New BMX Track and Youth Riding Program Launched

9 October 2008

A new BMX track and learn to ride program for disadvantaged youth was launched today at Sydney Olympic Park by Minister for Planning Kristina Keneally.

The Monster BMX Track is a free, open-air facility that makes the increasingly popular sport of BMX available to all – from occasional riders to the elite.

The track was jointly funded by the Federal Government, the NSW State Government and Auburn Council. ‘Today is a great demonstration of all levels of government working together to deliver an exciting facility and a wonderful program that will be a lasting benefit to communities in and around Sydney Olympic Park, greater Sydney and indeed New South Wales,’ Minister for Planning, Keneally said.

‘The Monster BMX Track demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to making Sydney Olympic Park a unique place for all people to participate in sport – from occasional recreational riders to enthusiastic amateurs and on to elite sportsmen and women training for national and international competition. A new BMX club – Sydney BMX Inc. – has been created at Sydney Olympic Park to complement the new track and help kids enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle,’ Sydney Olympic Park Authority CEO Alan Marsh said.

BMX Australia has welcomed the new track and club, saying they would support the further development of the sport in Australia. ‘The growth of the sport will be enhanced by the new BMX club at Sydney Olympic Park. The new club and the staging of state, national and international events will support the sustainable growth and development of BMX in Australia,’ BMX Australia President Barry Knight said.

Sydney BMX Inc. President Neil Cameron said today’s announcement was great news. ‘The establishment of Sydney BMX Inc. based at Sydney Olympic Park is great for the development of the sport at a grass roots and elite level. We are excited about working with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and the local community to grow the sport of BMX in the heart of Australia’s largest city,’ Mr Cameron said.

Sydney Olympic Park Authority CEO Alan Marsh said the Monster BMX Track complemented the existing Mountain X Track, the Monster Skatepark and the more than 35 kilometres of cycleways at Sydney Olympic Park to make the precinct one of Sydney’s best cycling destinations. ‘Together these facilities give all levels of riders the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing, and enjoy life in Sydney Olympic Park,’ Mr Marsh said.

Minister Keneally also officially launched the Sydney Olympic Park Community Learn to Ride Program – a joint initiative of Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Auburn Council and the NSW Police Bicycle Patrol Unit.

The program allows disadvantaged youth from the Auburn Council Local Government Area to participate in learn to ride programs led by the NSW Police Bicycle Patrol Unit at the new Monster BMX Track. ‘The Community Learn to Ride Program is providing important opportunities for youth from the local area to participate more fully in community life, to have access to positive role models, and to learn the many benefits of an active sporting life through an activity with which they can easily engage,’ Mr Marsh said.

Media Contact: Phillip Adams 0425 256 831