Inverell’s mountain bikers will gather tomorrow night in a bid to revive their club, after Inverell Shire Council paused plans for new management of the town’s mountain bike track.
After the track was temporarily closed following the March meeting due to the club’s inactive status, Council resolved at its April meeting to suspend an expressions of interest process for the facility, allowing the community time to re-establish the Inverell Mountain Bike Club.
The move follows a show of local support, with about 20 people indicating they are willing to be involved after a public call-out. A community meeting earlier this month canvassed options for the future of both the track and the club, and an annual general meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, 6 May to finalise the formalities and get the club back on track.
Local rider Stewart Johnston is among those leading efforts to reconstitute the club and has encouraged the community to get involved.
“We are working towards forming an official committee and need the support of our local community to make it happen.”
He said the club had been placed into dormancy after key members stepped away, not due to a lack of interest.
“Many of the former executive members have left town in recent years others have overriding family commitments.”
A decision was made to place the club and its assets into dormancy until a new committee could be formed, but when the lease for the MTB track came due for renewal there wasn’t an executive to deal with it.
“Under the terms of this lease the Inverell Shire Council is the land trustee, while the club provided insurance and commitments to carry out maintenance.”
“As the lease could not be renewed by the then dormant club, council moved to close the track temporarily.”
Johnston said the goal of tomorrow night’s meeting was clear.
“We plan to elect a new committee and return the club to an active state. Everyone is keen to fast-track reopening of the facility.”
Mayor Kate Dight said the decision to pause the EOI process recognised the importance of community-led management.
“Council acknowledges the important role the Mountain Bike Club has played in developing and maintaining this facility over many years,” she said.
“Providing an opportunity for the club to reform supports a community-driven outcome and helps retain local knowledge, skills and passion for the track.”
If the club is successfully reformed at the meeting, council will enter into a new licence agreement for management of the track on Crown Reserve 95657. If not, the council will proceed with the EOI process, as previously flagged in March, to identify an alternative operator.
Council noted the EOI process had not yet begun, meaning the pause does not disadvantage any external parties.
Stewart said there were multiple ways for people to support the club’s future, including maintaining membership and contributing skills.
“Make sure your club membership is up to date: Auscycling has various options for recreational riders, racers and non-riders. Select Inverell MTB club from the club options.”
“There are roles for everyone who can to contribute: administration, finance, track maintenance, socials and marketing, and more.”
The annual general meeting will be held at 6pm on Wednesday 6 May at the McDonald’s Inverell boardroom, with organisers encouraging anyone interested to attend.
“This is your chance to be part of shaping the future of the club. Come along, have a listen and share your ideas,” Stewart said.
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