Pump Track officially opens to an excited crowd

The Defiance Mill Park Pump Track was officially opened on Saturday, 19 February 2022 to an excited crowd of locals ready and waiting to hit the track.

Councillor Kate Hastie, whose portfolio includes sports and recreation, said the morning was a huge success.

“From conception to the official unveiling, the project has been highly anticipated by the community as another space to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, and the turnout at the official opening is proof of that.

“It was great to see so many there to celebrate the opening of the Pump Track and see how excited everyone was to see this project come to fruition,” she said.

To help celebrate the completion of the Pump Track, Council offered prizes to those that entered in a Pump Track Colouring In Competition, as well as a Lucky Door prize, with winners announced by Cr Hastie as part of the morning’s celebrations. 

Major prize winners in each category of the Colouring In Competition were presented with a new bike and vouchers were provided as a random draw prize.  Winners of the Competition were:

6 years and under: Major prize – Lily Melvin; Random prize draw – Sophie Bailey; 7 -9 years: Major prize – Tahleigh Novelli; Random prize draw – William Knight; 10 - 12 years:  Major prize – Vivienne Knight; Random prize draw – Cooper Jeffries.

The Lucky Door prize of a new scooter, which was open to all those in attendance, was won by Jan Williams.

Mayor Beveridge said it was a great morning to be outdoors celebrating the opening of what is sure to become a favourite space for families.

“To see all the kids on the track with their bikes and scooters, some wearing the biggest of grins on their faces, is a true sign that the addition of this this new facility was something that the community was waiting for,” he said.

The pump track is a major component of the Mosman Creek Corridor Master Plan and was identified as one of Council’s 10 priority projects to be completed by 2024 and Council is excited that this project has now been completed and pleased with how it has already increased the aesthetics and usability of the area.

The project was made possible through $965,000 funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.  This Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional information on the Defiance Mill Pump Track can be found at www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/defiance-mill-park-pump-track