Balaklava BMX track to be decommissioned
Council has resolved to decommission the Balaklava BMX track due to low usage numbers and concerns around the high cost to maintain dirt BMX tracks.
A survey was conducted in July 2025 to gauge interest and understand usage of the track, the survey was open for a month with a total of 23 responses.
From the survey 87% of respondents indicated that the track was in poor or average condition in its current state.
The survey also highlighted;
- Most users were under the age of 10
- The track was mainly used on weekends
- The main demographic for using the track was beginner riders
Following this survey Council engaged an assessment of the track.
Identified in the assessment were multiple hazards that need to be addressed, including loose soil, debris, rocks and modification to the track which weren’t undertaken by Council or its contractors.
If Council were to proceed with repairs following the findings of the assessment there would be a significant amount of maintenance and repairs by appropriate contractors to bring the site up to modern safety standards.
Maintenance would have to be undertaken quarterly or more depending on weather conditions, due to the construction of the track being dirt it can be easily destroyed by inclement weather.
At the April Council meeting it was resolved to not undertake the required maintenance of the track and decommission it.
Mayor Rodney Reid said the facilities ongoing maintenance was a concern to Council and something that doesn’t align with the usage figures of the track.
“This facility requires regular maintenance and has high renewal and maintenance costs,” Mayor Reid said.
“We have seen usage of this facility dwindling, and its lack of compliance with modern standards reinforces the need for us remove it before riders are injured or the track deteriorates further.”
“There’s a substantial cycling network in Balaklava with trails such as the Shamus Liptrot trail or the Lions Trail providing appropriate and maintained trails for all ages.
“Balaklava has access to the Skatepark which can be used by riders and doesn’t require maintenance like a BMX track does.
The Balaklava BMX track will be decommissioned by Council in the coming months, returning the area to its original state.