Construction will commence at the Marius Street BMX track in the new financial year, with remediation of the asbestos at the site proving to be a complex issue. To protect our community and local environment, Tamworth Regional Council is working with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to meet requirements for rigorous environmental approvals before remediation works and the upgrade of the track can begin.
Although the environmental approvals process has been lengthier than originally anticipated, significant progress is being made with the design and planning of the works. Construction will begin in the second half of 2021 once all approvals have been obtained.
Paul Kelly, Manager Sports & Recreation said "We understand our BMX community is keen to get back out on the track, but it is essential that the environmental management of this project is carried out correctly to ensure the health and wellbeing of our local residents."
The Marius Street track has not been in use since non-friable asbestos was found on site in March 2020. The work undertaken will not only remove all contaminated materials and restore the track for safe public use, but it will also upgrade the existing track to create a facility suitable for hosting state and national level events.
Dan Morris, Tamworth City BMX Club President said "Although the start of construction has been delayed longer than first expected, planning towards the upgraded and remediated facility has been extremely constructive and encouraging. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding throughout this process and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the sport of BMX racing once the works have been completed."
Upgrading the BMX track has been funded by the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tamworth region will benefit from $6 million in total to be spent improving local infrastructure under this funding program. In the first phase of funding, our region was allocated $2.65 million, with a further $3.41 million received under the program's second phase.
