Motocross home hunt as Avalon ruled out

PROTECTED plants and animals rule out Avalon for a new regional motocross track, according to a council report.
Councillors voted this week to spend $50,000 on finding a new site before Barrabool’s McAdam Park track closes at the end of the year.
But the report to Geelong’s council this week said investigating habitat on the proposed Avalon site off Dandos Rd would take too much time and money.
The search for a new site should now include “surrounding municipalities”, the report said.
Riders must leave McAdam Park, in Surf Coast Shire, by December after nearby residents won a long legal and planning battle to close the track. The previous Labor state government, Motorcycling Australia and Surf Coast Shire paid over $1.5 million to buy the Barrabool site after Geelong Motocross Club lost its Breakwater home following complaints from residents.
Geelong’s council held on to funding it put aside at the time for a potential Avalon track and now has $660,000 available for a new facility.
Cr John Irvine, who holds council’s sport and recreation portfolio, said an in-depth strategic land assessment would investigate the needs of motocross within the region.
“This assessment will include Geelong’s surrounding municipalities and ideally be driven through (regional councils alliance body) G21,” Cr Irvine said.
“Providing a state-of-the-art facility for motocross in a prime location will help stop the increase of illegal riding around the Geelong region.
“The sport of motocross provides an outlet for people to ride motor-cycles in a structured and relatively safe environment.
“That is our aim – to provide a place where people can explore their love for motocross within a secure and structured setting.”
Cr Irvine said council would call on the new Labor State Government and Motorcycling Australia to redirect funds from the sale of McAdam Park to develop another regional motocross facility.
The council report said Surf Coast Shire would support the regional-site assessment and contribute funding.
Motorcycling Australia supported the assessment and pledged assistance to its Victorian branch with grants or interest-free loans if surplus funds were available from the sale of McAdam Park.