Criterium Track on the cards for Logan
Cronulla Park in Slacks Creek could be the site for a new multi sports facility including Logan's first criterium track to train future Olympians.
A criterium track with a bank track in the middle would provide a facility for the various sporting groups including inline speed skating, cycling, para-cycling, cyclocross and triathlon to host local, national and international events.
A local purpose built track would provide sporting groups with a safe environment for development of junior and new members, currently the closest criterium track is Murrarie or Nerang
Logan residents will decide the future use of the land since the Palaszczuk Government has handed it back to Logan City Council in February. The State Government will provide $6.6 million capital grant to support the new development and Councillor Lisa Bradley is currently taking feedback on the best use for the site via a Facebook survey.
Logan Cycling Club president Gene Gurling have been lobbying to the State Government and Logan City Council for years to secure a facility on this land. Gurling and Logan Cycling Club have received the support of Cycle Queensland President and CEO, Bicycle QLD and RATS Cycling Club plus backing from Robbie McEwen, a triple winner of the Tour de France’s green jersey sprinters’ classification and who at his peak was arguably the fastest sprinter in the world. "A criterium track in Logan would simply revolutionise the sport in this city in regards to the competitive sport, recreational use, public bike skills, teaching, health, rehabilitation and tourism," Gurling said.
Skate Australia's President Karen Doyle lauds the construction of a new track to encourage kids in sport and support development of junior inline speed skaters.
"The local [inline speed] club are already creating a lot of interest with running 'learning to speed skate' lessons which gives children the opportunity to exercise and participate in a sport," she said.
A world class facility with an international standard bank track for inline speed skating would be the first of its kind in Queensland and Skate Queensland Speed Chairperson Steve Hampson said would encourage skaters from around the world to compete in Logan City and assist in the development of world class athletes. “The sport has started to be recognised by the International Olympic Committee for acceptance into the Olympics, we need a facility…to develop our future Olympians,” he said. [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]The single biggest obstacle for growing sporting clubs can be the lack of safe places to train which often discourage female and junior members from progressing to higher levels, according to the Darren Ryan President of Logan Triathlon Club.
“Logan City falls into Triathlon Queensland’s Brisbane south development zone which is the largest amount of juniors in Queensland,” Mr Ryan said.
“Having a criterium track would allow us to develop these youth cycling skills in a safe environment… and would allow us to develop Logan kids into future Olympians.”
Ipswich Cycling Club secretary Jamie Sharpe agrees it would benefit a range of sporting groups and users by providing a ‘safe’ place to train in particular for junior members and creating a sense of community.
“A criterium track…would provide opportunities for all competitive cyclists to race and train in an area free of vehicular traffic,” she said.
“It’s particularly important for the development of junior cyclists who are unable to train and race on public roads…for their safety.”
After months of uncertainty it was announced on February 7th plans to build a $12.million greyhound track have been scrapped.
Councillor Bradley has presented the Council with multiple petitions objecting to the track over the years.
Mayor of Logan Luke Smith said it was a great day for the Logan community. "I would like to see a multi-sports complex there, something that we can offer our residents to get them out and involved in training or recreation of their choice," he said.
"There's a lot of opportunities we can utilise that field for and that's what we prefer."
Show your support and help Logan City secure a Criterium and Bank Track facility by completing the Facebook survey here.
If you would like to contact the Logan City Council directly to show your support please see their contact information below. The contact details for Mayor of Logan Luke Smith are: Phone: 07 3412 3412 Email: mayor@logan.qld.gov.au Councillor Lisa Bradley - Division 1 Representing Daisy Hill (part of), Priestdale, Rochedale South, Springwood (part of) and Underwood (part of). Phone: 07 3412 3412 Email: lisabradley@logan.qld.gov.au
