KOM race changes to protect mountain

PARTICIPANT numbers in this year’s King of the Mountain (KOM) race have been reduced to address concerns about safety and to help protect environmental values.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) works with the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club and KOM organising committee to sustainably manage the KOM event which is held annually on Mount Cooroora in Tuchekoi National Park.

The number of participants in this year’s Bendigo Bank Mountain Challenge has been reduced to 80.

A DES spokesperson said the reduction in participant numbers in this year's event was proposed by the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club to address DES's concerns about participant safety and to protect the national park's environmental values.

“Reduced numbers will improve safety in high-risk areas, particularly on the mountain itself, and will protect the high environmental values of montane heath areas and species such as the Mount Cooroora sheoak which is endemic to Mount Cooroora.

“An unstable section of mountain track that has been closed to the general public for several years, but used for the KOM event, has now been realigned. The new section of track is on a more sustainable alignment with improved flow and reduced congestion.”

KOM race coordinator Dan King said the committee continues to work closely with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS) to ensure the Bendigo Bank Mountain Challenge is run in a sustainable way.

“Mount Cooroora is an incredible mountain, and for over four decades it has been the foundation of creating a rich history of experiences for all who enter the race every fourth

Sunday of July.

“Now more than ever, it is important for us to give Mount Cooroora the love and care that is required for it to continue to give to those who scale it.”

The determination of a native title claim covering eight local government areas, including the Noosa shire, by the Kabi Kabi First Nations people, is scheduled for later this year.

“The Department of Environment and Science (DES) works closely with the Kabi Kabi First Nations people to minimise impacts on significant natural and cultural values on protected areas within Kabi Kabi country across the Sunshine Coast region.

“DES considers the needs and expectations of all stakeholders in managing the Tuchekoi National Park, working in partnership with the Kabi Kabi First Nations people,” the DES spokesperson said.