Teen heads to District Council of Grant with big ideas for a revamped Port MacDonnell bike track

A 14-year-old teen has come forward with a solution to provide a space for adolescent kids living in a regional town and prevent teens from “just sitting at home”.

A South-East teen headed to his first council meeting on Monday in the hopes of creating a dedicated space for kids aged 13-15.

Jett Lewis, 14, told the Messenger a revitalised dirt mountain bike jump track in Port MacDonnell would help prevent teens “just sitting at home”.

Lewis said there were plenty of areas for younger kids, such as the skate park and playground, but little options for older teens.

Finding a space for teens aged 12-15 was a challenge, especially for regional communities that do not have access to public transport, Lewis said.

At the District Council of Grant meeting on Monday, Lewis outlined his plan for a six-jump looped bike circuit.

Jett Lewis, 14, is hoping the District Council of Grant will help him create a dirt mountain bike jump track in PortMacDonnell to help provide a space geared towards 13-16-year-old teens. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Just off Elizabeth St, the existing track is fenced off and located opposite the Port MacDonnell Pistol Club.

The revitalised track would have three smaller jumps before a berm (banked turn) leads through to the next three larger jumps.

Lewis told the chamber the “the foundation of the old jumps” was still there, but the site had become “overgrown”.

The council heard more dirt would potentially need to be brought in to help form some of the jumps after the vegetation was cleared.

The planned upgrade called for an improved access gate, sheltered cover and the installation of a compacted dirt culvert as a potential drainage solution.

Lewis estimated there were well over 40 teens in the area who could potentially use the upgraded track.

Brevet Sergeant John Carol, who is based in Port MacDonnell, supported Jett as he made his deputation.

Sgt Carol said creating a space for teens would provide them with something positive to do.

“This track will attract kids that aren't quite driving yet. So they don’t have that freedom to get out and about,” he said.

“It also gives me another opportunity to come into contact with kids — outside of you know, telling them off.”

District Council of Grant Chief Executive Daryl Whicker was impressed by “sophisticated” and solution forward deputation.

“I think exercise maturity beyond his years and put together a powerful presentation — and a call to action,” Mr Whicker said.

“Jett looked at the design on what needed to occur, to bring his vision into reality.”

Mr Whicker said Jett’s deputation was exactly what council was looking for, to help create more spaces for teens.

“It’s quite difficult demographic to get right,” he said.

Mayor Kylie Boston said Jett’s proposal had real potential and could attract more visitors to the region considering the high volume of tourist who visit during summer.

“When you’re in caravans you can chuck kids bikes in,” she said.

“It was beautiful timing for him coming in because we're about to deliberate on the budget over the next few months,” she said.

Councillor Rodney Virgo’s motion to discuss the proposal further with Jett Lewis on what is required by council and estimate costing for future budgets unanimously passed.