By Alesha Capone and Charlene Macaulay
Wyndham council says rebuilding of the junior and senior motocross tracks at Lawrie Emmins Reserve in Laverton North will begin next year.
Almost two years ago, the council approved a planning permit to reuse the existing track, which closed in 2010.
The council’s 2018-19 budget included $1.6 million for the project, including improving on-site facilities such as toilets and the carpark.
In May, Wyndham’s sports development portfolio holder Cr Peter Maynard said if everything “went to plan” building was set to kick off this year.
With the year drawing to a close, Star Weekly contacted the council last week to find out what was happening with the project.
The council’s city life director Jenny McMahon, said that the council had “undertaken some further testing of the motocross track at Lawrie Emmins Reserve, which we’re currently in the process of reviewing”.
“This has resulted in a delay in getting the construction going,” Ms McMahon said.
She did not specify what kind of testing had been done at the track, or why the council had carried out the testing.
“The community has been waiting a long time for this project, and we’re looking forward to construction commencing in the new year,” Ms McMahon said.
In July, Star Weekly reported that members from the Western Melbourne Field Archers and Werribee Archers, who use the reserve, were concerned about the state of the 70-hectare site.
Members said 4WDs and motorcyclists had created makeshift race tracks at the reserve, which is also being used as a dumping ground for illegal rubbish and vandalism.
Senior Sergeant Aaron Riches said police regularly patrolled the reserve, including on dirt bikes.
