The federal government has produced $12,321 in funding to assist Bathurst Cycling Club in a project to eradicate caltrop weeds [catheads] from land surrounding Orton Park's bike precinct. The precinct is not only home to the Bathurst Cycling Club's velodrome but also the Bathurst BMX Track and Bathurst Mountain Bike Park. READ ALSO: Catheads deflating riders at BMX track Calare MP Andrew Gee said the funding will assist in the termination of harmful catheads and the rejuvenation of native grasses to support local fauna. "We all know what a great facility the velodrome is, but the cathead problem poses a significant safety risk to cyclists, who can reach speeds up to 60 kilometres an hour," Mr Gee said. "Furthermore, the area has historically supported varied bird life and kangaroos, and this project will allow native grasses to be re-established while improving overall environmental management within the local parkland." READ ALSO: Youth jobs key to coronavirus recovery, says western business boss Bathurst Cycling Club secretary Tracey Robinson said the land in question covers over 13 hectares, and requires a careful, labour-intensive weed removal approach to preserve native grasses. "We'd kill the native grasses if we were to spray the area, so the catheads require manual removal," Ms Robinson said. "Aside from the safety aspect, our other goal for this project is to educate all users of the precinct on correct week control measures." READ ALSO: Distribution project to rescue and repurpose food across the Central West Ms Robinson said the outbreak of catheads was caused by persistent drought conditions, and is planning to reach out to community groups to assist with the project.
FUNDING: Calare MP Andrew Gee with Bathurst Cycling Club president Marian Renshaw [left] and secretary Tracey Robinson [right]. Photo: CHRIS SEABROOK
The federal government has produced $12,321 in funding to assist Bathurst Cycling Club in a project to eradicate caltrop weeds [catheads] from land surrounding Orton Park's bike precinct.
The precinct is not only home to the Bathurst Cycling Club's velodrome but also the Bathurst BMX Track and Bathurst Mountain Bike Park.
Calare MP Andrew Gee said the funding will assist in the termination of harmful catheads and the rejuvenation of native grasses to support local fauna.
"We all know what a great facility the velodrome is, but the cathead problem poses a significant safety risk to cyclists, who can reach speeds up to 60 kilometres an hour," Mr Gee said.
"Furthermore, the area has historically supported varied bird life and kangaroos, and this project will allow native grasses to be re-established while improving overall environmental management within the local parkland."
Bathurst Cycling Club secretary Tracey Robinson said the land in question covers over 13 hectares, and requires a careful, labour-intensive weed removal approach to preserve native grasses.
"We'd kill the native grasses if we were to spray the area, so the catheads require manual removal," Ms Robinson said.
"Aside from the safety aspect, our other goal for this project is to educate all users of the precinct on correct week control measures."
Ms Robinson said the outbreak of catheads was caused by persistent drought conditions, and is planning to reach out to community groups to assist with the project.
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![FUNDING: Calare MP Andrew Gee with Bathurst Cycling Club president Marian Renshaw [left] and secretary Tracey Robinson [right]. Photo: CHRIS SEABROOK](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/xry9xtRQu9u36zRV2j5976/b2099e27-a9de-4673-84d3-a03b2072d7d6.JPG/r399_677_3944_2487_w576_h298_fmax.jpg "FUNDING: Calare MP Andrew Gee with Bathurst Cycling Club president Marian Renshaw [left] and secretary Tracey Robinson [right]. Photo: CHRIS SEABROOK")