Cape Woolamai secures half million dollar funding for pump track

THE Sunnyside Reserve Pump Track at Cape Woolamai has moved a step closer to becoming a reality with a massive funding boost from the State Government and Bass Coast Shire Council.

The Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund today announced a grant of $400,000 to fund the project alongside a $143,870 local government contribution from Bass Coast Shire.

Local riders, families, and community advocates gathered at the reserve to celebrate the milestone, which marks a major victory for the local grassroots campaign.

The journey to secure the region's very first pump track began eight years ago when local resident David Manning pitched the concept on an ideas board at a 2018 Council community forum.

What started as a simple suggestion quickly shifted to a high-gear campaign. Fellow advocate Shannon Melissa accelerated the campaign in 2022 by launching a community petition that ultimately attracted more than 800 signatures, proving there was an overwhelming demand for a dedicated local pump track.

Embracing the community vision Bass Coast Shire worked closely with residents to design the concept and submit the successful grant application. State Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale stated that construction of the Sunnyside Reserve Pump Track stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when passionate residents, local councils, and state governments team up to achieve a shared community goal.

Beyond Cape Woolamai, the strategy includes plans for formalised jump trails and riding facilities at the Sunset Strip Reserve, as well as future mountain bike, flow trail and pump-style facilities at the State Coal Mine site on West Area Road in Wonthaggi.

Designed by trail specialists World Trail the Sunnyside Reserve Pump Track has been described as an important first step in bringing the community’s vision to life. The pump track will feature a range of bumps, jumps and turns suitable for riders of varying ages and abilities. The preferred option chosen by the community after extensive consultation features a dual width straight with advanced and intermediate features, as well as catering for beginner and intermediate riders.

Jordan Crugnale said it was not every day that a post-it note becomes a more than half-a-million-dollar community project, but that's exactly what had happened.

"This project speaks to the power of community ideas, community advocacy and community belief. I'm delighted our State Labor Government can support that local vision and help deliver Bass Coast's first pump track, creating a fantastic place for young people and families to ride, skate, scoot, connect and enjoy the outdoors for years to come,” said Ms Crugnale.

Bass Coast Mayor Brett Tessari said the funding was fantastic news for the Cape Woolamai community and the many local kids and families who had been advocating alongside Council for a pump track at Sunnyside Reserve.

"It's the result of collaboration and community engagement to develop the vision and designs, and we're grateful for the Victorian Government's support in helping bring this project to life while also supporting design work for the San Remo tennis courts, said Mayor Tessari.

The Sunnyside track will accommodate mountain bikes, BMX bikes, skateboards and scooters and has been designed to complement the existing reserve and playground, with additional amenities including a drinking fountain, bins and seating areas.

Council will now advance detailed design work with construction to start mid-next year.