Quiet tarmac at Wakefield Park Raceway. Photo: Wakefield Park Raceway, Facebook.
Wakefield Park Raceway made history after the groundswell movement that resulted in the largest petition ever recorded in New South Wales.
Between 7th and 28th October, we plead with the NSW Government to reverse the impact of the court ruling that forced the closure of the 2.2km tarmac racecourse near Goulburn on 31st August 2022. Up to 28,950 NSW residents have signed the online Save Wakefield Park petition. .
It was put before the NSW Legislature on Tuesday 8th November.
The figure surpasses the previous record of 22,074 signatures when the New South Wales government made a clear call for a decision to replace the heritage-style Freshwater Manly Ferry.
In the now-famous story, Wakefield Park’s owners, Benalla Auto Club (BAC), submitted a development application to the former Goulburn Mulwarry Council in September 2020. In a month he was working only 4 days. Responded to noise complaints.
BAC determined that these conditions were impracticable and closed the track. But it was far from over.
‘Innumerable supporters’ of motorsport participants, stakeholders, volunteers, spectators, enthusiasts, local business owners and community groups from NSW, ACT and Australia called ‘Save Wakefield Park’ rallied under the flag.
The movement filed a petition with the NSW government on 7 October and was defended by Labor’s Shadow Sports Minister, Julia Finn.
The control tower is now a haunted building. Photo: Wakefield Park Raceway, Facebook.
The NSW Land and Environment Court’s ruling said it had “devastated motorsport enthusiasts, Goulburn Mulwaree business owners and the wider community who see WPR as the lifeblood of Goulburn.”
I urge the Government, and in particular Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, to “authorize his mandate to identify suitable long-term options to revive and protect the future of Wakefield Park as a viable motor racing circuit. I requested that it be exercised, as soon as possible.”
We collected thousands of signatures in a matter of days.
On Tuesday, MPs were forwarded briefing documents containing economic impact reviews and statements from individuals, businesses, clubs and community organizations in the area.
Mark and Lee Reid have lived close to the track since 1997.
“Having lived next door to Wakefield Park for nearly 20 years, it bothers me that some people are selfish enough to complain about noise levels,” Mark said.
Former Wakefield Park employee Robin Ryan describes it as one of the most terrifying events of his 18 years at Goulburn.
“Wakefield Park has been more than just a job to me, it’s been a family. It breaks my heart.
The driver training company Track Day Club, which was based in Wakefield Park, now has no choice but to close.
“No other racetrack facility in New South Wales has the visibility and access that Wakefield Park has,” said director Yvette Kincaid.
Wakefield Park Raceway is one of Australia’s few racetracks used for driver training. Photo: James Coleman.
An estimated 7,330 people descended on Goulburn for the 2022 Australian Superbike Championship from 20-24 April. A total of $2,581,949 was contributed to Goulburn’s malware region during these four days, according to the economic impact review of the document.
This figure includes $897,750 for lodging, $1,132,380 for meals, and $551,819 for other logistics, such as travel and event costs.
By the time Wakefield Park closed, the Bakehouse Motel would welcome over 300 guests in 2022, equivalent to approximately $20,000 in revenue.
Manager Julie Parsons said, “We’re just one business and this is just money spent on accommodations. All of these guests need money for food, fuel and personal purchases.” I also spent money on other local businesses.
“The loss had a devastating effect on the entire town.”
Racing events and clubs including the NSW Motor Racing Championship, Motorcycle Racing Club of NSW, Historic Sports and Racing Car Association of NSW, Australian National Truck Racing Organization (ANTRO), Golden Era Auto Racing Club and Superkart Club of NSW also issued statements. I’m here. , mourn the loss.
Eddie Swatt, an avid member of the Save Wakefield Park movement and registration planner, describes the issue as a “state issue” for the March 2023 NSW elections.
“New South Wales currently has only one racetrack, Sydney Motorsport Park, which can accommodate 8 million people, but other states such as Queensland and Victoria have much better facilities.” he says.
CAMS NSW State Championship action at Wakefield Park. Photo: Wakefield Park Raceway.
Eddie says the petition is intentionally vague and “to keep options open”, but there are some key goals for the NSW Planning Minister to work towards.
These include a consistent approach to NSW noise regulation, independent research into the development application process, and allowing owners to open the tracks quickly while more permanent solutions are found. and related changes to planning laws to secure Wakefield. Parks Place as a motor sports facility.
“Our main objective is to get that racetrack back,” he says.
“I don’t care who runs it and who goes into government as long as Goulburn gets it back.”
Planning Minister Anthony Roberts has until December 13, 2022 to respond to the petition. A date for the debate will then be determined.
Original article published in Riotact by James Coleman.
