Good evening everyone, and thank you for giving me the chance to speak tonight.

I am here to talk about why the Onkaparinga City Council should upgrade the dirt jumps in Kangarilla.

In our community, there are a lot of teenagers who love riding bikes, especially dirt jumps. Riding is not just a hobby for us — it is something that keeps us active, healthy, and outdoors. It gives us something positive to do after school and on weekends. It keeps us away from screens and helps us build confidence, friendships, and skills.

Right now, though, we have a problem. The bike trails in the forest have been closed. This has left many young riders with nowhere safe and legal to ride. When safe riding areas close, it doesn’t stop teenagers from wanting to ride — it just means they have fewer good options. Some might try to ride in unsafe places, on roads, or in areas that are not designed for bikes. That increases the risk of injury and causes problems for the community.

Upgrading the dirt jumps in Kangarilla would be a smart solution. A proper, well-built dirt jump area would give teenagers a safe and fun place to ride. It would reduce the pressure on other public spaces and help keep riders in one managed area. When jumps are built properly, they are safer, longer-lasting, and easier to maintain.

There are many teenagers in our area who enjoy dirt jumping. You can see how popular it is by looking at how many young people ride BMX and mountain bikes. Dirt jumping is growing, and it is a healthy sport that improves fitness, balance, and mental wellbeing. Having a quality jump park in Kangarilla would support local youth and show that the council cares about young people in the community.

Upgrading the jumps would also benefit the wider community. Families could come and watch. It could bring small local events or competitions to the area. This would help create a positive community atmosphere and even support local businesses. A good bike facility makes a town more attractive and active.

Importantly, giving teenagers a proper space to ride shows trust and respect. When young people feel supported, they are more likely to respect the space and help look after it. Many riders would happily volunteer to help maintain the jumps if they were officially supported by the council.

The forest trail closure has left a gap in our community. Instead of leaving young riders with nothing, we have the opportunity to improve what we already have. Investing in the Kangarilla dirt jumps is an investment in youth, health, and community spirit.

In conclusion, upgrading the dirt jumps in Kangarilla would provide a safe place for teenagers to ride, reduce unsafe riding in other areas, support physical and mental health, and strengthen our community. I strongly encourage the Onkaparinga City Council to consider this upgrade and support the many young people who are passionate about dirt jumping.   

these jumps could be put in the open arura next to the Kangarilla netball Couts 

Thank you for listening. lachie hirst