Bike track plans under review

PLANS for a new Barwon Heads mountain bike track are back to the drawing board, after community members raised concerns with a proposed design.

The City of Greater Geelong has agreed to revisit plans for the proposed pump track after locals complained the initial asphalt-heavy design would clash with its surrounds.

Barwon Heads residents also called on the council to involve more user input into designs to ensure the council delivered the best possible facility.

A bike park was identified as a community need as part of the Barwon Heads Village Park Masterplan, which COGG adopted late last year and has begun implementation of.

The city said last month that it would review its plan following community feedback received on its plan in preceding weeks.

“Initial community feedback indicated that council was on track with various aspects of the original design, although insights also indicated that there is still some modification required,” the council said.

Barwon Heads Association had asked for greater input from the strategy’s reference group and park users to develop plans.

BHA also claimed the hard surface would clash with Village Park’s natural character and open space, and welcomed COGG’s commitment to a redesign.

COGG has released concept designs in early March for two track options, which included a 1150-square-metre site with an asphalt surface, including roller doubles and linked turns suitable for beginner and intermediate riders.

The bike discovery area aimed to provide a dedicated recreation space for local and also discourage children from making their own jumps, which escalated during COVID and created safety issues and damage to the nearby environment.