A GROWING band of residents opposed to a go kart track being built in McPhillamy Park remains convinced the fight is not yet over.
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A Friends of McPhillamy Park committee has been established to coordinate the efforts to of local seeking to have the go track built in a different - but, as yet, undecided - location.
They are working on a number of events to raise awareness of their cause and to keep building support.
But time might be against them as Bathurst Regional Council looks set to borrow $2.25 million (pending a rescission motion) to finally progress work on the go kart track after years of debate.
The Friends of McPhillamy Park committee comprises prominent Bathurst heritage warriors, academics and environmentalists, including Jan Page (committee chair), Sandy Bathgate, Iain McPherson, Fran White, Dr Donald Alexander, Professor David Goldney, Helen Bergen, Wayne Feebrey and Dr Juanita Kwok.
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"This means, of course, that the proposed go kart track must be located elsewhere and the committee is implementing a wide range of strategies to bring this about. Ideas are welcome," Ms Page said.
"COVID restrictions have made a public gathering difficult but these have just been eased off and so we are planning some Reclaim McPhillamy Park events for Bathurst residents."
Ms Page said a Go Fund Me fundraiser would be launched this week to help cover campaign costs. The group runs an active Facebook page, Save McPhillamy Park! No Karts On Top Of The Mount, which has more than 850 members while an online petition calling for the track to be moved has attracted more than 1750 "signatures".
Public anger is building about the location and financing of the track.
- Committee member Wayne Feebrey
Group members have had dozens of letters to the editor published in the Western Advocate and have been urged to contact state and federal MPs - along with Bathurst councillors - to express their concerns. A Friends of McPhillamy Park website will launch soon.
The group's members say they are not opposed to a go kart track in Bathurst but want to see McPhillamy Park "preserved for the whole community" while respecting the wishes of local Wiradjuri elders.
"We know public anger is building about the location and financing of the kart track, and its irrational support by five councillors," Mr Feebrey said.
Contact them at savemcphillamypark@gmail.com.
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