WAKEFIELD PARK DA MEETS RESISTANCE

The Benalla Auto Group’s Development Application submission to expand the facilities at Wakefield Park is due to be considered by the Goulburn Mulwaree Shire Council in an extraordinary public meeting on June 22.

DA 0117/2021 has already created a firestorm of controversy on social meeting where it has been reported that the submission has been recommended for refusal by planning department on the basis of a small number of noise complainants.

Advice from the Planning Department to the councillors is to refuse the DA. This is largely based on noise and social impacts issues.

The facility operators strongly believe that their DA covers these issues fully and appropriately. They are surprised and disappointed that the planning department have determined to recommend that councillors refuse the DA. Wakefield Park strongly refute claims that the DA doesn’t address the issue of noise.

The applicant has to consider all factors and impacts, and it is believed that 39 submissions have been received during the six-week notification period.

The meeting will allow the attendance of community members, submitters, other interested parties and will be webcast from the Goulburn Mulwaree Council Chamber from 6pm.

“Wakefield Park is actively encouraging everyone to converse with council in support of the DA, either by attending the meeting, or signing the online petition, or both,” says Operations Manager Dean Campbell.

The DA for the complex, 10kms southeast of Goulburn on Braidwood Road, purposes construction of a new pit lane building, an off-road experience area and the further use of a camping ground, in total worth in the vicinity of $5.6 million

The planned facility upgrade provides for a two storey complex, constructed in three stages that will stretch from the current control tower to the furthest garage at the entrance to pit lane.

The current garages would relocate behind the new structures and utilised additionally and also leased out for those wishing to leave vehicles at the circuit for longer or even permanent terms.

Whilst the DA should impact circuit activity, it does formalise the terms of a noise management and mitigation arrangement agreed between the company and the council following complaints.

This followed a council noise prevention notice in the NSW Land and Environment Court. The notice restricted noise to 95 decibels when measured 30 metres from the track.

Two noise pollution action groups lodged submissions on the plan. One resident who lives 9.7kms away, says in certain conditions it sounds like he has a “motor racing circuit in his front yard.” He also argued that lifting the limit to 95dB will make it the loudest council approval racetrack in Australia.

In response, the circuit operators consulted residents and had modified activities to meet noise limits. It is believed that councillors will have a briefing session with a council noise consultant before deciding the DA. It should also be noted that 95dB is standard noise maximum at most motor racing venues in Australia.

There are also plans to include cycling activities, car manufacturer demonstrations, learner driver facilitating, emergency service training, and markets.

Wakefield Park was founded by John Carter and Paul Samuels and began operations in May 1994. The 2.2km 10-corner circuit was officially opened in November that year by NSW Premier John Fahey and Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham.

In 2000, the circuit was purchased by Rob Hodkinson and Paul Phillips with Garry Wilmington appointed as the manager. The new owners made several adjustments to the circuit, including re-profiling the Fish Hook and the final corner Turn 10.

In 2007, the circuit was purchased by the Benalla Auto Club and continues to thrive. The facility has been reported to generate over $16 million in the local community in 2019.

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