MP orders disgraceful council: Hand over the cash for track

Andrew Mathieson
AN OUTSPOKEN Geelong MP has launched a scathing attack on City Hall, calling councillors “disgraceful” for withholding funding for a private organisation’s dirt-bike track.
Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield demanded that councillors hand over the money despite Motorcycling Australia taking ownership of the McAdam Park track this week.
“It is extremely disappointing that the City of Greater Geelong has not committed to McAdam Park in relocating the Geelong Motocross Club there,” he said.
“It has been a disgraceful how the Geelong Motocross Club members have been treated by the City of Greater Geelong and the council must as a priority commit at its next meeting the $660,000 to McAdam Park facility so the club has a permanent home.”
Geelong’s council decided to review its commitment to McAdam Park last week after claiming Motorcycling Australia had deceived ratepayers into handing over $660,000 for title on one parcel of land.
Council evicted Geelong Motocross Club from its Breakwater home three years ago but the riders intended to relocate to McAdam Park with members of Geelong’s Sporting Motorcycling Club.
Mr Crutchfield said the purchase was “a significant day in the history of motorsport in the region”.
State Government committed $1.27 million and Surf Coast shire $300,000 to help Motorcycling Australia buy McAdam Park.
Motorcycling officials were quick to label the facility “Surf Coast’s Sporting Motorcycling Club” in a media release following Geelong council’s offer was withdrawn.
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell defended council’s decision as protecting ratepayers’ money.
“The reality to it all was that we guaranteed the money to Geelong Motocross Club to relocate them to McAdam Park but there were some conditions attached to that,” he said.
“One of the conditions for the money were that we get a lease on one of the blocks of land. That was spelt out in plain English at the meeting where we passed it.
“Those conditions haven’t been met, so we’re reviewing the decision.”
Sporting Motorcycling Club president Brian Kavanagh said taking back McAdam Park had been “years in the making”.
Mr Kavanagh likened the battle to secure the club’s future to a rough ride around the track.
“The battle to secure our home has been a long ride, with many twists, turns and bumps on the track,” he said.
“However, we have crossed the finish line and completed the race to save what is regarded as an icon facility by international riders.”