Community Safety Front of Mind as Council Decides to Remove Rider-Built Bike Jumps

Goondiwindi Regional Council are currently removing a number of rider-built bike jumps from Council land, following concerns about safety, legal liability risk to ratepayers and environmental impacts.

Cr Jason Watts, portfolio holder for Transport, Roads and Youth said, “Council understands that building jumps is a fun outdoor experience that provides youth with wonderful opportunities to socialise, be creative and most importantly to be active. Unfortunately rider-built jumps that have been built on Council land, have become quite large and have been constructed using materials which pose a significant safety hazard for any users. Due to this, Council has made the decision to remove these structures to ensure no users are injured and to reduce the risk to Council and community members.”

“In addition to addressing safety concerns, the decision has also been made in response to a number of local resident complaints with reports of fires, rubbish accumulation, inappropriate behaviours and damage to public areas.

“As a Council we acknowledge the various benefits bike riding brings to some members of our community but any activity which occurs in public or on Council land needs to be balanced against the risk to public safety and legal liability to ratepayers,” Cr Watts added.

“I am very conscious of the time and effort that has been put in to make these bike jumps, but we need to ensure these types of activities are controlled. The building of these types of jumps on private land may be acceptable but when it occurs on Council land, unfortunately this cannot be overlooked or allowed. We want children to have fun, explore, and be adventurous, but we also want to ensure it is done safely and responsibly.

“Council is committed to finding alternative solutions that will allow young bike riders to continue enjoying their sport safely and we hope to provide updates on this very soon.’ Cr Watts explained.

Residents who have concerns or suggestions are encouraged to contact council at 46 71 7400. Constructive community feedback is invaluable as the council seeks to develop safe and sustainable recreational opportunities for all.