First sod turned at Marius Street BMX track
The first sod has been turned at the Marius Street BMX track this morning, marking the beginning of remediation works at the site. Today is an exciting day for Tamworth’s BMX community, as the track was closed in 2020 after asbestos containing material was discovered at the track. Council has been diligently working with environmental consultants since the track’s closure to ensure the Remediation Action Plan (RAP) meets the approval of all relevant authorities and delivers the safest possible result for Tamworth City BMX Club members and our community.
All contaminated material will be safely removed to an onsite containment cell, with these works expected to take approximately 4 weeks to complete, weather permitting. Following the completion of remediation works, the track will be reshaped and upgraded to an all-weather, high performance competition surface.
Works to construct on a new pump track for the BMX Club next to the current BMX track began in June, with the pump track to be completed later this year. The pump track will provide a secondary practice and training space for BMX riders of all skill levels with interest in BMX currently growing steadily. The pump track will add another element to the continuing growth of recreational spaces in the LGA.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the upgraded BMX track will benefit riders of all levels.
“It’s been some time since this track was open but hopefully it won’t be long before riders from beginners to experts will be whizzing past.
“I’m proud to have secured this funding, ensuring Tamworth has a track to rival any in the nation.”
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said that he is excited to see the new track host state and national level BMX events.
“BMX is a great sport, and I can’t wait to see the venue welcome riders from across Australia for high level competitions once it opens”, he said.
Dan Morris, Tamworth City BMX Club President said that it is extremely exciting to see dirt turning onsite after over 2 years of BMX missing in the Tamworth community.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported the club and our existing riders through this time, we can't wait to see what the future holds for Tamworth City BMX Club", he said.
Upgrading the BMX track has been made possible through $587,989 funding through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. The Tamworth region is already benefitting from over $6 million in funding from the first two phases of the program, with another $7.9 million committed under Phase Three and Phase Three Extension.
The LRCI program supports local Councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new pump track adjacent to the Marius Street BMX Track has received $55,000 in funding through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program, obtained directly by the Tamworth City BMX Club. Tamworth Regional Council will be undertaking works on the club’s behalf.