Wakefield Park Raceway NSW is 25 years old
#1
Posted 29 October 2019 - 23:09
Attached some great photos of the first meeting at the circuit.
An incredible variety of cars
https://hsrca.com/20...wakefield-park/
#3
Posted 23 July 2022 - 10:55
But will it see 30?
I haven't seen anything here about the troubles facing WP, summed up in one word - noise.
Yes, I know and you know that it is 20 or 25 kms out of town, but that is the basis of the problem, with a LEC decision handing WP a solid kick between the big toes.
LEC decision: https://www.caselaw....06171a28fc91ce5
https://www.speedcaf...ld-park-future/
https://www.speedcaf...r-court-ruling/
https://www.speedcaf...ircuits-future/
The ruling appears draconian. but is probably a reflection of the original 1993 DA approval conditions, which are, effectively, still operational - at least until the LEC ruling takes effect, notwithstanding that the events originally programmed at WP 1n 1993 bear no resemblance to today's programming.
#4
Posted 23 July 2022 - 11:39
Wakefield Park is 9km out of town not 20 or 25.
I live in Goulburn and I can tell what cars are on the track by the sound they make. It's not offensive but I can hear it.
The current owners of Wakefield Park are the problem. They have an attitude of doing things their way or else. They have managed to convince people that this council that hosts two racing circuits, a speedway and a newly built motocross track are anti-motorsport.
The BAC refused to negotiate with the council just like they have refused to negotiate with residents in the past. The BAC took this to the court and it backfired on them severely.
Now they have to negotiate.
Some of the neighbours have been there for generations, this is not a case of people moving next to tracks and complaining about noise. Some of these people gave their blessing for the track to open with the 1993 DA conditions and they have been let down badly by track operators that seem to think 300 days of noise a year just aren't enough.
#5
Posted 23 July 2022 - 12:42
For those that think the courts always come out in favour of the residents regarding noise complaints should look at the Land and Environment Court case between the residents and the Goulburn Motorcycle Club for the new motocross track.
#6
Posted 23 July 2022 - 13:02
Yes CP, you are right, it is certainly not 20-25k - I have made that Goulburn-WP trip often enough to know that! Call it brain fade!
I think the problem pre-dates BAC ownership, successive owners seem to have thought the DA conditions were just a piece of paper that could be ignored. BAC picked that up and ran with it, straight into the LEC brick wall. Big mistake to think the LEC would see the overriding wisdom of BAC's case, almost as big a mistake as buying a business where the business case rests on ignoring DA conditions. They might have got approval for their improvements, but the money from track rentals/events just dried up so I guess the improvements are on hold until that can be sorted.
Supposedly 'talks' are being held with the council, it will be interesting to see whether they go anywhere. BAC must have a fair investment in the circuit, there have been improvements to garaging and hardstandings, you would think they would be motivated to find a workable solution quickly, we'll see I guess.
#7
Posted 23 July 2022 - 13:19
The BAC needs a shake up. Get rid of whoever thought taking this to the court was a good idea. It was a real genius move.
Likewise they need to stop their social media campaigns that bully the council and residents. They launched their facebook attack campaign before the council had even voted on the DA. Giving out the contact details of the council members so they get death threats from bogans is a really good way to build relationships.
#8
Posted 24 July 2022 - 02:36
I'm sure Paul Samuels would never have allowed it to get to this stage. Some people are just no good at handling such situations.
Steve Shelley has the right idea...
#9
Posted 25 July 2022 - 14:49
Originally posted by GMACKIE
.....Steve Shelley has the right idea...
Can you explain that for us please, Greg?
Regarding Michael's comments about the BAC, it's interesting that Garry Willmington got out very soon after they took over.
#10
Posted 26 July 2022 - 05:41
Ray, do you remember when the BAC told Benalla Council that they were going to shut Winton and move to Hume Weir? I think it was about 1983 or 84. The motorsport comic books ran stories showing work being done at the Weir, like removing the dividing wall to replace it (never completed of course)
Garry Wilmington was busy building his own little track at Marulan when the BAC took over, he was probably ready to leave.
Interesting that Marulan was built as a 'driver training centre' and not a racing circuit. Garry submitted a DA to upgrade it to be able to run as a 'racing circuit' but withdrew the DA. Garry has since sold the circuit. The new owner has expanded and improved it. I'm not sure if the DA has ever been updated. So if the Goulburn council really did hate car racing...
#11
Posted 26 July 2022 - 06:51
No, Michael, I don't recall that at all...
As for the enterprise of Garry Willmington, he always surprised with what he could achieve.
#12
Posted 26 July 2022 - 09:04
Wakefield Park is 9km out of town not 20 or 25.
I live in Goulburn and I can tell what cars are on the track by the sound they make. It's not offensive but I can hear it.
The current owners of Wakefield Park are the problem. They have an attitude of doing things their way or else. They have managed to convince people that this council that hosts two racing circuits, a speedway and a newly built motocross track are anti-motorsport.
The BAC refused to negotiate with the council just like they have refused to negotiate with residents in the past. The BAC took this to the court and it backfired on them severely.
Now they have to negotiate.
Some of the neighbours have been there for generations, this is not a case of people moving next to tracks and complaining about noise. Some of these people gave their blessing for the track to open with the 1993 DA conditions and they have been let down badly by track operators that seem to think 300 days of noise a year just aren't enough.
I live about 7km as the crow flies from the Adelaide Dog and Pony show aka the Taxpayer 500. And I have been able to hear the event from my place. In the house. ASs well as the total shitfight with traffic for 3 months.
So if I make a complaint will the EPA shut them down?? Probably not. And yes about a million people are in hearing range. And are effected by the traffic as well.
So while you make a very good point there is one rule for one venue and another for a Govt sponsored one. Though the noise inc fighter jets flying way too low is only for 4 days. And no I will not be there.
Neither will I be at Tailem Bend this weekend as it is way too expensive and my only real direct involvement is with GpN at sparrows fart Sunday
#13
Posted 06 June 2023 - 09:47
Wakefield Bookface page has this presser from the new owners: