The wheels are in motion on construction of a new BMX track and pavilion in the City of Casey in Victoria.
The first sod was turned on the $2.87 million project on 6 May.
City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said Council is hoping to create a cycling hub for the large number of BMX riders in the area and to attract state and national competitions.
“This project involves the construction of a new BMX racing track, shared-use cycling pavilion and additional car parking to add to the existing criterium cycling track at Casey Fields, creating a BMX and cycling hub for the region,” said the Mayor.
“The new track will be the first BMX racing facility in the City of Casey, providing infrastructure that will enable state and national competitions.
“The facility will be home to the first BMX club in Casey which will be formed later in the year. The new club will have use of the new pavilion along with the current cycling and human powered vehicle groups that use the existing criterium track.
“The development of a BMX racing track was one of the key short-term projects identified in the City of Casey Sports Cycling Strategy (2014) and Council is proud that we are on track to deliver this exciting and much-needed facility for the community.
“Figures show that Casey is home to a large number of registered BMX riders and that is only going to continue to grow, so there is both an immediate and future demand for a BMX racing facility within the municipality.
“Council is committed to delivering quality facilities to support recreation and sport opportunities for the local community and this project is a great example of that.”
Mayor Aziz thanked the State Government for their funding of $1.125 million from the Interface Growth Fund towards the pavilion and associated infrastructure, as well as Sport and Recreation Victoria for their contribution of $250,000 towards the BMX racing track.
BMX Victoria President Cameron Murray said, “BMX Victoria is excited about the Casey Cycling Precinct project which is bound to be a fantastic asset for the development of BMX in Victoria and the local community.
“We look forward to the completed facility holding large BMX events each year and we welcome the opportunity to give local residents the chance to be physically active in our unique sport in their own community.”
Cycling Victoria CEO Kipp Kaufmann added, “The Casey Cycling Precinct will provide a fantastic opportunity for cyclists with a variety of backgrounds and abilities to participate in the sport.”
The project is expected to be completed and ready for use in March 2017.
