By Marcus Uhe
The Casey BMX Club was left heartbroken after vandals caused almost $12,000 worth of damage to their newly-upgraded BMX track last week.
The track was reopened on Monday 21 March following recent upgrades worth $25,000, however, over the following days, the hard work was recklessly spoilt by motorbikes and remote control cars, tearing-up the granitic sand and glue and leaving behind dangerous trenches on the surface.
Adding insult to injury, the alleged perpetrators posted footage of their callous acts on social media, which was seen by Casey BMX Club president Scott Memery.
“It’s pretty disheartening,” Mr Memery said.
“There’s no bigger disappointment when all that hard work and money goes into it.”
The works were funded through club memberships, canteen sales, race meetings profits and contributions from the City of Casey.
Mr Memery said the damage included trenches up to one metre long and 60 millimetres wide, which created a safety hazard for the club’s 100 members and other riders, and put the club’s ability to host competitions in doubt, going forward.
“If the damage is bad enough, we don’t even get to use it.
“We’ll repair it ourselves but the problem is, we can’t keep repairing every week.
“We’re volunteers and it’s unsustainable to expect volunteers to do that. We have a life.
“We need it to stop.”
While the track is currently open to the public, Mr Memery said the club was consulting with the City of Casey on potentially establishing permanent fencing to limit access to just club members in a last resort to look after their asset.
Temporary fencing was erected at a cost of $1400 to the club in order to keep the offenders out, however, they still managed to break through.
“We were left with no option. If they keep getting on the track and ruining it, there’s a point where it’s not sustainable for members and volunteers.
“It affects the public and BMX community and their ability to use the fantastic venue City of Casey have given us.
Manager of active communities at the City of Casey Angie Peresso said council was working towards finding a solution.
“Council is liaising with the Casey BMX Club and Victoria Police to determine the best options to prevent unauthorised motorised vehicles from getting on to the track, while still allowing BMX riders to access the track freely,” Ms Peresso said.
“Over the past few months motorbikes have been getting on to the Casey Fields BMX track and causing significant damage to the track which will cost more than $12,000 to repair.
“Signs at the venue clearly state that no unauthorised motorised vehicles are allowed on the track, however this is being ignored by motorbike riders who are showing no regard for the track surface, their own safety and the safety of others using the track.”
Police said they are aware of the alleged incidents and have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
