Legend - Cessnock City Council

Cessnock Skate and BMX Facilities Needs Assessment 2020
There is a safety and legal issue with skate, scoot and BMX riders participating in
undesignated public areas, such as the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre and main streets,
due to lack of adequate skate and BMX facilities, particularly outside Cessnock and Kurri
Kurri.
Small towns/villages without a skate and BMX facility are disadvantaged due to lack of public
transport.
In the short to medium term there are limited funds to develop new skate and BMX facilities,
however there is the opportunity to develop small scale skate/BMX facilities, for example a
pathway with active elements. These pathways could also double as entry pathway to skate
and BMX facilities, which was identified as a need from users and community.
To address the safety issue for young people from Branxton accessing Greta, Cessnock City
Council has completed a design for the construction of a cycleway between the two suburbs,
but is subject to joint future funding in partnership with the Roads and Traffic Authority.
There was a preference from stakeholders and users for high quality, larger skate and BMX
facilities which cater for all age groups, skill levels and styles rather than a high quantity of
low quality facilities.
Stakeholders, users, young people and community members indicated that to meet the
different user groups needs and to avoid conflict a separate section for BMX and scooter
riders should be included in upgrades to existing and construction of future skate and BMX
facilities. In addition, all existing and future skate and BMX facilities should include basic
amenities and support facilities. Installation of lighting to encourage positive nighttime use
was also indicated.
Users and young people identified that maintaining and improving existing skate and BMX
facilities is a priority. There was even the idea expressed that existing concrete skate and
BMX facilities should be demolished and redeveloped. Furthermore, users voiced that there
needs to be a greater variety of active elements across skate and BMX facilities throughout
the Cessnock Local Government Area. Users, young people and community members
suggested that professional skate and BMX design and construction companies should be
responsible for future development with involvement from the community.
Future skate and BMX facility location considerations identified include:
� co-locate with pool or sports complex;
� access to food and refreshments;
� located in a more central location where there is existing community activity; and
� sited in a highly visible location.
Future potential locations identified include:
� Branxton-Huntlee is proposed as a major growth area over the next 25 years; Miller
Park could be a potential location, received stakeholder support, and high level
support from young people and the broader community.
� North Rothbury – community support and large scale development awaiting approval.
� Peace Park, Weston – integrate skate and BMX elements with existing facilities.
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