In what was originally to be a seemingly last-ditch effort, a McPhillamy Park picnic on Sunday will serve as a celebration after the federal government prevented the commencement of works on the go-kart track, which were slated for Monday.
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On Friday, federal environment minister Sussan Ley placed an emergency declaration under section 9 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984, protecting the chosen McPhillamy Park site for 30 days.
In response, the Friends of McPhillamy Park Group [FOMP] group will host a picnic as another opportunity to publicly voice their opposition to the selected site, which they feel will alienate public open space, spoil amenity in McPhillamy Park and desecrate a place sacred to Wiradyuri women.
"With council taking out a $2.25 million loan to cover the cost of the first stage of development, it also represents a reckless waste of ratepayers' money," FOMP spokesperson Jan Page said.
An online petition calling on council to find a new site for the track has now attracted over 10,000 signatures, largely on the back on former Bathurst musician Gabbi Bolt's viral TikTok video generating a wider range of interest in the subject.
FOMP spokesperson Iain McPherson said the Sunday picnic will be opportunity for people to honour the campaign's valiant efforts to push for change.
"They know that if a go-kart track is built, all of the park will be flooded with the sound of go-kart racing and a huge area of the park will be consumed by the facility, parking and other buildings," Mr McPherson said.
"People are disappointed and angry that the council is trying to take away the rights and pleasures available to the whole community and handing it over for the restricted use of a few."
Ms Page said the FOMP is hoping for a significant turnout, especially after Friday's announcement bought their cause more time.
"We urge our supporters to come along on Sunday to celebrate the park, protect it as public open space and show your respect for Wiradyuri culture."
"FOMP is not opposed to a go-kart track in Bathurst and continues to urge council and the Go Kart Club to consider alternative sites."
The picnic will feature Bathurst cabaret extraordinaire Rusty Nails [Kate Smith] as MC, and include live music and opportunities for community members to present speeches.
Social distancing will be enforced at the event, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and picnic rugs.
The picnic will take place on Sunday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. For more information, visit the Save McPhillamy Park Facebook page.
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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
"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
