It's the topic that has caused convoluted debate throughout the entire Bathurst community, and opponents to the go-kart track's approved location gathered in Kings Parade on Thursday to send a message to councillors prior to the extraordinary meeting.
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Around 150 people gathered outside the Bathurst Council Chambers prior to councillors resolving to secure a $2.25 million loan to fund the go kart track in McPhillamy Park, atop Mount Panorama, after a rescission motion failed.
Key arguments against the go-kart track in its approved location include its threat to intangible Wiradyuri cultural values and the partial loss of land formerly accessible to the public for private use.
Friends of McPhillamy Park committee chair Jan Page said the protest was a chance for opponents to demonstrate their dissatisfaction and criticism towards the way the project has been handled.
"The issue has never been 'anti go-karts', it's always been about the location, and the people here today have consistently implored council to see reason as to why it isn't the right spot," Ms Page said.
"There's the Wiradyuri story to be told, as well as concern that council has never considered the nature of the park and the people who use it."
"The people of Bathurst were led to believe this would be solely funded by grants, this decision goes against council's original direction and, quite frankly, people are losing trust in them."
Bush naturalist and Wiradyuri man Ian McArtney, who lived for years in the cottage in McPhillamy Park on Mount Panorama, said the park is of sacred cultural and spiritual interest, and any development will cause irreparable damage.
"I'm disappointed with Graeme Hanger more than anyone else, an intelligent man whom I voted for and respect has stayed relatively quiet on this issue, yet is in support of this, it's just depressing," Mr McArtney said.
Councillor John Fry addressed the crowd prior to the meeting, saying "the top of the mount" has the potential to be used more creatively than a go kart track.
"Why not a visitor's centre, or a coffee shop, or even a botanical garden," Cr Fry said.
"We're in a conservative electorate, but that's no excuse for desecrating a sacred Wiradyuri space and prime grassy box woodland, and I hope everyone continues to oppose this project."
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"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
