Public consultation on the draft Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy closed in December. The next step is for the NPWS to review these public comments and write a response.

But six months later the NPWS isn't saying where this process is up to, or how long it might take.

The Mercury asked whether the report would be completed within months, or even into next year, but couldn't get an answer.

A spokeswoman would only say: "NPWS is currently reviewing the submissions and plans to produce a submissions report."

"The draft is not yet finalised and further consultation is planned with the Aboriginal community and stakeholders," she said.

Wollongong City Council, asked similar questions, directed the Mercury to NPWS.

A spokesman said consultation was expected back "later in 2019".

The plan outlines a network of 82km of trails on Mount Keira, Mount Kembla and Balgownie, formalising a network of existing trails which have been made by riders over the years.

The Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council (ILALC) has opposed to the strategy, with executive officer Paul Knight saying riding on Mt Keira "would be similar to allowing bike riding on Uluru".

A collection of 15 groups including the ILALC joined forces last week, saying they had been left out of the decision-making process over the mountain bike park plans.

But a council spokesman said there had been thorough consultation - with additional time for the Aboriginal community before and after the general comment period.

"Following representation from the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council, this consultation period was extended to 21 December 2018," he said.

He said council and NPWS also consulted with the local Aboriginal community before the public process, on how to best engage with the community.