Shepparton BMX Track upgrade is a family affair
Joel Marsh combines competitive BMX racing with his day job, working with his father at one of the country's leading BMX track resurfacing outfits. That includes the recent upgrades to the Shepparton BMX Track and Cycling Precinct.
Working on BMX tracks is the perfect job for Joel Marsh.
Joel and his dad first visited a BMX Club when he was 6 after the encouragement of a family friend. He got his first bike the same day and has been obsessed ever since.
Now Joel combines competition racing with his day job, working with his father Dave at Pro Polymer Surfaces, one of the country’s leading BMX track resurfacing outfits.
Dave Marsh was the first to use polymer surfacing on a BMX track in Australia, when he was managing the Happy Valley BMX club in South Australia in 2017.
The project
One of Pro Polymer Surfaces’ most recent projects was the revamp of the Shepparton BMX Track, funded through the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
The Shepparton BMX Track and Cycling Precinct upgrades was the first of the program’s projects to be completed. The upgraded facilities will make the northern Victorian town an even bigger drawcard on the national and international BMX circuit.
‘I began helping Dad with the surface maintenance from a young age, so when the job came up for the Shepparton track, it was right up our alley,’ Joel said.
‘Shepparton has the reputation of being one of the best BMX tracks in Victoria, if not all of Australia.
‘After travelling to multiple BMX facilities around the world, I definitely rate Shepparton as one of the best internationally.’
Upgrades at the track also included a new multi-use events pavilion, enhancement works to the 5 and 8 metre start hills, paths and drainage improvements between the BMX track jumps and improved lighting at the neighbouring cycling velodrome.
Joel was joined by more than 76 locals who supported the delivery of the project.
More than 50 businesses were engaged in the project, most of them local to Shepparton.
National focus
The weekend following the official opening of the upgraded Shepparton BMX Track saw thousands of competitors, crew and fans descend on the city for the 2025 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series - Rounds 1 and 2.
Supported by the Victorian Government through the Significant Sporting Events Program, this event is a huge economic boost for the town, and a great chance to show off the recently completed works.
‘The upgraded track gives Victorian and interstate riders a world class track surface to train and race on by increasing track speed,’ Joel said.
‘It will also help upskill riders for more national and international competitions.’
The event is a significant one for Joel, who competed in the Superclass men’s category.
‘This is a big race in the schedule for me as it’s part of the selection criteria for the World Championships in Denmark this year.’
The 21-year-old now has a number of national championships up his sleeve, including the 2025 Oceania Under 23 men’s championship.
Greater Shepparton City Council, who partnered with Sport and Recreation Victoria on the upgrades, couldn’t be happier.
‘It is fantastic to see this project now complete and being utilised by the thousands of competitors and supporters who will travel to Greater Shepparton,’ said Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton City Council.
Events like the AusCycling National Series also bring a welcome economic boost for Shepparton, with over 2,000 visitors generating more than $1 million across hospitality, entertainment, retail and visitor attractions over just one weekend.
The Regional Sports InfrastructureProgram is investing in communities right across Victoria and contributes towards the Victorian Government’s commitment to making regional communities even better places to live, work, stay and play.
