A GRANT to upgrade the Tamworth BMX track has been welcomed by the local club, but when it can be put to use is unknown because the track remains closed indefinitely.
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Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson announced $15,000 in funding for the Tamworth City BMX Club to put towards upgrading the competition surface.
However, Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) has not yet determined a plan to clean up the site after it was found to be contaminated with low levels of asbestos in March.
The Marius Street site was fenced off to the public immediately.
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Tamworth City BMX Club president Daniel Morris said he hopes to have more information about council's clean-up plans soon.
"At the moment there is no indication, but we are hoping to know more in the next few weeks," he said.
"We have had some contractors and quotes come in, but it just needs to go through all the official channels."
Mr Morris said the state government grant gives the club an extra something to look forward to when the track can reopen.
"It makes it so when we do open, we get to make it even better," he said.
TRC sport and recreation manager Paul Kelly said ridding the BMX track of a small amount of asbestos is a high priority for council.
"We are currently looking for suitable funding opportunities to allow for these works to happen," he said.
TRC is working with a consultant to form an environmental management plan before remediation can start.
Tamworth was on track to host a BMX state series competition in May, but it had to be cancelled. Mr Morris said this funding will allow the club to lobby to host events down the road.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
