It was almost Beijing to Bunbury when the City of Bunbury took control of the recently completed $3.6 million Bunbury Regional Athletics Track in Bunbury today.

The synthetic track is the only one of its type in Western Australia outside of Perth and will put the City of Bunbury at the forefront of regional athletics. 

The eight lane running track (10 on the front straight) has the same surface (Mondo) as that used at the Beijing Olympic Stadium and the AK Reserve in Perth.

The facility caters for all athletics disciplines including running, pole vault, double/long and triple jump, discus, javelin, shot put and hammer throwing.

City of Bunbury Mayor David Smith said the new facility would provide a long-awaited permanent home for Bunbury athletics clubs and people involved in athletics.

The track is constructed to a standard certified by the International Amateur Athletics Foundation (IAAF) opening the way for Bunbury to stage major athletic events. 

“Having an IAAF standard regional athletic track in Bunbury will not only provide significant benefits to athletic clubs and schools but every sport in the South West,” Mr Smith said.

“Being the only synthetic surface for athletics outside of Perth will also make Bunbury a draw card for major national, state and regional athletic events and competitions.”

The need for an athletics track in the South West was identified in the 2006 City of Bunbury Sport and Recreation Plan and endorsed by council in June 2008.

Other items added to the project include landscaping, drinking fountains and jump pit watering outlets, shade area at the start of the front straight and stretch bars.  Outdoor seating on the western viewing mound will be added over the next few months.

The City of Bunbury will maintain and manage the facility. 

The City of Bunbury successfully received the full $3.6 million for Stage 1 comprising $1.67million from Department of Sport and Recreation and $2million from Federal Government Community Infrastructure Fund.

“Many clubs, organizations, schools and the South West Academy of Sport are expected to make full use of the track,” Mr Smith said. 

“There is no doubt that athletes and the broader sporting community will receive huge benefits from training on a surface similar to that used by the world’s best athletes.”

The new track, situated adjacent to the netball courts at Hay Park includes a grassed rectangle pitch in the centre which is suitable for use by other sports.

Stage 2 of the project includes a pavilion and funding for this is currently being sought.