Georges River Council has proposed plans for a BMX and mountain bike track within the NSW municipality.
A feasibility study to examine the suitability of a track was unanimously supported at this month’s Council meeting, with the aim of providing a safe and suitable space for bike riders in the community.
Council’s Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy identified mountain biking as an emerging sport with rising popularity. To meet the needs of the community, Council says it is looking to provide a location for a dedicated mountain/BMX track that is specifically designed for the ultimate bike riding experience.
Georges River Councillor, Sandy Grekas proposed the idea at the latest Council meeting.
“Building a dedicated BMX track will give kids a place to go and will protect bushland like Oatley Park from damage, from illegal tracks,” said Cr Grekas.
“This is a rare win-win, where both sides of the issue can agree that a dedicated facility is desperately needed.”
With an increase in illegal bike jumps in the area, the works often cause disturbance to native vegetation, impacting on fauna habitat, creating weed intrusion, and causing soil erosion and stormwater pollution running into creeks during wet weather, Cr Grekas said.
There is additionally, a great risk to the safety of the public if Council is unaware of the track and cannot promptly remove it, she said.
Council says it receives a high number of requests for dedicated BMX or mountain bike facilities from residents.
“BMX racing is now an Olympic Sport, with Aussies representing us all the way in Tokyo including Logan Martin who won gold over the weekend in the men’s BMX freestyle competition,” said Georges River Council Mayor, Kevin Greene.
“It is a great opportunity for Georges River to provide a track for our bike riders to practice and hone their skills of future Olympians for years to come.”
