Calling for funds to support the site to be allocated in this week’s State Government budget, she said the velodrome brought many economic and social benefits, not only to the state, but to the local community.
Funded by the then Carr Government, the velodrome was built to host cycling competitions during the 2000 Sydney Olympics and Paralympics, and has since hosted a number of national and international events.
Following the 2016 council amalgamations, the State Government has failed to agree to Canterbury Bankstown requests to take over or provide financial support for the velodrome.
Ms Mihailuk says it means Canterbury Bankstown residents will have to spend around $400,000 on capital works and $1 million over four years to maintain the venue when it returns to council hands after a 21-year lease to Bankstown Sports Club expires this year.
“This is a significant piece of state sporting infrastructure and a legacy of our successful Olympics,” Ms Mihailuk said.
“The State Government owes a duty to that legacy and the community to ensure its upkeep.”
Outlining options previously considered by the council, Ms Mihailuk said adaptive re-use would cost a cost $6.86 million, while demolition would cost up to $9.4 million and deprive the local community of a venue and its economic benefits.
“The State Liberal Government should and must commit funding in the budget to keep it open, as closing the velodrome would mean closing off opportunities,” she said.
MP calling for support to upkeep Dunc Gray velodrome event site
THE cost of maintaining the Dunc Gray velodrome should not be left up to Canterbury Bankstown ratepayers, says State MP for Bankstown, Tania Mihailuk.
