sport, local-sport,

Members of the Dubbo Cycle Club are "devastated" after tenders for the construction of their new facility fell short of the funding available. A $4.2 million state government grant for the Dubbo Cycling Facility - an oval track, criterium track, clubhouse and associated infrastructure - fell short of the tendered prices received, with council resolving on Monday to seek additional funding. Subject to that funding, the council awarded the tender to David Payne Constructions in the amount of $4,211,868 (excluding GST) - the contract lump sum amount of $4,697,828 (ex GST), less the criterium track component of $485,960 (ex GST). RELATED: - Cuff steals the show as the 'last hurrah' lights up Victoria Park - Cliff Hazell Memorial Wheelrace: 'Heart of the club' on show at what could be last major event at Victoria Park track - Bathurst rider Ebony Robinson awarded Jackson Pascoe Memorial Trophy after starring at Dubbo “Members are devastated to hear council has been forced to proceed with the project without the criterium track being funded, and with the project only able to be completed subject to gaining additional funding,” Dubbo Cycle Club president Matthew Gilbert said. “The club is sacrificing the best location in town and the home of cycling in Dubbo for the last 100 years to make way for improved cricket infrastructure. “The club embraced this change because we were told a criterium track would be included, a facility we had longed for because it would have provided a safe place for the general community, junior cyclists and new cyclists in particular to race on a road circuit, without the emphasis on competitive cycling." He said a criterium track would allow the club to host events like the NSW Junior Road Championships. “Without the criterium track, Dubbo Cycle Club would prefer to remain at the existing facility at Victoria Park No 1," Gilbert said. "That is widely regarded as being the best flat track racing facility in NSW. “We can only hope one of Dubbo’s representatives can find the funds required to include the criterium track we need to take cycling in Dubbo to the next level.” Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields vowed to try to ensure a criterium track could be constructed at the new facility. “Through no fault of their own the members of the cycling club have found themselves without a home,” Councillor Shields said. “The criterium track was a sweetener for them to agree to the move, giving them an additional resource … now that appears to have been taken away. “However I will work with the club to explore all avenues, approaching the state and federal governments and any other opportunities that might exist to make the criterium track happen.”

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