Group slams McAdam plan

Andrew Mathieson
FARMERS and property owners have banded together in a last-ditch bid to stop further development of a Barrabool motorcycle track.
Barrabool Rural Protection Group formed a united front of residents this month after discovering Geelong Motocross Club had plans to join Geelong’s Sporting Motorcycle Club in a new regional facility at McAdam Park.
Geelong’s council this week backed the vision of the region’s two clubs after forcing the motocross riders off their Breakwater track three years ago amid growing noise and pollution complaints from residents.
Group spokesperson Paul Morgan said sending more riders to McAdam Park would only duplicate the same concerns at Barrabool.
He said residents had “tolerated” the motorcycle club at Barrabool for years and never intended to impede its operation but they feared that expanding use of the track would only increase “unsociable behaviour”.
“There have always been issues with noise, dust and other unsociable behaviour like hoon activities after events,” Mr Morgan said.
“Complaints have been lodged with Surf Coast Shire by many residents – it’s not like it’s a new thing that residents are unhappy about.
“The concern is that what is being proposed is a much larger development that will have a large impact on residents.”
Mr Morgan said other concerns included fire hazards and traffic movements in and out of the track.
Farmers were also worried about the impact of litter, claiming cows had died after swallowing disposable helmet visors discarded at the track.
Mr Morgan said governments pouring funds into developing McAdam Park had also “pre-empted the planning process”.
“It’s quite concerning that these funds are being committed by public bodies before there has been any information or any consultation,” he said.
“We are just worried whether this is a done deal. It all looks a little undemocratic – that’s how we’re viewing it.”
Mr Morgan said Barrabool residents were unaware of the plans for the site until they met last week for the first time to plan a campaign to stop further development of the track.
Mr Morgan said the group planned to battle for a cut in the number of riders rather than an increase.
“We view this as just the first step in what will be a long process,” he said.
“We are prepared for that and that is why we have formed a formal group to represents the interests of residents and land owners in this region.”