Media response - dirt jumps at Sellicks Beach

Published on 05 August 2025

Response to The Advertiser.

• Just chasing up a story around the unauthorised Sellicks Beach dirt jumps and wanted to put some questions to council as they undertake a review of the site. Does council know how long the BMX jumps have been at the site? Could council comment on its concerns around the jumps at the site and the reason for the review? When is council expecting to have an outcome of the review? If council opts to keep the jumps, will it make any changes to the site? 

Comments attributed to Acting Director Operations, Jessica Tucker

We understand the BMX jump building and riding has occurred in the Sellicks Beach foreshore area for many years in varying forms. The activity and impacts have increased over time. 

We appreciate the community’s passion and ingenuity. We also realise how vital it is to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for young people. That’s why we provide and maintain 26 designated bike jump sites across Onkaparinga – including at Sellicks Beach’s nearby Hastings Avenue and Norman Victory reserves – and invest in new infrastructure such as the recently opened Aldinga skate park, responding to the community’s changing needs.

The subject area at Sellicks Beach is Crown land under the council’s care and control. It’s part of a natural, coastal environment with high ecological and cultural value. It’s the council’s responsibility to consider all of this and ensure the area is appropriately managed in accordance with legislative requirements.

We’ve installed temporary signage to advise the community while we’re reviewing the site, and the signage directs the community to our website where you’ll find more information about the importance of riding at designated jump sites, and the locations of 26 designated jump sites. We don’t yet know when this review will be completed due to the complexities involved.

Any works to protect this important coastal location would be subject of consultation with relevant stakeholders, including Kaurna Meyunna Traditional Owners and local residents.  We would also need to seek necessary approvals to undertake the work. 

We’re committed to working with young people and providing safe, sustainable and fun spaces for all riders. That’s why we’ve commenced a BMX Community Dig Days pilot program to empower the BMX community and foster a more collaborative approach to bike jump maintenance.

The initiative initially focuses on two sites in O’Halloran Hill and Seaford and incorporates a process where contractors first undertake machine-based groundwork, followed by a community dig day.

This aims to upskill participants in shaping, maintaining, and sustaining BMX jump sites while ensuring safety, accessibility, and alignment with best practices in the sport.

ENDS