By Bronwyn Hastings

Horsham Rural City Council has endorsed the continued use of the Burnt Creek dirt jumps following a successful 12-month trial under its management plan.

Issues of safety, maintenance, culture and environment were assessed against the plan, in consultation with Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and site users.

The 2025-26 financial year trial confirmed significant cultural heritage and floodplain constraints apply at the site, which limit expansion and modification.

Inspections, maintenance and monitoring processes are estimated to cost about $15,000 each year.

Long-term jump user and advocate Jayden Simpson attended last week’s council meeting, where the jump use was endorsed.

“The 12-month trial was a massive success,” he said.

“I spoke to John Martin after the meeting and said I was glad we had been ticked off – we massively appreciate it. 

“I have spoken to Michael Douglas from BGLC about grants worth $25,000 that we can chase; we will start a committee so we can apply for them.

“The ball is rolling. We are also starting a Facebook page so it can flourish into what it needs to be.”

Mayor Brian Klowss said the jumps had given people a free, accessible place to be active for about 30 years.

“This trial has shown the site can continue to operate successfully under a structured management framework, and I’m pleased council can support its ongoing use into the future,” he said.

“We’re mindful that this site sits within a sensitive cultural and environmental landscape, and we take those obligations seriously.

“At the same time, we know how much this facility means to our young people, and we’re keen to keep exploring options that could support the long-term growth of dirt jump facilities in our municipality.”

Cr Rebecca Sluggett seconded the motion, but said there had been some unauthorised changes during the trial period. 

“For the most part, the users of the Burnt Creek site have been very respectful, and it is clear they love the area and the sport that they enjoy there,” she said.

“There is enormous community benefit in keeping the Burnt Creek jump site. 

“I hope the community, who clearly loves the area, continues to work with us and respects that they cannot make unauthorised changes to the jumps, nor at this stage are we able to add new jumps under this plan.

“I believe my fellow councillors are keen to explore the opportunities at the site when we can afford to and within the limitations of the site itself. 

“I’d also like to note there are very few play spaces in that area of Horsham, and if we ever consider an alternate location in the future, I feel they should be as close as possible to the current one.”

Cr Angela Munn said she was ‘really impressed’ the project had been led by the people who used the site.

“I think the result is great – I love the collaboration between the youth, Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and us,” she said.

“It’s been a good project to work on, and the organisations and kids involved have done extraordinarily well.”

The entire July 29, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!