Council has proposed a plan for a possible BMX/Mountain Bike track within Georges River. The feasibility study to examine the suitability of the track was unanimously supported at this month's Council meeting, with hopes of providing a safe and suitable space for bike riders in the community.
Council's Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy identifies mountain biking as an emerging sport with rising popularity. To meet the needs of the community, Council 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 and has seen the increasing demand within the community for a dedicated track.
"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 Councillor 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, 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.
There is additionally, a great risk to the safety of the public if Council is unaware of the track and cannot promptly remove it.
Council currently receives a high number of requests for dedicated BMX or mountain bike facilities from residents, and the emergence of mountain biking as a sport has meant there is a strong recreational and community need.
"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."
