Council to explore options for BMX riders as part of municipal-wide review of facilities

BMX riding is a much loved and popular past time for people across a range of ages in Maroondah, so much so that Council is conducting a review of bike jumps across the city to ensure they are suited to the needs of users and the wider community, while protecting our native flora and fauna.

Council is undertaking a research-based review of BMX facilities in Maroondah. The review will help to understand the needs of BMX, mountain bike and pump track users, to allow Council to create facilities that better meet the needs of the community.

Council has a number of maintained BMX jumps in the municipality. However, unauthorised mountain bike jumps had been identified across the municipality, including within BJ Hubbard Reserve.

Maroondah Mayor, Cr Mike Symon, said while Council would be removing the unauthorised bike jumps this month, Council was committed to work with the community to determine the broader need for additional BMX, mountain bike and pump tracks throughout the municipality.

“Council recognises the importance of these types of facilities to allow our community to be active and healthy. However, unauthorised jumps have been constructed without Council involvement and monitoring. This means the integrity and safety of the jumps cannot be verified and the jumps pose a risk to users and the community,” Cr Symon said.

An initial review of Council’s authorised circuits has been commissioned and is expected to soon be completed. This review will assist Council to determine the needs of the community around BMX, mountain bike and pump circuits and to modify the current authorised circuits to better meet community needs.

“As part of this review, we are inviting all BMX, mountain bike and pump track users and residents to share their thoughts on current facilities so that we can plan for the future that carefully balances the needs of users with the interests of the community, whilst protecting our native flora and fauna,” Cr Symon added.

BJ Hubbard is home to a number of rare and significant plants, including the Cinnamon Wattle, Silver Banksia, Cranberry heath, Clustered Everlasting, Grey Guinea-flower and Rock Correa.

“It is equally important that we protect our native flora for not only animals who inhabit the area, but also for future generations to appreciate and enjoy,” Cr Symon said.

Consultation is open until 5pm, Friday 29 June 2020.

For further information about the closure or review, please contact Council’s Asset Management team on 1300 88 22 33 or email [email protected]