Hervey Bay pump track site chosen

A park behind the current Hervey Bay Library and the University of the Sunshine Coast’s local campus has been earmarked as the site for a pump track in Hervey Bay.

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 the 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.

“Now that Council has decided on a site, we will start the concept design phase and hold community engagement sessions soon to help finalise the design.

“The aim is to have the community engagement phase completed by the end of June so designs can be created and the facility built in the 2023/24 financial year.”

Council secured a $1.3 million Works for Queensland grant from the State Government to build pump tracks in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

Following a review of multiple sites across greater Hervey Bay, Council decided that Fraser Coast Park was the best site for the facility.

Fraser Coast Park is located between the University of Sunshine Coast, Council Library, Condy Park Kindergarten, Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) and the Mary to Bay Rail Trail.

“The pump track will promote active use of the space and encourage activity outside of normal business hours,” Cr Wellings said.

“The planned construction of a carpark near the facility in conjunction with the new Council administration, library and disaster resilience centre will also support the pump track facility and provide additional passive surveillance of the site.

“Part of the park will still be available for events and there is still room for the University of Sunshine Coast to expand.”

Council has previously determined that the Maryborough pump track will be built in Anzac Park.

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

A smaller facility has already been opened at Tiaro.

“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,” Cr Wellings said. “We are excited to develop these new facilities to bring locals and visiting families together.”