A $1.6 million cash splash will breathe new life into the disused Lawrie Emmins motocross track.
Wyndham council’s draft 2018-19 budget has pledged to rebuild both the junior and senior tracks at the Laverton North facility, which will be compliant with Motorcycling Victoria’s safety regulations and guidelines. It is believed the industry body will manage the track once it reopens.
Wyndham mayor and sports development portfolio holder Peter Maynard said the redevelopment would also involve improving surrounding on-site facilities, including toilets and the carpark.
Cr Maynard has led a community reference group, which also included Sergeant Aaron Prentice-Evans from the Westgate Highway Patrol and community representatives Les Cameron and Brett Ison, since late last year to help get the long-awaited redevelopment off the ground.
The project has had its fair share of delays. In January 2016, Wyndham council approved a planning permit to reuse the existing track, which was shut down in 2010.
Cr Maynard said he was excited to see funding for the track. “The community has been waiting a long time for this project and we’re getting on with the job of making it happen,” Cr Maynard said. “If everything goes to plan, construction is set to kick off late this year.”
The redevelopment is one of a number of sporting upgrades expected to be delivered in the next financial year, with $3.6 million allocated for a new sports pavilion, carpark and sporting fields at Werribee’s Galvin Park, and $7.2 million for a sports field and netball pavilion at Mossfiel Reserve.
