Short-term licence granted

On 19 August 2025 a report was presented to Council to provide an update on the Happy Valley and Cove BMX Clubs use of Happy Valley BMX track.

The Council report can be viewed on the agenda (item 9.2 commencing on page 57).

Based on 92% support during the community engagement period, council has issued a short-term licence to the Clubs, as well as an event permit. The conditions reflect the feedback we received from the community.

Thank you to everyone that took the time to participate in this process.

Background

Keeping Our Young Riders on Track – Temporary Return to Happy Valley BMX

BMX is more than just a sport for the young riders in our community — it's a way to stay healthy, build friendships, and be part of something positive. For many of these kids, it’s their passion.

Until recently, the Happy Valley BMX Club trained and raced at the Happy Valley BMX track. In late 2021, they moved to the new Sam Willoughby BMX Facility on Majors Road. Unfortunately, due to severe cracking in the track surface, parts of the facility can’t be used right now. Repairs are planned, but the full track won’t be ready until early 2026. That means many children currently don’t have a safe, suitable place to train or race.

To support these young athletes, council is working with Happy Valley and Cove BMX Clubs (the Clubs) to temporarily relocate them to the Happy Valley BMX track. The Clubs are taking responsibility for some minor works to get the track ready — most of the infrastructure is still in place and can be used again.

The track will remain open for community use, and the Clubs are proposing to train after hours, with exclusive use on 10 planned event days between August and early December. This includes nine local events and one state-level series race. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for details of the event dates and times.

Council proposed granting a short-term licence for the days and times of use to support this temporary arrangement, and this is supported by Happy Valley Sports Park, AusCycling – the peak body for BMX, and Erin Thompson MP. Council wanted to hear from the community to help shape the conditions of that agreement. Your input helped ensure the track serves both the community and these young riders who rely on it to stay active, connected, and doing what they love.