TWO attempts to make Bathurst Regional Council abandon its go-kart track plans failed on Wednesday night, with five councillors unwavering in their support for the chosen site.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillors John Fry and Jess Jennings had lodged separate notices of motion, both urging council not to pursue the project in McPhillamy Park.
Cr Fry wanted councillors to vote for the following: That due to the national outrage and 10,000 objections to date, council ceases construction of the go-kart complex in McPhillamy Park and council's director of engineering investigates and reports on suitable alternative sites including council-owned land west of McPhillamy Park.
Meanwhile, Cr Jennings went a step further, asking council to "construct a go-kart track and access road as part of the second circuit precinct, and seek the necessary approvals to use already available grant funds".
However, both motions were lost following long and heated debates.
RELATED STORIES:
Cr Rudge, who has voted in support of the track previously, said she would support both notices of motion because it was growing more likely that council would be forced to relocate the track.
"I've spoken with both sides, the Friends of McPhillamy and I've also spoken to people in the go-kart track club. I advised both sides I wouldn't initiate an overturning of a DA and I haven't done that," she said.
"I did advise both sides that a level higher than council would need to overturn this DA or eventually make a decision, and that's where we are now, we have Minister [Sussan] Ley making the decision.
"Yes, I voted against the $2.4 million loan, as I thought it was reckless during COVID. But we're now in the position where we, and I say may, may need to relocate the go-kart track. That will of course depend on Minister Ley's decision.
"I do believe we need a plan B. This situation is no longer a bump in the road, I think we've reached the Grand Canyon. I want the go-kart club to have a go-kart track, I want the second circuit to become a viable option, and I want the community to heal."
Those voting against the motions made it clear they stood behind the cultural assessments that had been conducted by Extent Heritage, which did not uncover Aboriginal artefacts.
"Yes [Mount Panorama] would be important, but no information has said it is sacred, and I would not - would not - go down the path I have if it was sacred," Cr North said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News