Bike zone plan returns around Alkimos Wastewater Treatment Plant

Northern Beaches Cycling Club president Chris Howard gave a deputation before the September 15 Wanneroo council meeting, describing the site as a “gold mine”.

Dr Howard said the club’s ‘Bike Town’ proposal was to create a training track around the buffer zone, and club facilities in a smaller buffer area.

“The bike park itself could accommodate all levels of competitive and recreational cycling,” he said.

With a concrete velodrome part of the proposal, Dr Howard said it would be the first dedicated cycling facility in the northern corridor and could potentially host international events.

He said the facilities could also be used for running, triathlon and BMX riding. The club first approached Water Corporation with the proposal in 2013.

At the council meeting, Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts received unanimous support from councillors for her motion to talk to the Water Corporation about plans for the 205ha buffer zone.

In her report, Mrs Roberts, who is up for re-election next month, said the club and the Perth Blokart Club, which used land yachts, had approached her about developing facilities.

“Northern Beaches Cycling Club has been very active in the development and promotion of the Alkimos Beach ‘Bike Town’ proposal,” she said. “This proposal seeks the development of facilities to cater for cycling at a recreational and organised sport level.

“The Perth Blokart Club have recently contacted the mayor’s office seeking assistance to secure a permanent coastal venue as a base for their activities.

“The club is seeking a flat hard stand area of approximately 100,000sqm.

“Taking these two groups into consideration and also the work being undertaken with the Wanneroo BMX Club, it would seem an ideal opportunity to explore the development of a multipurpose wheeled sports facility precinct.”

Dr Howard said candidates for the October 17 Wanneroo and Joondalup council elections could send their position on local government providing cycling facilities to northernbeachescycling@ gmail.com

“These statements will be presented to the cycling community so we may make an informed decision,” he said.

Water Corp open to bike proposal

THE Water Corporation has expressed in-principle support for cycling facilities, but needs to have more talks, a spokeswoman says.

The utility met with Northern Beaches Cycling Club last year about its proposal for the buffer zone around the Alkimos Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

“During discussions, the Water Corporation noted its support for the Bike Town concept in principle,” the spokeswoman said.

“Due to environmental constraints within the WWTP site and operational requirements, further engagement is required to determine impacts of the proposal on this operational site.”

She said the utility owned land west of the plant that would be developed under an agreement with LandCorp.

The spokeswoman said other parties had shown interest in using parts of the buffer, but those requests generally did not suit its environmental constraints and operational requirements.

“Synergy’s community battery storage trial is an example of an activity which does adhere to the requirements, with the batteries located within the WWTP site,” she said.

“There is a 600m odour buffer zone – odour buffers ensure residential and other sensitive land uses are not located close to wastewater treatment plants or wastewater pump stations, where people may be exposed to odours.

“Water Corporation is committed to working with the community to facilitate the use of its land which does not affect current or future operations.”