Nillumbik Shire Council would like to clarify incorrect recent claims that it had actively sought the recent demolition of unauthorised BMX jumps on VicTrack land in Diamond Creek.
In March this year Council, acting on a resident's complaint and concern, alerted VicTrack to some issues of safety and anti-social behaviour around unauthorised BMX bike jumps in the area on land owned by Victrack.
Council would like to state unequivocally that at no point in the exchanges which ensued on this matter did Council request the removal of these structures or engage in any plans for their removal.
Council officers were first made aware of VicTrack plans to demolish the structures on 15 November – two days before the demolition work was carried out – and then, without indication of the timelines within which demolition would occur.
Separate to these exchanges, Council is aware of various safety issues (including using a railway bridge to access another parcel of VicTrack land currently leased by Council) and vegetation damage on the western side of the rail line. It is therefore working with the various responsible agencies – VicTrack, Melbourne Water and Metro Trains – to find solutions to mitigate these risks.
Council is currently working on a new Recreation and Leisure Strategy, which will include a focus on unstructured recreational activities - including BMX. This will involve ongoing consultation with BMX enthusiasts.
We will continue working with local BMX riders to identify ways we can best cater to their needs, while ensuring their safety and that of the broader community as well as the protection of our natural environment.
Reaching a mutually satisfactory outcome is a collective priority for our Councillors and Council is committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve this outcome.
View our previous statement (issued 18 November 2021).
