Several months of repair works to take place on Sam Willoughby BMX track, final cost remains a mystery

The multimillion-dollar southern suburbs track has been out of action since its first major event – and is expected to stay that way for months.

Repairs to a new BMX track are expected to take several months after it was severely damaged in a botched opening event.

Sections of the $6m Sam Willoughby BMX track, at O’Halloran Hill, have been ripped up for resurfacing.

When riders finally hit the track again it will be about six months since the 2022 AusCycling BMX National Series was held to launch the track in late January.

Numerous riders were seen falling during the national series as the track deteriorated amid unprecedented heavy rain.

Marion City Council city development general manager Tony Lines said contractors began work on the track after Easter.

Sections of the Sam Willoughby BMX track are being completely resurfaced. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“The contractors are currently focusing their attention on surfacing the berms, an aspect of the initial scope of work that was delayed due to weather conditions,” Mr Lines said.

“The contractors are also working on reshaping some parts of the track following feedback from the Union Cycle Internationale certifier and the Cove and Happy Valley BMX clubs.

“The contractors will then undertake repairs to the track, including repairs to the surface damaged during heavy rains at the opening event in January.”

In February, the council revealed the damage bill for the track was $92,000, however Mr Lines said the final costs for the works remained “a commercial-in-confidence matter”.

Final liability for who pays for the repairs had not yet been agreed.

“The insurance claim for track repairs is progressing,” Mr Lines said.

Machinery at the Sam Willoughby BMX track, which is closed for repairs. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Representatives from the Cove and Happy Valley BMX clubs have been meeting with the council to discuss remediation works.

An email obtained by The Advertiser – and was sent to club members on April 13 – said the works would take “around 12 weeks”.

Water lies on the Sam Willoughby International BMX track after heavy rain on the first day of a national competition to official open it. Picture: AusCycling

Riders tumble and spill on the Sam Willoughby International BMX with water on the track proving problematic. Picture AusCycling

“Both clubs are to be presented soon a list of all items to be worked on but we do know that the track will receive a lot of work, including a completely new surface (including bitumen on the berms),” the email stated.

After recently being sworn in as Sport and Recreation Minister, Labor MP Katrine Hildyard said she was pleased to hear work was progressing.

“I really look forward to the facility being safely up and running soon for the enjoyment of all those who participate in this excellent sport, those who would like to get involved and all who support it,” she said.