In the latest issue of AUTO ACTION, out now via digital media and print, we spoke exlusively with the NSW Shadow Minister for Sports, Julia Finn, who has thrown her support behind the Save Wakefield Park Group e-petition, Timothy W Neal reports…
The Save Wakefield Park Group has reached 23,397 signatures on their e-petition in just over a week, as NSW residents put on a show of people power in the battle to save the Goulburn area Raceway.
As AUTO ACTION previously reported, With 20,000 signatures needed to have it presented to the Legislative Assembly by the Shadow Minister for Sport Julia Finn, the fight is now on to get the matter heard in parliament.
AUTO ACTION spoke with the Shadow Minister, who shared her views on the park’s embattled position.
“I met with the group (Save Wakefield Park Group) a few months ago, and I also met with the local council, finding both groups to be highly constructive,” Finn said.
“They’re both keen to find a solution, which unfortunately hasn’t been found to-date, as it’s received very little help from the state government, which is really disappointing. They’re in a position to find a viable alternative that is respectful of the Court’s decision (NSW Land and Environmental court) that can somehow find a way for Wakefield Park to operate.
“You’d think that a track that is tucked away in a rural area would be suitable for an activity that generates a lot of noise.
“Now I came to this from the perspective of someone who lived very close to the Parramatta Speedway for decades, which was quite noisy, but its managers ran it very well so its impact on neighbours was minimal.
“So when I look at Wakefield Park, I’m convinced that there are effective ways to mitigate things. Now there’s goodwill on behalf of the council and the park to find a solution, but there has to be the support of the government, and that just hasn’t been forthcoming.
“I went out there months ago in the hope to generate some media and kick the government into action, but the sports minister (Alister Henskens) has shown no interest whatsoever…
