By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Cyclists have rolled up to Parliament House in a last-ditch stand against the impending demolition of Maurice Kirby Velodrome.
With placards and bikes on hand, a doughty handful set up camp on the State Parliament’s front steps from dawn on Tuesday 5 March.
The riders say they are “resolute” despite a majority of Greater Dandenong councillors recently voting to fast-track the velodrome’s demolition as part of an $11 million Parkfield Reserve upgrade.
As part of the project, the reserve will get a modern multi-sports pavilion, an enlarged soccer and cricket oval and a 650-metre shared cycling-walking path.
On Parliament steps, the protesters lobbied passing MPs such as Deputy Premier James Merlino, the Opposition’s Upper House leader David Davis and South-East Metro Liberal MP Gordon Rich-Phillips.
“It’s something that had to be done,” Save Noble Park Velodrome spokesperson Boyd Fraser said.
“We’ve tried every other avenue and we haven’t been able to hold the council to account.”
It comes during a dogged campaign by cyclists, backed by Cycling Victoria and Bicycle Network Victoria.
They have clashed heatedly with Parkfield’s cricket, tennis and soccer clubs who welcome the overdue upgrading of sub-standard facilities.
Recently, the club lodged a submission for the track’s heritage listing. Heritage Victoria rejected the claim, finding the track was not of statewide significance.
Mr Fraser still hoped that with State MPs’ backing, the track could gain heritage protection as well as funds for re-surfacing.
“We’re not giving up.
“If we’re going to go down, we’re going to go down fighting.”
The track is within Premier Daniel Andrews’ electorate, not far from his office, Mr Fraser noted.
“He’s the only man that can save the velodrome. In a blink of an eye, he can say we believe this velodrome will be saved.”
According to a council report, the velodrome would require a major reconstruction to meet professional standards, is currently unsafe and attracts “minimal” use.
The track creates safety concerns for cricket fielders, as well as the possibility of riders being struck by cricket and soccer balls, the council has argued.
A recission motion lodged by Cr Matthew Kirwan has put the demolition on hold – at least until it’s revisited at a council meeting on Tuesday 12 March.
