In summary:
- Shepparton BMX Track and Shepparton Cycling Club Precinct to receive funding for upgrades.
- New multi-use pavilion with amenities for the BMX club will be built.
- BMX track improvements include start hills, storage, broadcasting, drainage, and aesthetics.
- Shepparton Cycling Precinct Velodrome will receive lighting upgrades.
- Upgraded facilities are expected to improve club growth, attract major events, and boost the regional economy.
Council welcomed the announcement made by the Minister for Community Sport, The Hon. Ros Spence, at the Shepparton BMX Club today, Friday 12 April 2024.
The funding will be spread across four projects, including a new Shepparton BMX Club Multi Use Events Pavilion. Currently, the Shepparton BMX Club does not have an appropriate pavilion with amenities for the club, such as toilets, change spaces, meeting space or catering facilities. This Multi Use Events Pavilion would ensure appropriate facilities for the club, and provide much needed flexibility for use during major events and for other users within the Shepparton Sports City precinct.
The funding will also see enhancements made at the Shepparton BMX Track to improve the 5 metre and 8 metre start hills for racing, along with improved storage for both clubs and to better manage requirements during major events and club commitments. Enhancements will also be made for broadcasting, drainage and maintenance management at the BMX track, along with improved aesthetics and functionality that is in line with benchmarking of major national and international facilities.
The Cycling Precinct Velodrome will also receive a lighting upgrade to support the Shepparton Cycling Club during training and competition, along with supporting BMX major events which use the velodrome for warm up, teams’ pit area and staging components.
Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said these projects will help the Shepparton BMX and Shepparton Cycling Clubs to continue to grow and build capacity across the region.
“We are extremely pleased to have received this funding which will be used for much needed improvement upgrades to the facilities. The projects will ensure the future sustainability of BMX and cycling within Greater Shepparton, which we hope will help to breed the next generation of sporting champions,” he said.
“Greater Shepparton is a proven host of many successful local, state, national and international BMX and cycling events. These projects will allow us to further leverage off these events and increase the economic benefit for our region.
“We will now work to develop a 10 year pipeline of significant major events with AusCycling, to ensure our region has the best events to showcase our world class facilities.”
Cr Sali said this would, in turn help build a stronger visitor economy and help support the region’s accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism sectors, while supporting local jobs and growth.
“We now look forward to working with Sport and Recreation Victoria, the Shepparton BMX Club and the Shepparton Cycling Club to deliver these game changing projects for Greater Shepparton.”
