NewsBite

Commonwealth Games bid for Western Sydney gives Dunc Gray Velodrome another chance at life

AT RISK of closure, former Olympic venue Dunc Gray Velodrome could have found a means of survival, with a push for western Sydney to host a future Commonwealth Games.

Phil Ayres (right, pictured with world cycling champion Geoff Stoker) loves the idea of a Commonwealth Games for Western Sydney and thinks the bid would help cement the velodrome’s future. Picture: Phillip Rogers
Phil Ayres (right, pictured with world cycling champion Geoff Stoker) loves the idea of a Commonwealth Games for Western Sydney and thinks the bid would help cement the velodrome’s future. Picture: Phillip Rogers

CURRENTLY at risk of closure, Bass Hill’s Dunc Gray Velodrome could have found an incentive to ensure its survival with a push for western Sydney to host a future Commonwealth Games.

The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue is calling on the State Government to put together a bid for the 2026 or 2030 competition.

The velodrome is highlighted as one of the possible venues to be used. The cycling arena, built for the Sydney Olympics, requires $4 million in repairs.

Canterbury-Bankstown Council has been unable to secure funding from the State Government and is considering shutting it down.

The velodrome, the home of Cycling NSW, has hosted international and national events, most recently the Australian Masters Track Championships in March.

Cyclists at the starting line at the state cycling championships in January. Picture: Ian Svegovic
Cyclists at the starting line at the state cycling championships in January. Picture: Ian Svegovic

Cycling NSW chief executive Phil Ayres said regardless of the proposed Commonwealth Games bid, he thought the future of the Dunc Gray Velodrome was bright.

“We’ve been having discussions with the council, the sports club and the Office of Sport and we’re optimistic that, outside the possible Commonwealth Games bid, there is a future for the velodrome,” he said. “Those discussions will continue.”

Mr Ayres said he was positive the hosting of a Commonwealth Games would help with the velodrome’s uncertain future.

“We’re very excited about the prospect of western Sydney hosting the Commonwealth Games at a future date,” he said.

“Obviously a solid Commonwealth Games bid could only help cement the velodrome’s future.”

Aussie cyclists Scott McGrory and Brett Aitken celebrate winning gold in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games 60km madison track cycling final. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Aussie cyclists Scott McGrory and Brett Aitken celebrate winning gold in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games 60km madison track cycling final. Picture: Phil Hillyard
The velodrome requires funding to get it back up to scratch for a major event. Picture: Carmela Roche
The velodrome requires funding to get it back up to scratch for a major event. Picture: Carmela Roche

But a council spokeswoman wasn’t convinced the potential bid would do much for the velodrome without full support from the State Government.

“The velodrome requires an ... upgrade and has an annual operating loss of around $500,000,” she said.

“Its temporary use for a Commonwealth Games will not change its ongoing viability.”

The spokeswoman said council would be meeting with government representatives later this month to help make that happen.

“We have stated all along, the velodrome is a state piece of sporting infrastructure and requires ongoing funding and involvement from the NSW Government to continue in its present form. Unfortunately, the government so far has made it clear it is not willing to provide that,” she said.

“Regardless, we welcome any future support from them for the future of this site.”

The office of Sport Minister Stuart Ayres did not respond to The Express’ request for comment.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-express/commonwealth-games-bid-for-western-sydney-gives-dunc-gray-velodrome-another-chance-at-life/news-story/2f7a191597236ddfa146b0e9ede7fd7f