Shire pledges to work towards bike park solution

THE Surf Coast Shire says it is committed to working with the community and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) on future options for the Anglesea Bike Park.

Last week, Alcoa released its draft freehold concept master plan for the former mine and power station.

The bike park is absent from the master plan for that part of the site, which proposes that it should “integrate sustainable residential housing and tourism accommodation that complements the Anglesea township”.

The bike park leases the land from Alcoa for free, but its users have always feared the post-closure plans for the mine might lead to the park
being bulldozed.

An online petition to save the park by publicly acquiring the land started by the chair of the park’s committee of management, Mike Bodsworth, has gathered more than 4,400 signatures as of yesterday (Wednesday).

Anglesea Ward councillor Margot Smith highlighted the importance of working with the community and DELWP to assess all options for the bike park, including relocating it elsewhere.

“Council is committed to a bike park being in Anglesea and is undertaking a study to assess possible locations. We are engaging mountain bike and trail experts, who will support us to explore all options.

“Importantly, this work will also involve looking at the opportunity for a bike park to double as the start of a broader trail, with connections to the local and regional trail network.

“As a council, we want to support people to be healthy and active and the Anglesea Bike Park and linking of trails would fulfil this goal.

“It’s important we have a transition plan in place, in case it is needed.”

A decision on the future of the park is planned before the council’s lease expires at the end of June.

Anglesea Ward Councillor Libby Coker said the Anglesea Bike Park was a valued community asset.

“The community has invested much time and effort into the Anglesea bike park over many years and I understand their passion to retain it.

“A bike park in Anglesea makes great sense, particularly for family and visitors linking to a trail head for mountain bikers.

“We must work with Alcoa and DELWP to get the best outcome for the community.”