WAKEFIELD PARK TO SHUT THE GATES SEPTEMBER 1ST
In a shock announcement for the industry, the future of all motorsport activities in NSW are about to be impacted, with Wakefield Park management confirming that the gates to the much used and needed facility will close on the 1st of September.
An AUTO ACTION exclusive by Bruce Williams.
The venue has been confirmed as no longer being tenable running for only four days per month and will close within a matter of weeks following the NSW Land and Environmental Court ruling handed down on July 13; effectively being mothballed until a workable solution is reached.
The court handed down its decision after an appeal to upgrade its Wakefield Park facilities – which was initially knocked back by the council – was actually approved but had a series of strict operational stipulations put upon it should it go ahead with the upgrade or not. Read AUTO ACTION’S NEWS EXTRA story here.
The shattering decision meant that the circuit, run by Benalla Auto Club, could not operate more than 30 days a year, making it financially un-viable to keep its gates open.
AUTO ACTION spoke exclusively to BAC vice president Bruce Robertson about the situation that now faces the racetrack, and its potential closure.
“At this point in time there is no immediate solution to the problems brought on us by the Land and Environmental Court, there is nothing more we can do legally.
“We cannot operate. No one can operate a business or recreational facility on 4 days a month. It can’t be done.” Robertson told AUTO ACTION.
That the facility will be forced to close its doors has implications on many levels, not just on motorsports, with the facility in the employ of 10 full time staff, four casual employees, and three contract hirers who run businesses dependent on the facilities.
“Closing the place has massive implications, not least for our full-time staff and their families, who will unfortunately face redundancy due to the stipulations that have been placed on us.
“This decision can’t be appealed, as there was no error in law, so the state government has to find a path forward with other legislative instruments.’ Robertson went on to say.
The Goulburn Mulwaree Council regional area and many of the business based around the city of Goulburn also face an enormous loss of revenue, as Wakefield Park hosted not only motorsport events, but ran defensive driver training, NSW police and academy training, AFP and defence force training, and a large series of charitable and motorcycle activities.
“We commissioned a document for the trial saying highlighting the park injected 17 million into the economy every year, and that was a conservative estimate. Within government circles, it’s been stated as much 35 million dollars,” Robertson continued.
“It is a horrific decision in terms of ALL NSW MOTORSPORT, and if the government wants to have viable motor racing facilities for their citizens, an industry I might ad that employs thousands of people, then they need to take notice of this court ruling and act.
“There needs to be a critical overview of the implications of the various environmental regulatory instruments regarding noise emanation on everyday activities and, of the practical implications on the way such regulations harm everyday activities.
“And there needs to be urgent clarification and alterations, if indeed NSW does not want to become a backwater in maintaining a 21st century way of life for its citizens.
“Our way of life is under attack on many fronts, from the very legislation and regulations allegedly protecting the “environment” and “amenity” that politicians thought has been wise to put into place over the years.” added Robertson.
When pressed by AUTO ACTION if there was any possible way back for Wakefield Park, with the cost overwhelming the amount of operable days allowed, Robertson’s response was dire-yet clear.
“No, not without State Government assistance. They have to intervene for this to get anywhere, and that’s the only avenue forward.” Said an exacerbated Robertson.
Clearly this story has many implications for the sport not just in NSW, and AUTO ACTION will follow this story closely and keep all motorsport enthusiast informed and up to-date with any developments.
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