Whether it’s cruising a pump track or practising tricks close to home, Shellharbour riders could be a step closer to more places to bike, with Council locking in a long-term plan for future recreational riding facilities.

Shellharbour City Council has adopted the Recreational Biking Facilities Location Feasibility Study, setting out where bike facilities could be built across the city and how potential sites compare.

The study acts as a strategic guide rather than a construction commitment, helping Council plan ahead and strengthen future funding applications.

Mayor Chris Homer said the plan reflects strong local interest in biking and outdoor recreation.

“This study gives us a clear roadmap for where biking facilities could go and how each option stacks up,” he said.

“Our community loves getting outdoors, and this approach allows us to plan properly. With a solid strategy in place, we’re in a better position to chase grant funding and deliver facilities that suit what residents actually want.”

The study was developed by specialist consultants Common Ground Trails, with support from Council staff, and shaped by community feedback.

Public consultation ran from October to November 2024 and attracted 358 responses through Council’s Let’s Chat page, face-to-face workshops and email submissions.

Eight sites across Shellharbour were assessed and ranked for potential facilities such as bike skills areas and pump tracks.

At its meeting on 28 October, Council resolved to further explore a local bike track at either Deakin Reserve or the Kingston Street Precinct in Oak Flats.

Kingston Street Park was prioritised as it is already part of a master planning process, while Deakin Reserve requires further environmental and cultural assessment due to land constraints.

Council stressed the study is about setting direction, not breaking ground, providing a planning foundation so projects can move quickly when funding opportunities arise.

Following the 16 December Council meeting, the top three priority sites endorsed were:

• Kingston Street Precinct, Oak Flats
• Pioneer Park, Shellharbour
• Con O’Keefe Oval, Albion Park

Council will now prioritise planning for Kingston Street Precinct through its existing master planning work and future capital works planning, while also investigating funding opportunities for facilities at Pioneer Park and Con O’Keefe Oval.

The full study is available on Council’s Let’s Chat page.