Darwin Velodrome’s $1.5m upgrade dubbed a Band-Aid solution by cycling body

AN expensive plan to re-lay asphalt at the Darwin velodrome is pointless, according to cycling’s NT peak body

Darwin cyclists Matt King and Stuart Crompton are unhappy with the state of the velodrome at Millner.

AN expensive plan to re-lay asphalt at the Darwin velodrome is pointless, according to cycling’s NT peak body.

Darwin council committed $1.5 million to upgrade the track on McMillans Rd four years ago. That work looks finally set to commence, with a plan to re-lay the asphalt and install new lights and fencing.

But Cycling NT consultant Paul Mead said an entirely new surface was needed.

Mr Mead said cyclists needed a velodrome at a steeper gradient. Elite riders have been unable to use the track because of safety concerns.

Mr Mead said re-laying the asphalt was a Band-Aid solution, and the track would degrade within months.

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“Darwin is recognised as having a greater participation rate than the national average. Since this issue started our membership has grown 280 per cent,” he said.

“We do well at getting people on bikes and our people enjoy riding.”

Cycling NT approached the NT Government for extra money for the project. That request was knocked back and the original $1.5 million budget retained.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said he hoped for an outcome welcomed by all parties.

“I am looking forward to meet with the stakeholders asap and get a final decision about what the users and the community want the money to be spent on,” he said.

“At the end of the day it should be their decision.”