BMX bandits steal Bunyip’s heart

By Melissa Meehan
THEY say a man can’t move a mountain, but maybe a boy can keep it there.
Sick and tired of all the negative publicity about the Bunyip BMX track, 12-year-old Brad Trotman has put together a petition to keep the track and has convinced all of his friends to sign it.
There has been a strong backlash against the track from residents who live nearby, who say they were never told how big the track would be and have pleaded with Cardinia Shire Council to reduce the dirt mounds to a third of their size.
But Brad said he couldn’t understand why people were against it and said it would be a great place for him and his friends to ride rather than around the streets.
“I decided to do it (start the petition) two weeks ago,” Brad said.
“They (the council) said it was already stopped and I wanted to get it going for all my friends.”
Brad’s sister produced the petition on her computer, before the junior BMX lobbyist hit the schoolyard.
All of his classmates in Grades 5 and 6 at Bunyip Primary School signed it that day.
“Except for the ones who were away – they signed it the next day,” he said.
“We have 59 names now.”
Brad’s sentiment is supported by 25-year old Bunyip resident Tom Anderson, who lives on the other side of the rail line.
“I’ve been here for 20 years and it’s great that something like this is finally being built,” Mr Anderson said.
“Obviously it needs fixing up to make it safe, but as a bike rider I wholeheartedly support it.”
He said residents opposing the track and worried about hooning and anti-social behaviour need not worry because of an unspoken rule followed by all riders.
“Everyone abides by the no d…heads rule,” he said.
“If a small minority stuffs it up the majority will be really unhappy – they have nothing to worry about.”
Brad handed the petition over to Bunyip Ward councillor Bill Pearson on Friday and said he hoped it would make a difference.
“We just want people to know that not everyone is against it,” he said.
Cr Pearson said it was great to see the youth of Bunyip take it upon themselves to speak up and said while he supported the project, some changes needed to be made to make the track safe for seven-year-olds.
Concept plans for the modifications to the Bunyip BMX park are due to council next week and will be followed by a community consultation period.
Council spokesperson Paul Dunlop said the council remained committed to providing a suitable facility at Bunyip where young people can ride and develop their BMX skills.
“Picnic areas, play equipment for younger children, bike paths and further landscaping and planting in the area are among the options suggested as part of a broader vision of the park,” he said.
“We are also continuing to work with BMX Victoria and Bicycle Victoria. Their advice will help ensure the BMX component provides a safe and enjoyable environment for all levels of riders, including beginners.”