Colac community pushes for council to build BMX track

Colac council has responded to a push to build a BMX track by saying it will instead remove any ‘homemade’ jumps. What do you think?

UPDATE WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15: The Colac council has responded to a push for a BMX track to be built for youngsters to use by doubling down on its effort to remove “homemade” jumps.

Residents lashed out at their local council after they were told that it was “not ok” for people to construct “homemade” bike jumps on public land.

But despite a push for council to create an appropriate place for BMX users to ride, council says there are no plans to develop a new track.

Council community and economy general manager Ian Seuren said parks and public spaces in Colac Otway were designed and maintained by council for the “enjoyment and safety of all members of our community”.

“‘Home made’ bike jumps constructed on public land can pose a significant safety risk to bike riders and also general users of the public space,” he said.

“In addition, jumps that are not properly constructed can damage the surrounding environment.

“While the removal of ‘home made’ bike jumps may be disappointing to community members who have created them, community safety is council’s top priority.”

EARLIER, MONDAY FEBRUARY 13: The Colac community is pushing to get a BMX track built, saying there aren’t enough bike paths in town.

Residents lashed out at their local council after they were told that it was “not ok” for people to construct “homemade” bike jumps on public land.

Colac Otway Shire shared a post on their Facebook page informing the community BMX riders were not allowed to create their own bike jumps.

“A general reminder to our Colac Otway community that our parks and public spaces are designed and maintained by Council with our community’s safety and enjoyment as a priority,” the post stated.

“So ‘home made’ bike jumps constructed on public land are unfortunately not ok.”

However, the notice only served to anger the Colac community, with many residents instead pushing council for members wondering why council couldn’t allow a BMX track to be constructed.

“What does council think kids are supposed to be doing? Build for them instead of condemning them for having to create it themselves,” Daniel John commented on the post.

“At least they’re out having fun and not glued to a phone,” Shian Jarvis commented.

“Maybe council could actually accommodate these kids with a place to go in town,” Christine Richardson commented.

“Perhaps listen to the community as this has been a hot topic over the last few years,” Tess Stinchcombe said.

A Colac Otway Shire spokesperson said people were using shovels to dig into the ground’s surface to make the bike jumps.

In May 2021, Colac council removed ‘home made’ bike jumps from an area near the Birregurra skatepark.