Ballarat Sebastopol BMX Club could become the first BMX club in Victoria to have a surfaced track, if it is successful in receiving a Victorian government grant.
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Their application for funding as part of the Pick My Project community grants scheme has made it to the next stage.
Club members are now calling for the community to vote for their project to increase their chances of winning a $200,000 grant.
The funds would be used to install low maintenance surfacing on the BMX track at Marty Busch Reserve.
The project would include a weatherproof and hard-wearing surface along the straights, bitumen corners and improved drainage.
Every time it rains it damages the track surface.
- Anthony Pollard, Ballarat Sebastopol BMX Club funding research officer
Ballarat Sebastopol BMX Club funding research officer Ashley Pollard said the current unsealed track was often unsafe and unusable.
“Every time it rains it damages the track surface. It takes a lot of man hours to have it ride-able in a competitive style,” he said.
“We are hoping it (surfacing) will draw in elite riders from around Victoria to race and practice on our track. For the local community, it will hopefully draw more participation.”
The track is permanently open to the public and the club hosts monthly race events. A state event held earlier this year drew 230 riders from across Victoria and around 500 spectators.
“BMX is an Olympic sport. We are hoping this resurfacing will give us a facility where we can improve the skill level of our riders, and provide a better track we can use all year round,” Mr Pollard said.
Voting for Pick My Project closes on September 17.
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