Thank you Chair.
I rise to speak briefly in support of Item D, requesting Council rename Gap Creek Circuit at Gap Creek Reserve in my Ward, to ‘Gillian’s Circuit’.
As Cr. Davis indicated, this is a respectful and heartfelt opportunity to honour Gillian Duncan.
A name change as proposed would pay tribute to Gillian’s legacy particularly at Gap Creek where she successfully lobbied for sanctioned mountain bike trails – then a first in Queensland.
Gillian has worked tirelessly both physically and mentally for over 20 years as a volunteer to initiate the trailcare programme with Council and has contributed hundreds of hours to maintain and improve the trail network.
She once commissioned a scientific study on this trail to highlight the benefits of good trail design to reduce the effects of usage and weathering on soil erosion displacement.
She is known as the “Godmother of Mountain Biking” through her work as the Mountain Biking Australia President for many years, coordinating events and advocating for mountain biking opportunities across the State and neighbouring local authorities.
Chair, I noted in my office records Gillian’s ongoing advocacy to convince the powers that be, that mountain biking could co-exist with other recreational activities in areas such as Mount Coot-tha.
Having helped establish the trail network, Gillian led by example in their maintenance and upkeep and ensuring they met exacting international standards for trails.
I first met Gillian, appropriately one very hot summer morning last year when I walked Whipbird Way on Mount Coot-tha, on a day when BORRA volunteers were undertaking maintenance of the track following recent heavy rain.
There was Gillian, tools in hand giving advice to the other volunteers, and me, about how it should be done.
With her legendary fighting spirit, Gillian continues to inspire the mountain biking community by showing up at trailcare sessions and sharing her advice on trail design and advocacy.
Through her efforts, Council now has a significant mountain bike trail
network that is an asset and will be enjoyed by the community into the future, and it is my pleasure to support this recommendation.