Council upgrade to ‘wheelie’ improve Willey Street BMX facility
25 January 2024
A new canteen is entering the final stages of a $1.8 million upgrade of the Willey Street BMX facility by the Ipswich City Council.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the works, which are expected to be finished next month, were part of the council’s $267.2 million capital budget.
“Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest-growing city with a population that is set to more than double in the coming decades,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council is committed to updating and expanding its community infrastructure including sporting fields and suburban infrastructure ahead of thousands more residents calling Ipswich home.
“I am delighted to see this $1.8 million upgrade almost complete and providing a new canteen, office, first aid room, toilets and storage to support the success of the Ipswich & West Moreton BMX Club.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said the new facilities will help attract future state and national BMX events to Ipswich.
“Council supported the Ipswich and West Moreton BMX Club in 2021 when the city hosted the AusCycling BMX State Championships and we would love to see more of these marquee events come to Ipswich,” Cr Tully said.
“Our city is an active and healthy one with a variety of activities, facilities and services on offer for all to participate in. BMX is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia and council is proud to support initiatives that drive active community participation at all levels of skill and fitness.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said council was working towards improving the city’s sporting facilities.
“Our fields and ovals, trails and tracks, pools and courts attract athletes of all ages and abilities and are vital to supporting active and healthy living.
“However, as our city continues its unprecedented growth, demand for existing and new sporting facilities is soaring and council is working hard to ensure that this demand is met.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the upgraded BMX facilities will have enduring benefits for the city.
“The upgraded facilities will help the Ipswich & West Moreton BMX Club attract more major events and more home meets for future champions such as Holyee-Ann Jackson and Chloe Duncalfe,” Cr Doyle said.
“Both these girls will have an eye on competing in the Brisbane 2032 Games and what a bonus it will be to practice and compete in their own backyard under the same conditions that they may face at the during that competition.
The $1.8 million project is partially funded by the Queensland Government.
For more information about local projects visit council’s Civic Projects Map at Maps.ipswich.qld.gov.au/civicprojects