New pump tracks for Hervey Bay and Maryborough

Hervey Bay’s new pump track is planned to be at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct while local residents are being encouraged to have their say on two proposed sites for a pump track in Maryborough.

Cr Jade Wellings said Fraser Coast Regional Council recognised that pump tracks were becoming popular recreation facilities across the country with a recent feasibility study highlighting there was demand for pump tracks in the region.

“A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and jumps designed to be ridden by generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing,” she said.

The proposed tracks in Hervey Bay and Maryborough will include three distinct sections to cater for beginners, intermediate and experienced users.

Cr Wellings said a range of potential sites had been identified for the tracks and Council was asking residents for feedback on the options in Maryborough.

“Council would like to see the Hervey Bay pump track built at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct in Nikenbah, subject to community consultation on a revised Sports Precinct Master Plan in early 2022.

“For Maryborough, we are seeking feedback on two proposed options - ANZAC Park and Brendan Hansen Park. We want to hear from residents which location they would prefer.

“The tracks would be a great outlet for locals, as well as another feature we could use to attract visitors to the region. Competitions have started, and a number of councils host annual events.

“Red Bull started the Pump Track World Championship in 2018. In 2019, the Championships were expanded as a series of 26 events across 22 countries including Australia while a Queensland events company wants to set up competitions.

“Council is determined to support an active and healthy community through providing parks and open spaces that are enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.

“We are excited to be developing these new facilities to bring locals and visiting families together.”

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the Queensland Government was investing Council $1.3 million through the successful Works For Queensland Program to design and build the tracks over the next three years.

“The region has received almost $65 million for community infrastructure projects through the job-creating Works for Queensland program that is benefitting people in the Fraser Coast region,” Mr Tantari said.

“Families and locals of all ages will be able to enjoy the new pump track at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.”

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders encouraged the community to have their say on the two proposed sites for the Maryborough pump track.

“The Works for Queensland program provides funding to get projects off the ground that will create jobs and make a big difference to regional communities,” Mr Saunders said.

“Not only will the pump track encourage people to get out and be more active, jobs will also be created during construction which is great for our community.”

Council has received a $1.3 million grant from Round 4 of the State Government Works For Queensland Program to design and build the tracks over the next three years.

More information on the proposal, including dates and locations for drop-in sessions and an online survey, is available on the Council Engagement Hub page https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/pumptrack-mb

Community consultation is open now and closes on Sunday, January 16.