The new bike track in Mungindi at the WH Smith Park has been officially opened in front of a big crowd of kids and their bikes.
The track was developed to ensure the kids of the border community have a suitable space to ride their bikes and have fun on a safe surface. Another similar track is being built in Pallamallawa. This project was jointly funded by Moree Plains Shire Council, Balonne Shire Council, Mungindi Progress Association, and the Australian Government under the Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
The track was officially opened by Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Mark Johnson with Cr Robyn Fuhrmeister, from Balonne Shire Council. There were demonstrations and jumps by BMX pros Jason and Eddy, followed by live music, and the kids were eager to get their wheels on the new asphalt.
In front of a crowd of locals, local police, track designer Jason Cousins, General Manager Nick Tobin,
Councillors, Cr Orchin and Cr Cochrane, Mungindi’s own Nyla Prince delivered the Acknowledgement
to Country in Gomeroi language, with the students from St. Joseph’s Riley Hohn and Patrick Luhrs
reading out their ‘Ode to the Bike Track’.
Mayor Johnson had the honour of planting an olive tree, representing a tree of friendship with
students, Nyla Prince from Mungindi Central School and Ellie Lurhs from St Joseph’s Primary School.
“This much-loved new infrastructure already has the kids beaming with enthusiasm and participating
in after school exercise,” Mayor Johnson said.
“The poem St Joseph’s kids put together is a testament to how excited the Mungindi community is, and I am so glad we could help create this new hot spot in Mungindi.”
Ode to the Bike Track
Riley Hohn and Patrick Luhrs
In the small town of Mungindi
Time stands still, it doesn’t fly.
Kids aren’t seen, they’re all inside.
Until a bike track, Council did provide.
Surrounded by sportsgrounds, parks and trees,
The Mungindi Bike Track is for all families.
With hills and a bend to ride and scoot,
Or fancy little wheels attached to boots.
Mums and Dads, Nans and Pops,
Brothers and sisters, babies and tots.
All come together to join the fun,
Regardless of weather; rain, snow or sun.
No longer in our town here in the sticks
Will kids need Xbox, PlayStation or Netflix.
The hours of fun that now take place,
The Mungindi Bike Track, what a wonderful space.
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