Sam Willoughby BMX track cracks up after AusCycling BMX National Series

Taxpayers will not foot the bill to repair the $6m Sam Willoughby BMX track, the government says, as the call to open it early is slammed as a stuff up. Picture: 7News

Todd Lewis

@Toddlewis23

2 min read

February 3, 2022 - 9:08PM

SA News

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A brand new BMX track opened in the honour of an Olympic champion has been seriously weather-damaged just two weeks after it was officially opened.

The $6m Sam Willoughby BMX track, at O’Halloran Hill, now has widespread cracks and ripped bitumen after it hosted the 2022 AusCycling BMX National Series in heavy rain on January 22 and 23.

With the project not “finished”, but deemed “event ready”, the first round of the series went ahead.

However, Marion Council chief executive Tony Harrison said it was stopped early due to “heavy rain conditions”.

“We have been advised that heavy rain did cause erosion issues with the surrounding landscaping and is being rectified,” he said.

“The track was inspected after the event by the contractors as part of the usual handover process for a major project and the City of Marion is waiting on a final report.”

Mr Harrison said work to lay the final surface on the berms was scheduled to take place after the national rounds.

Less than two weeks after hosting its first major event, a $6 million O’Hallloran Hill BMX Sam Willoughby facility hailed as ‘world-class’ has been abandoned by riders, looking worse for wear. Picture: 7 NEWS

“The relatively cool and wet conditions for this time year meant that the final topcoat could not be applied before the nationals.”

Premier Steven Marshall and sport and recreation Minister Corey Wingard, met with Mr Willoughby to officially open the track on first day of the event.

“This incredible BMX track is purpose-built, world-class and the perfect place for the next generation of stars to launch their riding careers,” Mr Marshall said at the launch.

Shadow Minister Katrine Hildyard said the decision to open the track before it was complete was a “stuff-up”.

“Steven Marshall and Corey Wingard were in such a rush to cut the ribbon on this project, they failed to ensure it was ready,” she said.

“This is such a shame for local BMX riders, who were so excited about this project.”

The State Government contributed $3.55m to the project, but a spokesman said any further works would not come at the taxpayers expense.

“The contractor is responsible for rectifying any issues with the track under the standard defects and liabilities period. This will be at no cost to the government,” a spokesman said.

The remaining funding for the track was made up with contributions from Marion Council ($1.75 million) and Onkaparinga Council ($750,000).

Marion mayor Kris Hanna said any future works have been budgeted for.

“I’m told that the improvements to be made are already in the budget,” he said.

He said he had no problems with the nationals event going ahead.

“It’s a summer BMX event held in summer every year and we had unexpected rain in January,” he said.