24 March 2022
Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Jade Wellings said the site was selected following public consultation and detailed site evaluation, with Council planning to build the asphalt pump track in the 2022/23 financial year.
“While Brendan Hansen Park in Granville was put forward as a possible location, Anzac Park is the preferred site as Council would gain better value for money,” she said.
“It was estimated that a significant portion of the grant, between 25% and 40%, would be required to fund supporting infrastructure at Brendan Hansen Park for electrical infrastructure to service lighting.
“That would mean a pump track in Brendan Hansen Park would have to be scaled back.
“In contrast, the Anzac Park location is the right size for the pump track we want to build and will be close to the existing skate park, pathways, and on-street parking for vehicles.”
ANZAC Park was also better suited for all abilities access, Cr Wellings said.
“I want to see a more inclusive community and want to ensure the pump track is wheelchair friendly,” she said.
“Recently we opened a Changing Places facility (with an adult-sized change table and a hoist) at Anzac Park which would be accessible to people using the pump track.
“As part of a recent site visit it became apparent that besides the electrical shortfall, Brendan Hansen Park also doesn’t cater for the needs of all community members.
“ANZAC Park is the premier park on the Fraser Coast, so putting a pump track there adds an extra dimension, an extra drawcard to attract holiday makers and Hervey Bay residents to visit Maryborough.”
Cr Wellings said pump tracks were rapidly becoming popular recreation facilities across the country.
A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and jumps designed to be ridden by generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing, she said.
The proposed tracks in Hervey Bay and Maryborough will include three distinct sections to cater for beginners, intermediate and experienced users.
Consultation with users on the elements to be included in the design of the Maryborough track will start soon.
“The tracks will be a great outlet for locals, as well as another feature that could attract visitors to the region,” she said.
“Competitions have started, and a number of Councils host annual events.”
Red Bull started the Pump Track World Championship in 2018. In 2019, the Championships included a series of 26 events across 22 countries including Australia.
“Council is determined to support an active and healthy community through providing parks and open spaces that are enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities,” she said.
Council has received a $1.3 million grant from the Queensland Government through the Works For Queensland program to design and build the pump tracks on the Fraser Coast.
“The funding from the Queensland Government through the Works For Queensland program to design and build the pump track at Anzac Park is a fantastic initiative and a welcome addition that will benefit the youth and locals of Maryborough,” the Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said.
An investigation into a site for the Hervey Bay facility is ongoing.
ENDS
Please note the images on this page are just examples of pump tracks from different areas to provide an overview of what a pump track is.
The Maryborough pump track will be a medium sized asphalt track.
A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and jumps designed to be ridden by generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.
Pump tracks can be made from dirt, wood, plywood, composite, concrete or asphalt. The Maryborough and Hervey Bay pump tracks will be made from asphalt.
Asphalt tracks are low maintenance and can withstand significant public use. They also can be designed in any formation allowing for a range of riding opportunities.
Originally designed for mountain bikes and BMX bikes, they are now used by skateboarders and scooter riders and are accessible for all abilities, including wheelchairs. There will be distinct sections to cater for beginners, intermediate and experienced users.
Council recognises that pump tracks are becoming popular recreation facilities across the country – with a recent feasibility study highlighting there was demand for pump tracks in the region.
The feasibility study identified several potential locations for both the Maryborough and Hervey Bay pump tracks. Council has undertaken further review of the sites with two sites identified as potential options for Maryborough. Council is now seeking feedback on the two potential sites – Anzac Park and Brendan Hansen Park. We want to hear from residents which location they prefer.
Council would like to see the Hervey Bay track built at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct in Nikenbah, subject to community consultation on a revised Sports Precinct Master Plan in early 2022.
The Maryborough and Hervey Bay pump track projects will be funded by Council and Round 4 of the Queensland State Government’s Works For Queensland funding.
Under the funding arrangement Council will design and deliver the two pump tracks over the next three years.
The Maryborough project will include three engagement phases, Phase 1 – Locations, Phase 2 – Design Development and Phase 3 – Review of Draft Design.
To facilitate the Phase 1 engagement Council will be conducting a variety of activities, including a survey, submissions and drop in sessions. The survey and submission process will run from Thursday 16 December 2021 to 11:55pm Sunday 16 January 2022.
Community members can also register through the survey to be involved in the Design Phase early next year.
Council will continue to engage with the community through Phase 2 and 3, as well as the construction stage. Residents are encouraged to register on the Engagement Hub page to stay up to date with the most current information.