laws apply in other jurisdictions.
14. Acceptance Statement
“By participating in activities delivered by MTB Detour Pty Ltd (ACN 693 200 289), I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to the Environmental Sustainability & Minimal Impact Policy, and will conduct myself in a manner that protects and respects the natural environment.”