Bikes, take a hike

By Melissa Meehan
Wattle Tree Road residents against the project say they have been subjected to prank phone calls, nasty phone calls, threats and carloads of young men throwing their beer bottles their properties.
A strong backlash against the track from residents who live nearby, who say they were never told how big the track would be, saw the Cardinia Shire Council reduce the dirt mounds to a third of their size.
Kylie Griffiths said improvement works to the track, being built in WattleTree Road, have been going for a couple of weeks, but neighbouring residents had still not seen any plans or been consulted.
But a council spokesperson said all plans and a council report could be easily accessed on the Cardinia Shire’s website.
Ms Griffiths said council officer Fiona Hodges met residents once to apologise for the lack of previous consultation, and promised the track residents originally expected would be built.
“She then went on to include BMX clubs and associations for their input and proceeded to ignore us and our phone calls and letters,” Ms Griffiths said.
“We neighbours are still against this track in its current location.”
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.”