Cycling groups band together to save the Maurice Kirby velodrome in Noble Park
THE fight to save an iconic velodrome in Melbourne’s southeast from demolition is gaining traction, with support from cycling groups across the state mounting.
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THE movement to save the Maurice Kirby Velodrome is gaining traction.
Last month the Greater Dandenong Leader revealed concerns the velodrome could be destroyed under a draft master plan for Parkfield Reserve.
Cycling Victoria, the Australian Cycling Alliance and Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club are among groups which have now thrown their support behind a campaign — led by Springvale man Kim Nguyen — to save and resurface the site.
While submissions on the draft plans have now closed, advocates are banding together to have public consultation on the site reopened.
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Greater Dandenong Council’s draft proposal to revitalise the Parkfield Reserve includes improvements to sports grounds, more trees, seating and playgrounds, but involves razing the velodrome to expand the existing cricket oval.
The plan also suggests two full-size soccer pitches for the space.
But Mr Nguyen said there was growing interest to reform the Noble Park Cycling Club and host an event at the reserve in late September to show people how much of an asset the velodrome was for the area.
He said preserving “Maurie” Kirby’s legacy was a priority and the Save Noble Park Velodrome group wanted to put forward a proposal for the council to transform the area into a cycling hub.
Gayle George, daughter of the renowned broadcaster, cycling enthusiast and local identity, said her family was disappointed by the prospect of the track being removed and said the council had not consulted with them.
Mr Kirby died in 1991, aged 64, after a decorated career in broadcasting and involvement in a number of local sports.
His legacy included starting the Pedal Club of Australia in Noble Park, and being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1980 for his services to children with disabilities.
Recalling the decision to name the Parkfield Reserve velodrome after Mr Kirby in 2002, Ms George said: “We were thrilled that Dad was recognised for all of the charity and community work he had done”.
She said the Pedal Club had enabled hundreds of children to learn how to ride safely, including underprivileged children who Mr Kirby gave repurposed second-hand bikes.
“What he did for the community doesn’t seem to be as appreciated now as it was in the past,” Ms George said.
Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club vice president Marcel Lema grew up in Clayton and said he learned to ride at the reserve.
“This velodrome was designed for teaching kids how to ride bikes so it’s ironic that in 2018 there’s talk of getting rid of it, when it is exactly the kind of infrastructure we need right now to get people active,” he said.
Mr Lema said the track was a unique facility and it was possible for the area to be shared between cyclists, cricket and soccer clubs.
Australian Cycling Alliance president Edward Hore said the council should be preserving the local asset.
“If they remove it there will be nothing in the area for the cycling community,” Mr Hore said.
“Not everyone feels safe to cycle on the road and this is a great facility for people of all ages to learn how to ride and to keep fit.”
The council’s city planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said the draft masterplan was prepared following extensive community consultation and that no final decision had been made regarding the cycling track.
He said the consultation process had now closed and “recent submissions received regarding the cycling track will be considered as part of the final plan”.
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