Media Response - BMX jumps

16 December 2020 2:02pm

The following statement is in response to questions from The Courier regarding the location of a BMX track in Alfredton.

"The project to build a new BMX/pump track in an appropriate Alfredton location is the result of Council listening to a group of young people who, during the COVID19 lockdown, sought to create some home-made jumps at the Alfredton Recreation Reserve. 

The City of Ballarat is excited to be planning a brand-new purpose-built BMX track with facilities including sufficient amenities such as shelter, enhanced safety and security with surveillance and emergency vehicle access, and at a location that it is within proximity to youth interest areas (shops, schools, and other recreation). 

Unfortunately, the jumps constructed at the Alfredton Recreation Reserve were not built to specifications and were positioned in a location not appropriate for a multi-purpose shared use facility - on walking tracks behind water tanks, in a water retention drain. The jumps were cleared due to serious safety concerns from residents and Council’s Risk team. 

Council met with local stakeholders to confirm the track needed to be removed with an assurance that we would work with the local community to locate, design, and build a new track in a more appropriate Alfredton Location in 2020/21."