“This is going to be real bonus for the children – they can get out into open space, into the fresh air and enjoy physical activities on this pump track,” Wahgunyah Progress Association secretary Alan Pleitner told The Free Press.
“A lot of kids are looking forward to it. School children were asked what they’d like and so many said a pump track. It will be the only one in this region on this side of the highway. We envisage there’ll be a lot of kids from other areas coming to this pump station.”
Built some two years ago, the shaded playground structure is located behind the pump station. Approved about a decade ago, the master plan for this large area of railway land bordered by Victoria Street and Sarah Street is taking further shape.
A pump track is a purpose-built cycling track that features a circuit of rollers and banked turns. Riders generate momentum by using their body movements (pumping) rather than pedalling or pushing.
These dirt tracks were originally designed for mountain bike and BMX riders, but now they’re also used for skateboarding and accessible to wheelchairs. Pump tracks can be made of dirt, concrete, asphalt, fibreglass or composite materials.
An official opening of Wahgunyah’s pump track is expected in July. More good news for Wahgunyah is the 2024-25 budget funding of $25,000 for an approximate 50m footpath on the south side of Blanch Street between Foord Street and Fredericks Street.
A petition containing 156 signatures for the footpath was presented to Indigo Shire Council and a motion, for council to investigate the matter, was put to council’s February 2024 meeting, by Cr Bernard Gaffney.
“It will complement and complete the footpath network from Morley Drive to Foord Street,” Mr Pleitner said.
“The intersection of Blanch and Foord Streets is the most dangerous in town due to vehicles turning into and out of Blanch Street.
“We thank Cr Bernie Gaffney for his support in this matter and Indigo Shire Council for providing funds in the budget.”
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