Bathurst go-kart track: Council has a loan, but no plans for how to use it after Section 10 decision

In October 2020, Bathurst Regional Council resolved to take out a $2.25 million loan for the construction of the track.

The loan was proposed in a mayoral minute, with councillors given only a few minutes to read the proposal prior to the floor being opened to discussion.

Council voted five-four in favour of the loan, and an attempt to reverse the decision failed a few days later.

READ MORE: Bathurst council: Rescission motion to block $2.25m loan for go kart track fails

However, earlier this month, Environment Minister Sussan Ley placed a permanent protection order on the site at the back of McPhillamy Park, preventing the track from being built.

Now questions are being raised about the loan.

General manager David Sherley said council has already drawn down the loan, with repayments anticipated to started in the new financial year.

"Council will give consideration as to the use of that loan when it further considers the go-kart track project, having regard to the recent Section 10 declaration by the Honourable Sussan Ley," he said.

Councillor Jess Jennings, who was staunchly against council acquiring the loan, wants to see the money reversed or reallocated to a more worthwhile project.

READ ALSO:

He put his case forward during budget discussions earlier this month, referring to the loan as "a waste and form of mismanagement of council's resources".

"I would like to see that loan either reversed or repurposed," he said.

Cr Jennings later told the Western Advocate which projects he thinks are deserving of the loan funds.

He said that $2 million should be put towards upgrading the old TAFE building and attracting further investment sources, and a master plan vision and conservation management plan for the top of the Mount.

The plan, he said, would determine how to better activate the precinct for all Bathurst residents and visitors.

Cr Warren Aubin, who supported the loan, said the money should be set aside until council determines the future of the go-kart track project.

However, if the money doesn't need to be used to fund a track, he sees no problem with it being reallocated.

"Now that we've got the money at that low rate of interest, if it's not used on the go-kart track, I feel it should be used on another project," he said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: