The following is a Press Release from Motorcycling NSW.
24th March 2017
PRESS RELEASE
SHOALHAVEN ROAD RACING FACILITY PROPOSAL
For around 7 years now Motorcycling NSW Ltd have been working towards the construction of a new road racing facility at Yerriyong, near Nowra. The concept was approved at a General Meeting of members some years ago, and since then we have embarked on a programme of lodging a Development Application for the project, and undertaking all of the required environmental studies and planning requirements needed to get the DA approved.
Along the way we have encountered numerous challenges, either from environmental roadblocks, activism from a small group of locals who were against the project, and other concerns. All of these issues allowed the project to be continually stalled, with the Joint Regional Planning Panel who were charged with making the final decision on the DA once again putting off that decision when they last met in the middle of 2016.
In the time it has taken us to carry out the additional work requested by the panel at that time, a new environmental issue has developed. A few years ago the existence of an orchid protected under State and Federal law as a “vulnerable” species was found on the site, prompting a revision of the plans at that time to allow a buffer zone around the plants. In the last 6 months, further surveys by locals wanting to protect the site have uncovered more of the orchids, which brings the population to over 100, making it a significant population.
Given the location of these orchids on the property, proceeding with any further plans is now impossible as we will not be given permission to clear the site under present arrangements.
This is a sad announcement for us, as it means the end of plans for a badly needed new road racing facility in NSW, and will also mean many of the plans we had for the existing Motocross facility at Yerriying will also not go ahead, as they were dependent on the joint facility coming to fruition.
It is also a sad day for the people of the Shoalhaven, as it will mean the end of a huge new income stream for the area, which would have brought jobs, economic investment and activity, new hotels, tourism, and other business opportunities to an area in need of economic support.
Motorcycling NSW would like to thank the tireless efforts of our supporters in the area, particularly Joanna Gash, Ann Sudmalis MP, and the Shoalhaven Council staff who worked closely with us on the project, as well as all of the locals who believed this project would be a win for the district and supported it.
We would also like to thank the committee and members of the Nowra Motorcycle Club, whose patience and cooperation have been vital to this project.
For Motorcycling NSW this project may have ended, but we firmly believe we have acted in the best interests of motorcycle racing in pursuing this project, and the search for a means to support our sport with top class facilities will continue.
Media inquiries;
David Cooke
dcooke@motorcycling.com.au
02 9635 9177
I am so furious about this that I don’t feel I can comment further without possibly saying something that is libellous or defamatory. Another win for the *&^% Greens, damn them.