Horsham Rural City Council has endorsed the continued use of the Burnt Creek Dirt Jumps under its existing Management Plan, following the conclusion of a 12-month trial that demonstrated the site can operate as a valued informal recreation facility under a structured management framework.
At Council’s July 2026 meeting, Councillors heard the outcomes of a trial at the Burnt Creek Dirt Jumps that ran from July 2025 to June 2026. Outcomes of the trial were assessed against a Dirt Jumps Management Plan, which was introduced to better manage safety, maintenance, and cultural and environmental risks at the site.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said “For around 30 years, the Burnt Creek Dirt Jumps have given young people and BMX riders in our community a free, accessible place to get active,”
“This trial has shown the site can continue to operate successfully under a structured management framework, and I’m pleased Council can support its ongoing use into the future.”
The Management Plan was implemented, with regular inspections, maintenance and monitoring processes established over the trial period. Users have generally complied with site management requirements, and community interest and support for retaining the facility remains strong. The trial has also given Council a clearer understanding of the ongoing management responsibilities and costs associated with the site.
Following these outcomes, Council has endorsed the continued management of the site under the existing Management Plan beyond the trial period. The trial also confirmed significant cultural heritage and floodplain constraints affecting the site, which limit future expansion and modification.
Cr Klowss said Council remained committed to balancing community recreation needs with its cultural heritage and environmental responsibilities.
“We’re mindful that this site sits within a sensitive cultural and environmental landscape, and we take those obligations seriously,” Cr Klowss said.
“At the same time, we know how much this facility means to our young people, and we’re keen to keep exploring options that could support the long-term growth of dirt jump facilities in our municipality.”
While these constraints do not prevent continued operation of the existing facility, Council will continue to investigate alternative management and activation models, alongside potential future sites capable of accommodating longer-term growth in dirt jump facilities across the municipality, subject to external funding partnerships and future budget considerations.
