A MOTORBIKE park at Tugalong Station in Canyonleigh is back on the cards.
The Hazlett family, which has owned the site for 25 years, has lodged a development application with Wingecarribee Council for a motocross-riding complex.
An unauthorised facility was operating at the property last year and was stopped by the council in the wake of public outrage.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Alex Hazlett said the new proposal had “no relevance” to the previous operation, which was run by father and son Danny and Corey Pearson when they were leasing the property.
“We want to provide a professional operation that will help remove illegal motor bike riding not only throughout the Southern Highlands but also across NSW,” Mr Hazlett said.
He believed their application addressed all key issues.
“Following consultation with the council this new proposal has been compiled by a number of experts in their fields of noise, fire and evacuation, water, environmental flora and flora,” Mr Hazlett said.
“These reports have taken more than 12 months to compile and provide a comprehensive and detailed independent view of the proposal for council and an independent body to review along with all authorities to review such as the Sydney Catchment Authority.
“We believe our application is a thorough and detailed one addressing all key issues. If the council requires anything further we will endeavour to provide that information.”
The 5000 plus acre property already accommodates 22 motel-style units, to which the Hazlett family wishes to add camping facilities
“All infrastructure will ensure we are able to do this in a sustainable manner – this has been detailed in reports provided to the council in the development application,” he said.
“Motocross areas will be located in previously disturbed land. These locations have also been tested by a noise consultant to ensure we comply with all regulations.”
Canyonleigh resident Terry Biscoe said residents were furious the idea had resurfaced.
He said the new proposal could see up to 320 dirt bikes operating 52 weeks of the year, with tracks open from “sunrise to sunset”.
He called into question the efficacy of the reports commissioned under the Hazlett’s family company, Bunbury Properties Pty Ltd.
“Of course they could be considered biased towards the proponent,” Mr Biscoe said.
“The reports have gaping holes and were poorly conducted.
“The noise report, for example, was conducted using 11 motor bikes, only one of which was a typical two-stroke dirt bike. Of course you are not going to get a reasonable sample of the proposed operation.”
Mr Biscoe said adding to the anger was the fact the Hazlett’s “refuse” to improve or maintain the unsealed Tugalong Road.
He said it would set a precendent and “we could end up as the dirt-bike capital of NSW”.
The council extended the original deadline for submissions from July 26 to August 16.
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