Push start for BMX track

By Bridget Cook
CASEY councillor Geoff Ablett has got the wheels in motion for the council to investigate the possibility of more BMX tracks in the area.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Cr Ablett raised a motion for council officers to investigate the possibility of having a BMX track at Casey Fields.
He also asked officers to report back to the council with the results of a recent survey completed by residents in the Blind Bight area as to whether they want a BMX track or skate park in their town.
Cr Ablett said many families would benefit from a BMX track at both locations.
He said the push for a track at Blind Bight had been going on for about three years but the idea for one at Casey Fields was recently put forward to him by the Casey Field steering committee.
“Kids from the Blind bight area approached Bob Wray about three years ago, asking for a track in the area.
“We almost had a site picked out but there were environmental issues involved.
“The whole idea originated from kids and was driven by kids.
“We need something like this down the coastal villages area.”
Cr Ablett said another BMX track at Casey Fields would be a great win for the community.
“With all the estates being built around it (Casey Fields), I can tell you now it will be surrounded by houses and young families,” he said.
“With 50 families moving into Casey a week, we’ve got to try and stay ahead with infrastructure and offer healthy sporting opportunities.
“We don’t want kids on bikes on the road. A BMX track would be great to cater for this.”
Cr Ablett said he didn’t want people to think that Casey Fields was the only place having money put into it, but that’s where the land was.
“Casey Fields is a regional centre. It will end up being a hub for the whole town,” he said.
“The BMX track could be used by locals on a day-to-day basis, with the ability to hold competitions.
“BMX riding is huge overseas. Some kids here are so talented and could do with a facility here.”
Council officers will report back to the council about both possibilities in the coming months.