Mayor of Hurstville, Cr Philip Sansom today declared his support for the retention of the velodrome at Hurstville Oval.
Mayor Sansom said he has also discussed the issue with a number of his fellow Councillors in an effort to secure their cooperation.
“I am pleased to say that all the Councillors I have spoken to are of the same opinion – the velodrome should be retained at Hurstville Oval,” he said.
“This sporting facility has played a vital role in developing countless national and international cycling sports stars in its 100-year history.
“These cycling greats include the late Dunc Gray, **** Paris, Gary Sutton, Martin Vinnicombe, Steve Wooldridge, Julie Speight, Kathleen Shannon and Kaarle McCulloch.
“The velodrome, which is home to St George Cycling Club, is a cornerstone of Hurstville’s sporting identity and should remain so well into the future.”
In 2006, the former Mayor and General Manager commenced investigations to relocate the velodrome in an effort to attract more first-class sporting events to Hurstville Oval.
It has been a very lengthy process however following recent community and stakeholder consultation, it has become clear that residents and cyclists want the velodrome to stay.
Mayor Sansom is calling on the State Government to contribute $1 million to restore and maintain the velodrome to its former glory and the improvement of this important historic oval for future generations.
“Over the past few weeks, the new Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, and the Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, have expressed their support for retaining the velodrome,” he said.
“I strongly urge them to consider providing funding to enable Council to carry out the upgrade works required for this regional facility.”
Mayor Sansom said the velodrome boasts a very long and proud sporting history in the community.
“Since 1956, members of the St George Cycling Club have formed part of every Olympic or Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“This is an outstanding achievement and it is all due to the fact that these cyclists were able to train at Hurstville velodrome.
“Both the local and national cycling fraternities are lobbying hard to retain the velodrome at Hurstville Oval.
“I urge all of my fellow Councillors to unite together and preserve Hurstville velodrome for the community and the development of future cycling champions.”
The Mayor, the Minister of Sport, Member for Oatley, etc all want the velodrome. Is it just one councillor lobbying for it's destruction?