AFTER tens of thousands of dollars spent on the BMX track at Anzac Park, support from Orange councillors is starting to waver, calling the unfinished facility an eyesore.
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Councillor Glenn Taylor asked for an update at Tuesday night’s meeting after discussing the issue with deputy mayor Chris Gryllis.
“I suggest all councillors have a look at that because it is an eyesore,” he said.
“How long is this saga going on? It’s been years and years and it’s valuable land.”
Cr Taylor said the skate park to be built nearby would improve the area, but a decision had to be made on the track.
Cr Gryllis said the project had a chequered history.
“I’m wondering whether to stop it now or spend some more money,” he said.
Councillor Reg Kidd said he had never seen cyclists using what was already in place, and questioned whether the track would be used once complete.
Upgrades started in May last year, with the council outlaying $29,435 and the NSW Office of Sport and Recreation $25,000.
Orange City Council community, recreation and cultural services director Scott Maunder told councillors about 10,000 cubic metres of soil had been deposited at the site, however the final design to international competition standards, a gate and concrete ramp still had to be completed.
Track designer Dirtz Trax ‘n’ Trailz is expected on site later this month, with Pybar donating the machinery to move the dirt.
General manager Garry Styles pointed out Orange BMX was enthusiastic about the project and most of the money the council had provided had been spent.
“I would suggest seeing them out for a month or so to see the finished product,” he said.
After the meeting, bicycle community committee member and councillor Ash Brown said the project had been delayed due to the cost of transporting soil, and people were not using it due to uneven dirt piles.
“Rather than buying fill, council has taken fill from projects such as the Huntley Road upgrade for the new entrance to Orange Hospital, the East Orange Channel upgrade and other construction projects throughout the city being undertaken by private contractors,” he said.
Orange BMX declined to comment.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au