Bike riders of all ages are expected to race to a new asphalt pump track at the Murray Sporting Complex in Annandale.
The Townsville City Council project is a new drawcard for the area which already has a skatepark and dirt jumps.
Sports and Recreation Committee Chair Cr Maurie Soars said the pump track will be a popular addition to the area.
“The track has a number of features including rollers and banked turns – and as its name suggests, riders don’t use their pedals to go faster – they build momentum by pumping their bike up and down using their bodies,” Cr Soars said.
“This is another great place for kids and the young at heart to get outside and remain fit and active.
“I think it is great that the community contributed to the design – more than 500 people visited Council’s Have Your Say page – so this is a great example of what we can achieve working together.”
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Townsville City Council had received more than $69.6 million to help deliver 96 projects, which had already created or supported 1,358 local jobs.
“Additionally, the Council has just been allocated a further $13.54 million through the COVID Works for Queensland program to help support the community during these difficult times.”
Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the new track is a welcome addition to the Murray Sporting Complex.
“Murray caters for a lot of different sports and this is a great area where families and friends can enjoy themselves at the pump track, skate park and the dirt jumps,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“It caters for a lot of different age groups and skill levels so parents can take their kids to the area for an afternoon of fun.”
Local councillor Suzy Batkovic said the development will impress casual observers.
“This wasn’t simply a matter of building a few dirt jumps – the specially designed track is made of asphalt and Council has also increased seating and tree plantings to increase shade,” Cr Batkovic said.
“The project secured $200,000 in funding from the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program so I’d like to thank the state for its support.
“I’m sure riders have been counting down to the opening of the pump track and it is great that is coming online as COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted.”
