Rolling Forward: Benalla’s New Pump Track

Benalla Rural City Council is proud to announce the next exciting step in the delivery of a new multi-skill level Pump Track at Fawckner Drive, with the appointment of World Trail Pty Ltd to design and construct the facility. This milestone follows the successful securing of $1 million in funding from the Victorian Government Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, with Council contributing an additional $420,000, bringing the total project investment to $1.42 million.

This project has been shaped by strong community advocacy and engagement. In 2022, local community members submitted a budget proposal to upgrade the existing BMX track. In response, Council allocated $100,000 to support the initiative, which later became a key component of the Fawckner Drive Precinct Plan. This foundational work and community input were instrumental in securing the major grant funding and guiding the vision for a modern, inclusive pump track.

World Trail’s concept design reflects feedback gathered during the precinct master planning process and incorporates features for riders of all ages and skill levels. The design includes dedicated zones for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users, along with connecting pathways and amenities that support both active use and passive recreation. The facility will be integrated into the natural landscape near Lake Benalla, enhancing the area’s recreational appeal and accessibility.

To celebrate the next phase of the project, World Trail will host a community pop-up session in Benalla, where residents will have the opportunity to view the design, ask questions, and share feedback. This session continues Council’s commitment to community-led planning and ensures the final design reflects the character, needs, and aspirations of the Benalla community.

Fawckner Drive Masterplan Concept Image

Project Updates

Flying Fox Installed! Council has now completed the first element within of the Precinct Plan. The Flying Fox was funded by the Victorian Government Department of Justice - Creating Safer Places Program.

Pump Track Funded! Council successful in receiving $1,000,000 in grant funding from Victorian Government Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

The Fawckner Drive Masterplan Report was formally adopted by Council at it's Council meeting held 14 February, 2024.

To view the full Council report visit the Document Library on this page.

31 submissions from community members were received on the Draft Fawckner Drive Masterplan Report. These submissions were presented at Council's September meetings for discussion and consideration. Council staff will now review the Masterplan taking into consideration the 31 submissions received, Councillor feedback as well as the considerable amount of community input during the initial consultation period.

Playce have completed the Draft Fawckner Drive Masterplan Report for community feedback. The report maps out the potential future use of spaces within the Fawckner Drive Precinct. The Masterplan focusses on improving accessibility for all community members as well as creating opportunities for a broader range of activities for all ages in the precinct.

Masterplan highlights:

  • Social and Active play areas
  • Improved picnic and barbeque areas
  • Upgraded skate park and new pump track
  • Increased community market footprint with night market capability
  • Improved pedestrian connections
  • No removal of trees - increased planting

The delivery of projects identified within the Masterplan will follow a staged process based on feedback from consultation and the availability of grant funding. Further consultation will occur to produce the detailed design for each project.

We encourage community members and user groups to read through the report (listed in the Document Library) and share your thoughts in the form below.

The Fawckner Drive Precinct has been identified by Council as a key community outdoor space. The precinct is comprised of the Skate Park, BMX track, Basketball courts, RV parking, and green spaces surrounding the Library.

Council has received grant funding to activate the precinct through the use of public art, new community infrastructure, and other initiatives identified during consultation. Council has allocated additional funds from it's budget toward the revitalisation of the BMX track as result of community feedback during the last budget process.

The ensure the best result possible for the community Council have engaged open space specialists, Playce, to assist in the consultation and design process of a precinct plan. Playce have designed an 'Ideas Plan' to inspire community input for the potential opportunities for Fawckner Drive.

The final Fawckner Drive Masterplan will consolidate feedback from the community and Council to map out future possibilities for the precinct.