Track ‘breaches’ noise, water laws

By John Van Klaveren
BARRABOOL’S controversial motocross site contravenes waterways and noise laws, according to documents obtained by the Independent.
Corangamite Catchment and Management Authority (CCMA) wrote to Surf Coast Council about unauthorised works on designated waterways on the site.
Surf Coast councillors are due to consider next week retrospective permits for clubroom and track works.
In its letter, CCMA said works carried out on the property since October 2000 were in contravention of planning provisions and “considered unlawful”.
CCMA told Surf Coast Shire that Motorcycling Australia would have to apply for special waterways permits for unauthorised works already carried out as well as for new works.
The letter said Motorcycling Australia was wrong to claim the property was without designated waterways.
An accompanying map showed at least 11 waterways running across the motocross property.
CCMA said the waterways had to include 30-metre vegetated buffer zones on each side.
Any works had to consider the impact on downstream water quality, retain natural drainage corridors, minimise erosion and reduce polluted runoff.
A similar permit would be required for any access crossings of the waterways, CCMA said.
“No works on waterway permits have been issued at the site by the authority. It is noted that further expansion to the motor bike track has been completed with further (numerous unauthorised) waterway crossings.”
In another letter, Surf Coast Shire acting chief Dennis Barker admitted to residents that the track was a noise nuisance.
“Council has undertaken enforcement action in this matter and on 2 August 2012 issued an improvement notice to Motorcycling Australia.
“The notice requires Motorcycling Australia to undertake ongoing noise monitoring/testing and develop a noise management plan within 30 days.”
Mr Barker said Motorcycling Australia had 23 days to appeal the notice to the Magistrates Court.
A Motorcycling Australia spokesperson was unavailable for comment.