Divided track

By Melissa Meehan
IT HAS divided the Bunyip community, but the Cardinia Shire Council is looking forward to providing a BMX track that will suit the whole town.
The council’s general manager for community wellbeing, Fiona Hodges, said community feedback on modified designs for the new Bunyip BMX park last week was positive.
She said an ongoing public consultation process has provided the opportunity for locals of all ages to contribute to the development of the track.
“Information sessions held last Thursday were very well attended and enabled people to see and hear more about what the council is proposing to do with the BMX park,” Ms Hodges said.
“Modified plans taking into account earlier community feedback have been on display at the auditorium and other locations around Bunyip as well as on the council’s website.”
She said the council would now use last week’s feedback to help finalise designs from the BMX park and would report back to residents before getting on with the job of construction.
But some residents are still unhappy with the way the project has been dealt with.
John Anderson said the information session was geared around those who opposed the track.
“The recreation officer has caved in to the minority, but at the same time loaded the session to suit the minority,” Mr Anderson said.
“Listen to the kids, get on with it and stop the sham consultation.”
He said all residents agreed the current size of the track was too high, but said the new plans were not representative of what the kids wanted.
But Ms Hodges said the council would continue to work with the community and keep locals informed and involved.
“Our intent is to deliver a BMX facility that is suitable for BMX riders of all ages and abilities,” she said.
“We also want the area to be welcoming and attractive for mums and dads, children, families and other people as well.”