The poorly maintained track, in the reserve in Lowe Square, was under threat of being removed in favour of the land being used as overflow carparking.
The Lowe Square Section 355 committee had been advocating for the removal of the existing BMX dirt track, seeing it as an underutilised asset in a space that could be better utilised as overflow car parking.
But after 170 people responded to the council’s public consultation, councillors voted not to support the track’s removal, to undertake remedial works on the existing track, and to seek funding to build a new pump track.
Many of those who responded argued that the track was only considered 'outdated' or 'unfit' because it was neglected by the council.
Bindis, catheads and thorns causing flat tyres were repeatedly mentioned as the main reason children and families had stopped using the track.
Concerns were also raised about potholes, unevenness, and general disrepair, creating a safety hazard and an 'eyesore'.
More than 80 per cent supported a new pump track with many stipulating that the existing track should not be removed until the new one was built out of fear that once the track was removed, the project would be indefinitely shelved.
Cr Derek Schoen noted that it would be premature to remove the track because council had failed in the upkeep.
“I don’t think the logic of that would stand any pub test,” he said.
“There’s no guarantee of a grant, so it’s important to maintain it.”
Council will allocate $15,000 for remedial works and absorb maintenance into normal council operations.
What is a Pump Track?
• A pump track is a continuous loop circuit with rollers (small hills), berms (banked turns), and jumps, designed to be ridden by generating momentum through up-and-down body movements, or pumping, rather than pedalling.
• Pump tracks are suitable for BMX, mountain bikes, scooters, and skateboards.
• BMX and skateboarding are now Olympic sports.
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