Cr. Cordelia Troy moved that council utilise existing land on Mount View Road – near the Cessnock Civic Indoor Sports Centre or The Basin – to develop a district-level skate facility, in line with the key recommendations from the Cessnock Skate and BMX Facilities Needs Assessment 2020.

Locations for ‘skate dots’ (smaller skate facilities such as quarter-pipes or grind rails) will be investigated in Heddon Greta, Millfield, Paxton, Kitchener, North Rothbury and Abermain.

Cr. Troy said the provision of these facilities will provide significant social and recreational benefits (particularly for the five-to-24 demographic), as well as direct economic benefits for nearby businesses, citing the increase in food and beverage sales at Kurri Aquatic Centre since Margaret Johns Park was upgraded last November.

A mother of four children who all love to skate, scoot or ride, Cr. Troy said the town is lacking in youth infrastructure and the current Cessnock skate park is dangerous and deteriorated.

“Our kids deserve better,” she said.

“Our town has great sporting facilities for rugby league, soccer, basketball…this is as valid a sport as any other.”

Cr. Troy said the new skate park could be a “real money spinner” attracting competitions, and may provide opportunities for local kids to develop their skills and go on to compete at a higher level.

Council will apply for grants to fund the development from sources including the Department of Sport and Recreation, Juvenile Justice, Youth Services, infrastructure grants (such as the Regional Development Australia Fund), Community Building Partnerships and developer contributions.

Cr. Troy said she would like to see commitments from the federal election candidates on what they will do for our youth.

“These are very real issues,” she said.

“We need to give our kids something positive and think outside the square.”