The council, which was gifted the velodrome after the Sydney Olympics, covers half the maintenance costs at Dunc Gray and has been attempting to convince the state government to invest in an upgrade.
AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner said it was working with council in a bid to come up an alternative solution to keep the doors open in the immediate future while developing a long-term vision.
“If I was a young aspiring athlete, what I’d say is ‘do I have to find another post to fulfil my potential because I don’t have options in NSW as a track cyclist, or do I have to move interstate?’” she said.
The venue in its glory days.Credit: Tim Clayton
“The fact that we aren’t caring enough about what is an iconic venue that is intrinsically linked to something that NSW is very proud of, in terms of the 2000 Olympics, when we’ve got our next Olympics eight years away, is confusing.”
The location of the velodrome, a half-hour drive south-west of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, has elevated its white elephant status.
Fechner believes NSW could lead the way with a multipurpose facility that makes use of the inside of a velodrome track with community or other sporting activities.
An Office of Sport spokesperson said it had prepared a strategic business case to inform decisions regarding the ongoing operations of the venue and had consulted AusCycling and other cycling bodies in NSW.
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“The Office of Sport management agreement with Canterbury-Bankstown Council includes facility operation and management, staffing, promotion and hire of the venue, and a program of essential works and maintenance that ensures the venue can be used for cycling training and events, and by cycling clubs and other user groups,” the spokesman said.
Future management arrangements beyond the end of the agreement on March 31 were being discussed with the council, he added.
Asked about the future of the velodrome and whether it could be closed or demolished, a council spokeswoman confirmed it was yet to hear if the agreement with the Office of Sport would continue.
“Council is awaiting news from the NSW government on their funding commitment and plans to invest in the facility,” she said.