By Chris Fletcher
On November 26 the Penguin Mountain Bike Precinct Working Group (PMBPWG) had its final meeting for the year. Chaired by Council’s Community Services Director, Chris Clark, the meeting was this time mostly an update of works either completed or about to begin.
It was good to report on the recently completed Club and State Government funded works in the Free Ride area of the Park. Beno’s Digger Hire and Excavation did an outstanding job clearing vegetation and renovating the jump lines in the Free Ride area. Riders are returning in numbers now that the jumps have better shape and improved sight lines.
Chris Clark reported that a start on the Mt Montgomery car park toilet, carpark and bike wash down facility was imminent. This will be welcomed by all trail users in the Dial.
Also, the tender process is well advanced by Council for a builder of the Dial 2B (Mt Dial to Mt Gnomon carpark) mountain bike trail. Council is hoping for construction work to begin in the second half of next year.
And finally, Council reported that it has funding for a Dial Sports Precinct Master Plan that will include the Penguin Mountain Bike Park. The Club is very supportive of any long-term planning process that will result in more efficient use of existing sport and recreation facilities as well as potentially more funding options for Club developments going forward.