Fundraiser hopes to turn abandoned spot into motorcycle mecca for Townsville families

Families who want to ride together may soon have a new set of tracks to call home, 40km outside of Townsville’s CBD.

Frustrated Townsville motorcycle riders could soon have a new track to call their home, provided a $26,000 fundraiser is successful.

The new Reid River Ride Park only needs an on-site sewerage treatment works before it can open, after the project was approved by Charters Towers Council.

Organiser Verity Lavery, who trains motorcycle riders at her business Streetwise, put together the GoFundMe ‘A place to ride in Townsville’ after hearing about the final hurdle from the owners of the park.

“Once we became aware, we started straight away. We take inquiries all the time from riders about where you can legally go.

“We’re friends with the people who own the facility and they’ve been trying to get it up and running for some time.

“We really wanted to get the word out to people and get it up and running for riders.”

While there are a number of competitive clubs and motorbike trails around Townsville and the surrounding areas, Mrs Lavery says the community has been crying out for somewhere with a more relaxed atmosphere, with a family-friendly approach.

Streetwise Motorcycle Training owners Brett (middle) and Verity Lavery (right) organised the fundraiser. Photo: Alix Sweeney.

The facility boasts over 400 hectares and has camping grounds, riding tracks and a full suite of amenities around 40km outside of Townsville’s CBD.

“There isn’t really anywhere for families to go at the moment. They’re really aiming to make something family oriented,” Mrs Lavery said.

“For us, it’s all about pushing the opportunity to have a safe, non-competitive area for people to ride.”

The facility’s riding areas allow for a space specifically for children just starting out, as well as five other tracks for riders of all ages and various skill levels.

If all goes well, Mrs Lavery says the park is expected to open soon.

“Everything’s ready to go, once the money is raised, they’re aiming to open very early in 2022, just a couple of months away.”

Although she was optimistic that the community would donate, Mrs Lavery also said other fundraising efforts would be considered to make sure the facility could open.

“It’s going to be ongoing until we reach the amount we need to. If we don’t raise it through the GoFundMe, Streetwise will look at some other avenues as well.”

Originally published as Fundraiser hopes to turn abandoned spot into motorcycle mecca for Townsville families