Greater Shepparton City Council was pleased to officially open the upgrades at the Shepparton BMX Track and Cycling Precinct today, alongside Minister for Community Sport, the Hon. Ros Spence.
Funded through the Victorian Government's Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, the Shepparton BMX Club has a fantastic new multi-use events pavilion that offers elevated views of the BMX track, creating a premium experience for spectators and serving as a new hub for events and community gatherings.
The two-storey pavilion provides accessible and all gender toilets, meeting space, storage, a first aid room, catering facilities, a flexible event space and an outdoor undercover viewing area. The upgrades also delivered enhancements to the BMX track and start hills, improving conditions for riders, spectators and broadcasters, and enabling easier track maintenance.
Next door, Shepparton's much-loved Cycling Velodrome now has upgraded lighting to 300 lux LED to support training after dark, competition activities, as well as supporting major BMX events, drawing thousands to the region. These works were completed in time for the Shepparton Cycling Club to host the opening event for the Victorian State Christmas Track Carnival Series on 28 December 2024, which saw around 1,500 visitors descending on Greater Shepparton.
The suite of works have been delivered by local companies including Moretto Building Pty Ltd, Watters Electrical Pty Ltd, and Preston's Turf and Garden, providing local knowledge and supporting local jobs.
The official opening is just in time for the Shepparton BMX Club to host Australia's top BMX riders for the 2025 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series – Round 1 and 2 on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April, bringing thousands of competitors and fans to the region.
"Greater Shepparton is known for its love and passion of BMX, which has seen the region host many world-class BMX events,
"The new two-storey pavilion and track upgrades will improve the club's training abilities and provide us with dedicated amenities, catering and meeting spaces for events and competitions."
Shepparton BMX Club Co-President, Ben Fitzsimmons
"The upgraded facilities are fantastic and a much needed addition for the Shepparton BMX and Cycling Clubs. We look forward to seeing thousands of competitors and supporters travelling to Greater Shepparton this weekend for the 2025 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series and putting the upgraded facilities to good use," Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said.
"Our region is well known for BMX and cycling, with our local clubs having great success on and off the track. These upgrades are a game changer for BMX and cycling in Greater Shepparton, ensuring we are ready and able to host world class events, attracting riders and spectators nationally and internationally to our region."
The project is complemented by upgrades at the nearby VISY Community Stadium, Shepparton Sports Stadium and Shepparton Sports City, supported by $3 million from the Victorian Government's Council Support Package. These upgrades are now under way and will make the venues more accessible and enjoyable for the community.
"The Shepparton Cycling Club is already benefiting from the installation of the new lighting, with training and competition significantly improved through the upgrade," he said.
"The new lights improve viewing at night and ensure the region's cycling facilities can support the next generation of up and coming riders."
Shepparton Cycling Club President, Brett Lancaster OAM
