By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong Council is proposing to fast-track the controversial demolition of Maurice Kirby Velodrome in Noble Park as soon as March.
On 25 February, councillors will vote on the reallocation of $450,000 from the Open Space Reserve Fund to allow for works to start during “historically stable” weather conditions in March and April.
The stage 1 works would also include the demolition of the fire-damaged Scout Hall, minor drainage works and a new 2.5-metre wide shared path around Parkfield Reserve.
Mayor Roz Blades said the decision was prompted by council staff. It was “not a political one” or as a result of public agitation, she said.
“It’s an operational issue. That’s the total reason.”
Cr Blades said residents had also expressed concerns that the cycling track was not safe.
“What I’m hearing from local residents is they would like it gone as soon as possible.
“They don’t want their kids riding on it.”
Cr Tim Dark said the reallocation was in keeping with the purposes of the Open Space Reserve Fund.
The funds – consisting of unbudgeted extra revenue – could be used to upgrade existing reserves as well as to acquire property for open space, he said.
The newly reformed Noble Park Dandenong Cycling Club, which opposed the velodrome’s destruction, called it a “vindictive” move.
Demolition works hadn’t been expected to proceed until after the council’s 2019-’20 budget in July, member Kim Nguyen.
“Back in December, when the council approved the (Parkfield Reserve) masterplan, they said the council has no budget to carry out any works.
“Now it seems to be happening in March.”
The club’s campaign to save the velodrome was now looking “very grim”, Mr Nguyen said.
But for the fast-tracking, winter and spring rains would have delayed demolition works until – at the earliest – October or November, according to a council report.
“Wet conditions provide a much more difficult work environment when undertaking earthworks,” it stated.
The project has been the subject of impassioned debate, with the reserve’s tenant cricket, soccer and tennis clubs in support.
The plan includes an expanded cricket oval and new practice wickets, an extra soccer pitch, upgraded and relocated tennis courts and a new shared pavilion for the three tenant clubs.
