Colac Otway welcomes Federal Government support for velodrome
Published on 11 April 2019
Colac Otway welcomes Federal Government support for velodrome
Colac Otway Shire Council has joined cyclists from across the region and other Elliminyt Recreation reserve users in celebrating a Federal grant to upgrade Colac’s velodrome.
Shire Mayor Cr Jason Schram welcomed Member for Wannon Dan Tehan’s announcement yesterday that the Federal Government will provide $320,000 for the upgrade which will improve safety and assist Colac Cycling Club attract new members and visiting cyclists.
The Community Development Grants Program funding has been available through the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.
“Colac Otway has a great deal to offer its growing population and Council has been strongly advocating for funding for projects across the shire to make sure Colac Otway continues to be a fantastic place to live into the future,” Cr Schram said.
“An important part of Council’s role has been to work with our community to identify, plan and gain funding for facilities that meet the increasing needs of residents.
“We have been successful in getting funding to help our smaller communities over the past six months, and a range of projects across Colac including the Memorial Square playspace, Central Reserve upgrades and now the velodrome funding.
“Elliminyt Recreation Reserve is a regional facility with the only velodrome between Geelong and Warrnambool,” he said.
“Colac Cycling Club hosts weekly track racing in summer and these events regularly attract 60 junior and senior riders from the region supporting a proud cycling history in our region.
“The current velodrome surface is unsafe with sections falling apart and more cracks constantly appearing and without the upgrade, which can now go ahead, there would have come a time when the velodrome would have not been fit for use.
“The Federal grant will allow Council to reinstate the velodrome to an acceptable standard through geotechnical site investigations and the development of design/construction specifications to ensure the existing velodrome sub-surface is not damaged by resurfacing.
“Council has already completed drainage work at the reserve in the lead-up to the start of football and netball season which will reduce water logging and further drainage work will ensure the longevity of the new velodrome surface,” Cr Schram said.
“The existing velodrome track will be resurfaced and other safety improvements will be included in the upgrade of the velodrome.”