Local youth now have a new recreational facility, with the opening of the Minnamurra Bike Skills Track. See some great shots of the Opening of the Bike Skills Park here.

“Our recent surveys showed strong support in our community for projects that deliver sporting facilities, especially those that cater to young people,” says Mayor Mark Honey.

“Thanks to our strong working relationship with our State and Federal local members, we have a new facility that helps meet that need."

Our intrepid reporter, Jack Wallner, was one of the first to try out the Track. He'll be back with his friends.

Council's previously unused Minnamurra Quarry, at Sanctuary Place, has been transformed for use by cyclists of all abilities, school aged and above. It features two downhill tracks, with senior and junior courses, as well as a balance skills course. There are also picnic shelters, park benches, amenities and a carpark. There is room for a pump track and areas for pre-schoolers when further funds become available.

“Council has received numerous requests for a bike skills track in recent years, and it is great to be able to have it up and running," says Mayor Honey.

“This new track complements our many other bike and skating facilities and infrastructure throughout the Municipality.”

The track includes features suggested during community consultation with residents, community groups and local schools.

The design was finalised by bike track specialists Dirtz Track, which has built more than 120 mountain bike, pumptrack and BMX facilities in Australia and overseas.

The 250 metres of track was constructed by Council workers who used more than 2,000 tonnes of clean soil sourced from other construction sites.

Minnamurra Lions Club helped by repairing existing picnic shelters and building the timber balance skills section.

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP, says she was happy to support this fantastic community project with $150,000 from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

“Bike tracks are a great way for our young people to exercise and have fun in the community,” Ms Phillips said.

“Thank you to the Kiama Council workers that constructed this, and the Minnamurra Lions Club for their volunteer work.”

Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward MP, says he is pleased to see the new track officially open in time for the school holidays.

“I was very pleased to help secure $50,000 funding from the NSW Government for this fantastic project, which will make a real and lasting difference in our local community.

“It will provide a great resource particularly for our local young people and encourage them to be fit and healthy.”

The Minnamurra Bike Skills Track is open 8am to 5pm, seven days a week. Riders must wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear when using the track.