MUCH to the delight of Gold Coast Motocross Club's 1500 members, Gold Coast City Council has extended the life of the club's Reedy Creek facility until November 30.

The axe has hovered over the Reedy Creek track since 2002 when suburbia began encroaching out into countryside surrounding the motocross course which has operated for 30 years.

Last November, the council's planning committee endorsed a development permit for a motocross track to be built on a disused quarry site at Rossmanns Road, Staplyton.

Gold Coast MX treasurer, John Urquhart, said it was initially believed that the new Staplyton course, which would be the new home base for both his club and Alberton District Motocross Club, would be up and running by April 30.

“Alberton is in the same boat as us,” Urquhart said.

“It too is being forced to close and relocate due to the spread of housing into what was bushland.”

Urquhart said although the club was disappointed in ending its long association with Reedy Creek, officials and club members were accepting of the decision now that a new home will be found for them.

“But when will the move be made?” he queried.

“We were supposed to be closing our doors by April 30 and moving straight up to Staplyton but from what I've seen and heard, little work has been done in preparing the site.”

But according to council, club members can rest assured new track will be ready by November 30.

A council spokesperson reiterated that the “Staplyton motocross facility is expected to be completed by November, 2011”.

“As a result of this delay, the Reedy Creek track will now remain open until November 30, 2011.”

A passionate Urquhart said it was imperative that “at least Reedy Creek or Staplyton is in use when the lease here (Reedy Creek) runs out”.

“If there isn't a track, then you'll find riders will head into previously no-go areas to participate in their sport.”