On track for talks

By Melissa Meehan
BUNYIP’S divided community can come together to have their say on the new modified plans for the towns new BMX Park.
A public information and consultation session, organised by the Cardinia Shire Council, will allow residents to provide input into the ongoing development as well as the broaded area of the Bunyip Valley Family Park.
The session will be held at Bunyip Auditorium from 2–8pm on Thursday 3 June as part of the council’s consultation process for widely discussed track.
Council General Manager Community Well-being Fiona Hodges said the session was a chance to view and discuss modified plans for the BMX park developed as a result of community feedback and input from a working group set up to assist council.
Ms Hodges said the council had worked with specialist bike park design firm Dirtz Trax ‘n’ Trailz to develop the revised concept plans, which address issues regarding the size and scale of the BMX area. She said the consultation reflects a desire to give the park broader community appeal.
Despite the council reporting they are continuing their public consultation, many residents have told the Gazette that they feel their concerns have been ignored. Some say they knew nothing of the BMX park until works started in WattleTree Road, others say they were not told it was to be as high as it currently is.
After much community angst the council stopped works on the park and has made modifications on the site, and this is what the consultation meeting is all about.
But not all residents are against the park. Primary school student Brad Trotman last week handed a petition with 52 signatures supporting the track to councillor Bill Pearson.
Brett Barnes from Dirtz Trax ‘n’ Trailz will join council staff at the consultation session to present the modified designs for the BMX park and provide the opportunity for one-on-one discussion by appointment.
“The modified plans provide for the mounds in the BMX park to be reduced from an average height of two metres to one metre or less,” Ms Hodges said. “The mounds will be more compact, more rounded and not as steep. It is also proposed that the BMX area be moved away from the park’s eastern boundary.”
Ms Hodges said she had worked closely with local residents and BMX Victoria to improve the design of the BMX park.
“Our intent is to deliver the community’s original vision of a facility suitable for BMX riders of all ages and abilities, including beginners,” she said.
“Council wants this area to be welcoming and attractive for mums and dads, children, families and older people as well.”
Ms Hodges said the consultation session would enable residents to provide feedback to the concept of making the broader area a family park with key elements such as picnic shelters, tables and barbecue facilities.
“We want this park to be a true community asset,” Ms Hodges said.
“Come along and have a look at what is proposed and help council bring this community asset to life.”