Macedon Ranges Shire Council endorsed two skate and BMX-related projects at its November meeting, seeking to improve facilities in towns across the shire.
Council adopted the Macedon Ranges Shire Skate and BMX Strategy, which will guide the future development of skate and BMX facilities across the shire.
The strategy comes after a period of community consultation earlier this year and was a key proposal of council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2018-2028.
Cr Jennifer Anderson said while the strategy did not mean each town would have the biggest and best facilities, it did mean there would be something for everyone.
“It’s wonderful that we’ve got this work done because my entire time on council, the youth are always saying something about BMX or skate parks in all of our towns,” she said.
“We’ve analysed, we’ve consulted and it means there will be something in each of our towns for all of our people and our not-so-young people, young at heart.
“I think it’s really important that we’ve got this now so that when people are coming to us, we know what we’re planning to do in each of the sites.”
The strategy suggests a series of short, medium and long-term priorities to upgrade or expand on council’s six existing skate parks and four BMX tracks.
It includes a site feasibility study for new facilities in Gisborne, as well as continuing the detailed design and construction of new facilities in Kyneton and a new skate park in Romsey.
Council also endorsed a period of community consultation on designs showcasing the new Romsey Skate Park, for which $550,000 has been committed by the State Government among continued works to secure full funding.
The project, spearheaded by Lancefield Romsey Lions Club, has included community consultation throughout 2022 and 2023 and would include a large bowl, a quarter pipe, pump track and a series of hips and corners.
Mayor Annette Death said the project would benefit people of all ages looking to get out and be active and encouraged the community to have their say.
“I would just like to highlight that this is another fantastic example of community, with the Lions, State Government and council all coming together to deliver a really important project and facility for the Romsey community and for the shire,” she said.
“We are inclusive, we encourage everyone to get out and get active, I don’t think I have a skateboard but I definitely know some parent groups that go out and utilise our skate parks so many opportunities will arise from what will be a fantastic facility.”
Council will lead the next phase of community consultation, set to begin in early 2024, to account for the upcoming extended school holiday period and to support maximum engagement.
