STAWELL - Work is well underway on the redevelopment of the new athletic track at Stawell's North Park.
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Northern Grampians Shire Council is replacing the surface of the track after it was extensively damaged by flood in December 2011.
User groups were consulted on the plans, design and work schedule in February.
Councillor Murray Emerson said New Zealand sports surface consultant Bob Jones had been engaged to manage the project.
"Mr Jones is the leading expert in athletic tracks and will ensure the design and surfacing is compliant with Australian standards," he said
"As this is an extremely specialised job, Council has awarded the contract to WM Loud of Melbourne.
"The company is responsible for the surfaces at the Australian Open and is currently working on a track in Tasmania."
Once the track is complete, Stawell will boast the best athletic facility in Western Victoria.
"This will be a huge advantage to our athletes, young and old, as well as local schools and recreational users such as walkers and joggers," Cr Emerson said.
"The project will allow North Park to host state, and even national level, competition.
"That's something the people who built the original facility all those years ago would be proud of."
The construction site will be fenced between August and October to protect community safety and ensure the surface of the track can be laid without accidental interference.
Regular users, including the Amateur Athletics Club and Little Athletics, have been advised that the track will be unavailable during this time.
Director Marketing and Community Jim Nolan said Northern Grampians Shire Council apologised to all users for any inconvenience the closure may cause.
"The track is expected to be available again between early October and December 16 when it will consist of only the asphalt base and some temporary lines," he said.
"It will then be closed off from December 16 until completion at the end of January."
Mr Nolan said the final stage of the project required a period of good weather to ensure a high quality finish.
"During this time, the synthetic rubber surface will be laid and line marking will be undertaken," he said.
"It is critical that people are kept off the track until the surface is set, as any contact could damage the finish.
"Once all the work has been completed, the community of Stawell will have a top-class sporting facility to enjoy and be proud of."