Local Forrest Beach children call for BMX track upgrades

State Member for Hinchinbrook and KAP Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto with local Forrest Beach families and children at the BMX tracks.

18 January 2023

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto visited the Forrest Beach BMX tracks after being invited by a young local to inspect the facilities and discuss funding options for the beachside track.

More than fifteen young BMX enthusiasts attended the track to meet Mr Dametto as well as Hinchinbrook Shire Councillor, Donna Marbelli. The local youngsters didn’t hold back when putting across their views and ideas for what future developments could look like at the track.

Twelve-year-old Forrest Beach local Jessy Shailer said that after heavy rain, he and others would often repair the rain worn track themselves.

“We get dirt from the bush beside the track and put it on the jumps to try and build them up again but it really needs a lot of dirt to reshape the jumps and the berm.

“Kids use the track every day, especially on the holidays but even during the term there is always kids here after school,” he said

Mr Dametto said it was inspiring to see so many young people interested in improving facilities and infrastructure in their area for the benefit and enjoyment of the wider community.

“I first became aware that the BMX track wasn’t up to the community’s expectations when Jessy emailed my office requesting a meeting.

“He impressed me with the way he approached this problem. He was confident and direct but polite and courteous at the same time which to me, showed a high level of maturity and responsibility.

“A big part of my job is meeting with people to discuss ideas and solve problems but it isn’t often that I get the chance to hear the views of the younger members of our community and I was keen to learn what their perspectives are,” he said.

The Forrest Beach BMX track, as well as tracks in Halifax and Lucinda, are owned and maintained by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and were last upgraded in February 2022.

“I look forward to meeting with Council to see what can be done in the short term to improve the track but also work together to develop a long-term plan where hopefully State Government funding can assist to make some big improvements.”

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