Canterbury Bankstown eyes agreement with NSW Government over Dunc Velodrome

Canterbury Bankstown Council are negotiating an interim agreement with NSW Government to run the city’s only Olympic facility, the Dunc Gray Velodrome at Bass Hill.

The Dunc Gray Velodrome at Bass Hill.

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CANTERBURY Bankstown Council are negotiating an interim agreement with NSW Government to run the city’s only Olympic facility, the Dunc Gray Velodrome, at Bass Hill.

The velodrome hosted the cycling events at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and is used by Cycling NSW to host events and also for training.

The council’s general manager Matthew Stewart has been authorised to negotiate an interim agreement with the NSW Government to continue to operate the velodrome for up to two years.

World cycling champion Geoff Stoker training at the Dunc Gray Velodrome. Picture: Phil Rogers

At the February council meeting, Mayor Khal Asfour said annual running of the velodrome works out to around $500,000 to $1 million and he did not want the ratepayers to bear the burden.

“Council has identified significant cost implications associated with both the ongoing

operations and immediate capital upgrades which are beyond council’s ability to fund and

are for provision of an international velodrome for the State of NSW, with little direct and

tangible benefit for the majority of residents in our local community,” he said.

“This is not a local community facility.”

Mayor Asfour had requested before the 2019 state elections in March, that both major parties should invest funds to upgrade and operate the velodrome, which could also host other sports.

The council relevant funding will be made available in its 2019/20 budget to administer the arrangements.

The council said it will continue to work with the State Government on determining the future use options and/or outcomes for the velodrome.

The council had been negotiating with the government to take over the Olympic-standard facility — which reverts back to the council this month — for some time.

The council has raised the rates for stall holders at the Ramadan Nights Lakemba.

FEES RAISED FOR RAMADAN FESTIVAL STALLS

Fees have been raised for stallholders at the popular Ramadan Nights Lakemba being held until June 6. The council approved the increases, saying it was needed to help cover the cost of the $300,000 event. Stallholders located north of Lakemba rail line will now pay $1500 while those south of the line will be charged $2250. Previously, the fees were $1000.

MOSQUITO MONITORING PROGRAM

Councillor Steve Tuntevski, worried at any outbreak of the Ross River fever, has moved a motion, requesting the State Government to take a “comprehensive approach to the management of mosquitoes, by developing a Georges River Mosquito Management Plan that clearly identifies when and how population control and prevention measures are required”. The council will write to the Sutherland Shire, Liverpool and Georges River mayors and propose a similar request to the government.

Council wants to implement a Georges River mosquito management plan.

NEW CITIZENS TO BE WATER SAFE

Councillors backed Cr Rachell Harika’s motion to investigate options for supporting the new citizens in developing their water safety awareness. “My particular concern is our newest citizens are at a greater risk of drowning, having not necessarily had the benefit of growing up in an aquatic-rich society such as the one we enjoy in Australia,” she said.

REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS

Mayor Khal Asfour led the council in a minute’s silence for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka, which killed more than 250 people. “My heart is heavy that, for the second month in a row, the world has been shaken by barbaric terrorist acts, with the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka,” he said. “As a sign of respect and in mourning with our Sri Lankan community, I have had the council flags in Paul Keating Park and in Campsie lowered to half mast.” At the March meeting, there was a minute’s silence in memory of those slain in the Christchurch mosques massacre.

IN OTHER NEWS

HURLSTONE PARK HERITAGE LISTING

Twelve new properties have been recommended for heritage conservation areas. More than 250 people commented on the Hurlstone Park Heritage Assessment Study in 2017, with 90 per cent (more than 220) supporting what was recommended by council. It is proposed that height reductions be applied for heritage conservation area identified properties in the town centre — down from 14m to 11m north of the railway line and 11m to 9m south of the railway line.

FIRE SERVICES AND ELECTRICITY SUBSTATIONS

The council will look into moving fire services and electricity substations from the front of buildings, following a motion put forward by councillor George Zahkia. His motion states: “The staff consider the location and nature of fire services and electricity substations during the assessment of DAs and require developers to provide details, and make space available, where appropriate, for these services to be integrated within the building design.” he said.