Bundaberg BMX Club has secured its future at the Bundaberg Regional Airport precinct, with Bundaberg Regional Council resolving to renew the club’s lease for the next 10 years.
The club has operated from the site since October 1980 and continues to provide opportunities for riders of all ages, from beginners through to competitive athletes.
Bundaberg BMX Club secretary Tess Philips said the renewed lease meant a great deal to members.
“It means a guaranteed place to ride, race, stay fit and healthy and keep up the dedication to the sport they love,” Tess said.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said Council was pleased to continue supporting a club that had built a strong presence in the community.
“Council is proud to support local sporting and community groups and the Bundaberg BMX Club is a great example of an organisation that provides real benefits for our region,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“The club promotes healthy and active lifestyles, offers structured recreation for riders of all ages and plays an important role in youth engagement.
“Renewing the lease gives them certainty to plan for the future and continue delivering programs for local families.”
Mayor Blackburn said the site had supported BMX activities for many years, with established infrastructure and a track layout that met the club’s operational requirements.
“It’s a space the club knows well and its long-term presence here shows how effectively the facilities support both training and competition.
“This renewal gives them the stability to continue building on that strong foundation,” she said.
Tess said the club experienced strong community interest and was proud of the programs it was delivering.
“We recently held our first Come and Try day in over a decade and it was a raging success with 40 potential riders attending, four coaches volunteering and many parent volunteers,” she said.
“We followed this with an inter-club race afternoon with 60 riders nominating, most from out of town.
“We also have our annual Cane Toad Classic which last year had over 500 riders nominated.”
Tess said the club was committed to supporting new riders and young people.
“We offer a four-week free trial for new riders to test out the sport and we also provide some hire gear for riders to test it out before outlaying money towards equipment.”
She said the site held special significance for members.
“Our late club president and chief organiser for years, Mark Rohdmann, is memorialised at this location,” Tess said.
The club is now preparing for a major event in August.
“Our annual Cane Toad Classic will potentially bring more than 350 riders from across the country to Bundaberg for the weekend,” she said.
Bundaberg BMX Club welcomes new riders and families to connect through their website and Facebook page for opportunities to get involved in the sport.
