Major upgrade coming for Geelong BMX club

A LOCAL BMX club is looking forward to expanding its capabilities following the approval of an infrastructure grant by the City of Greater Geelong.

Geelong Thunder BMX announced last week it had just been approved for a City of Greater Geelong Community Infrastructure Grant totalling $372,000, which will be used for complete track lighting at its facility at Grinter Reserve, Newcomb.

Geelong BMX Club president Michelle Osborn said the club was extremely excited to find out it had been approved for its funding application.

“The installation of track lighting will enable the club to better engage with our members and community by extending training sessions into the evening, improve rider safety with adequate lighting, host evening events and events on a larger scale,” she said.

“Track lighting will help support our clubs growth in aiming to provide a high quality facility for the BMX community in Geelong.”

 

The club’s push for track lighting has been an ongoing mission for the committee, with initial planning stemming back to 2023 as part of the club’s continued advocacy for improved facilities.

The city announced the club was successful in receiving a $16,560 grant in 2023 to pursue a sports lighting upgrade at its Grinter Reserve base.

At the time, it was one of 35 community infrastructure projects to receive funding in the grants round.

“Over many years, our club has consistently highlighted the need for essential infrastructure improvements including toilet and first aid facilities, change rooms and track upgrades,” Ms Osborn said.

“We remain committed to advocating for these necessary upgrades as we continue working towards a better experience for all our members.”

Cheetham Ward councillor Melissa Cadwell praised the efforts of the club’s efforts following the most recent announcement, bur acknowledged more planning still needed to be done.

“Of course there’s more to be done in terms of infrastructure, including track upgrades for better and easier maintenance, and clubroom upgrades including permanent on site toilets, change rooms, social rooms, first aid and spectator facilities,” Cr Cadwell said.

“I’ll be watching the development of the project with interest and can’t wait to celebrate with you in 2025 when we cut the ribbon.”