By DANIELLE GALVIN
POTHOLES and slippery red clay have made the Upper Beaconsfield BMX track unusable and dangerous according to local parents.
Troy Wallen has been in contact with Cardinia Shire Council over the state of the jumps track on Stoney Creek and Burton roads.
“We have been hassling them for a year now trying to get something done,” he said.
“If you are a little kid, you can’t go over the jump.
“It’s a red clay base and as soon as it rains it’s slippery.”
Mr Wallen said he has lived in Upper Beaconsfield for 15 years and there’s not much else to occupy the youth.
“It’s very overgrown up there,” he said.
“It’s not a major job – it would be a load of crushed rock and a Bobcat for one day.”
Mr Wallen said the jumps track is a one person track and is “not built” for kids to race properly.
He travels to Knoxfield twice a week with his children who have an interest in BMX racing, and said in its current condition it wasn’t safe.
The council’s recreation development co-ordinator Mark Stahel said the council regularly inspects BMX tracks within the shire for hazards and maintenance concerns and that the council also responds to maintenance and safety issues raised by the community.
“Council has been contacted by users of the BMX track at Beaconsfield Upper Recreation Reserve requesting upgrades to the track,” he said.
“Council has also recognised the need to upgrade a number of skate parks and BMX tracks throughout the shire.
Mr Stahel said the council will soon start working on a long term strategy to improve these facilities in the shire.
Part of the strategy will include an audit of the existing skate and BMX facilities and address the needs of BMX park users.
“This will consider existing issues and opportunities, provision and location of future skate and BMX facilities and also make recommendations for improvements and upgrades,” he said.
“Residents will be encouraged to contact council a part of the development of the strategy.”
