A NEW dirt mountain bike track has been officially opened following a collaborative effort between the District Council of Grant and local youth.
In February last year, 15-year-old Port MacDonnell resident Jett Lewis approached council, with the support of Brevet Sergeant John Carroll, propositioning an upgrade of the unused existing track.
After extensive consultation between Jett and council staff an alternative site was identified with council committing $15,000 to carry out works in the 2023-2024 financial year.
The track is a three-metre wide dirt mountain bike track and will be free to use as a public recreational facility.
It has been specifically built to accommodate a range of riding skill levels with jumps and turns being strategically located throughout the 225-metre course of all shapes and sizes.
Mayor Kylie Boston said she was happy council could assist in transforming Jett’s idea into reality.
“The bike track is a really great outcome providing local and visiting children with an additional outdoor activity to keep them active and having fun,” Ms Boston said.
“We are proud to be working alongside the youth in our district to help create vibrant and connected communities.
“I strongly encourage our young people to continue being creative to help generate positive change in our community as it all starts at the local level.”
Grant Council chief executive Darryl Whicker said it had been pleasing to have many youth riders already using the track.
“We are thrilled to continue to provide quality recreation facilities for the local community and visitors as identified in the Port MacDonnell Urban Design Framework and Master Plan,” Mr Whicker said.
“It is excellent to have completed this collaborative project ahead of Youth Week 2024, where we will continue to celebrate the terrific ideas and contributions of our young people.
“Council’s Works team will continue to monitor the track over the coming months to assess wear and tear caused by use and the imminent wet weather.”
Brevet Sergeant John Carroll said he was extremely proud of the initiative shown by Jett to get the proposal off the ground.
“I’m proud of the way he stood before all the Council members and told his story and explained his proposition, and I’m really pleased that the Council followed up with it and got it done,” Brevet Carroll said.
The dirt mountain bike track is open for public use with access located between 10 and 12 Elizabeth Street, Port MacDonnell with council also partnering with the Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) and local youth to further identify future improvement opportunities.
