We understand it may seem like harmless fun to build a few dirt jumps in an empty grassed area. There are a number of reasons why we can’t allow this to happen.
The first is safety. We need to make sure that anything built on Council land is safe – for both the users and passers-by. When community members build their own jumps, we can’t ensure that what has been built is safe – either in the design or construction. While there will always be some level of risk involved in any skate or BMX facility, we can manage this by having any facility professionally designed and built, and regularly checking and maintaining them.
The second is the natural environment. When dirt jumps are built by the community, it often causes damage to garden beds, grassed surfaces, mulched areas and tree roots due to the digging required to move dirt. Sometimes the jumps are built in our conservation areas, causing damage to endangered plant species. It’s important that we ensure our natural environment, beautiful landscapes and open spaces are being taken care of.
Lastly, we need to consider what the whole community want. While an open space may seem like a good place to build jumps, residents with properties that surround that open space may not like the idea of having something built so close to their homes. When we build something, we talk to all those who will be affected by it, and those living close by to ensure that everyone’s feedback is considered.