The west’s first downhill mountain bike track could soon be rolling as part of a planned $4.5 million revamp of the underused Quarry Park in Footscray.
Cycling enthusiasts have welcomed the inclusion of the track and a skills park in a master plan for the 7.2 hectare former tip site.
A report on the master plan presented to last night’s Maribyrnong council meeting envisages a “dramatic, sculpted landscape”, which will offer park users “spectacular views”.
“An item which received very strong support through the consultation was the mountain bike track and skills park,” the report noted.
“These elements have therefore been developed to have a stronger presence in the park, utilising the steep landform along the northern part of the site, while still keeping the area to the south open for a variety of leisure uses.”
John Symons, who led the community campaign for the mountain bike element of the plan, said he was pleased to see the draft had been updated to take on board the suggestion.
“I would like to see a little more length to the track, but it’s heading in the right direction,” he said.
At least $2 million of landfill remediation will be required before further works can be completed to reuse the site.
The council has allocated $1million in the 2016-17 budget towards the works, with later elements to be staged as funding becomes available.
