A $2.1 million upgrade of the Willey Street BMX facility canteen is being enjoyed by club members.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the finished canteen was part of a council drive to provide quality sporting infrastructure across the city.
“Ipswich is one of Queensland’s fastest-growing cities with a population that is set to more than double in the coming decades,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council is committed to updating and expanding community infrastructure including sporting fields ahead of thousands more residents calling Ipswich home.
“I am delighted to see this $2.1 million upgrade complete and new facilities in use, providing a new canteen, first aid room, toilets and storage to support the growing Ipswich & West Moreton BMX Club.
“BMX first featured in the Olympic program in 2008 and interest in the sport in Australia is growing quickly as we countdown to Brisbane 2032.
“These upgraded facilities will help the Ipswich & West Moreton BMX Club attract more events and home meets which will benefit our young riders like Holyee-Ann Jackson and Chloe Duncalfe.
“Both these young stars have the potential to compete in the Brisbane 2032 Games and what a bonus it will be for them to practice under the same conditions that they will face during that competition.”
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said she was pleased to secure more than half a million dollars through Sport and Rec Queensland and was delighted to see it up and running and changing the face of the sport of BMX locally.
“The new canteen will greatly benefit Ipswich and West Moreton BMX Club by helping it to attract more members, volunteers, and larger BMX competitions,” Ms Howard said.
“It could also potentially serve as a training venue for competing countries ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the upgraded BMX facilities will have enduring benefits.
“Council is focussed on developing infrastructure in Division 3 that will inspire the children of today to become the next generation of Australian sportsmen and women,” Cr Doyle said.
“Council supported the Ipswich and West Moreton BMX Club in 2021 when the city hosted the AusCycling BMX State Championships, and we would love to see more of these marquee events come to Ipswich.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said council was always improving the city’s sporting facilities.
“Demand for existing and new sporting facilities is soaring amid our unprecedented growth as a city and council is working hard to ensure that this demand is met,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“This new canteen is just another positive example of how our city is growing.
“Sport adds so much to our community by building connections and friendships across our city and keeping people active and healthy.”
Ipswich City Council’s contribution to the new facility was $1.6 million and council would like to acknowledge the funding allocation of $500,000 by the Queensland Government for the Willey Street BMX Canteen as a 2020 Election Commitment that the Department of Tourism and Sport are assisting to deliver.