RESIDENTS are standing firm against the latest bid to run a motorbike park at Tugalong Station.
But bike enthusiasts have called for the scare mongering to stop.
Last week more than 30 residents attended a council information session on the proposal in Canyonleigh Community Hall.
Leading objector Terry Biscoe said there were still a lot of questions being left unanswered.
“Why wasn’t there an archaeological or indigenous report? Why did they only base the noise test on one day using only eight bikes when they project up to 320 bikes?” he asked.
“Tugalong Station is on top of a significant karst environment recognised by Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW). This was not covered as they did not commission an archaeological survey and they did not consult with the local indigenous population when where the two rivers meet has significance in their Dreamtime stories.”
Tugalong Station landowner Alex Hazlett said that if the site had Aborigianl significance it was not registered.
“The site he (Mr Biscoe) is talking about is a great distance away from any of the activities we have proposed and it isn’t easily accessed,” Mr Hazlett said.
“As for the sound concerns, tests were conducted with between eight and 12 different types of bikes, which is an ample model. It is not about quantity.
“As a result of that test we have moved the position of the tracks, and the previously cleared site will be rejuvenated.”
Mr Hazlett said he understood residents’ concerns, especially given the impact of the previously unauthorised operation run by the previous tenants.
“Believe me, after investing so much time and money into this development application, if approved, I am not going to let anything jeopardise it,” Mr Hazlett said
“Anyone who does the wrong thing will be banned from the property immediately, as outlined in our report to the council.”
GHR Honda Mittagong owner Glenn Hoffmann supports the proposed motocross park.
He is behind Dirt Bike Pty Ltd and an integral part of the Honda Racing Team that will compete at the Dakar Rally at the end of the year.
“I think the residents underestimate just how big motocross is in the Highlands,” Mr Hoffman said.
“I think what Alex and his family are trying to do would be a great thing for the area.
“I would even argue it would be a bigger tourism drawcard than the wineries.”
The Southern Villages Group, representing the communities of Bundanoon, Canyonleigh, Exeter, Penrose, Sutton Forrest and Wingello, has written an objection to the council.
They describe the DA as a “highly undesirable development”.
Their main concerns relate to the unsealed Tugalong Road and expected traffic increases as a result of the motocross park.
Mr Hazlett said he would be happy to speak to any concerned landowners. To contact him call Tugalong Station on 4878 9171 and leave a message.
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