The Gold Coast City Council has done it again, and sold the Club significantly short in directing how we must operate when re-opening Stanmore Park.

In fact, Council did not consult with ADMC Management Committee in determining any of the Resolutions; and it would seem, arbitrarily decided how the Club will operate.

Council has made the operating criteria so restrictive, that the Club will not be able to operate in a way that we are used to; or that will properly service the membership numbers we have.

Refer to Council Resolutions, and see that we are not allowed to operate on Sunday's or Public Holidays.  Motocross is a weekend sport, and recreational activity.

In a meeting with GCCC and ADMC Management Committee, Council advised that while we passed the recent Noise Testing (56db against a limit of 60db); they have directed that only 6 senior 450cc bikes may be on the track at any one time.

The reason for this in Council's opinion; is to make sure noise levels in the Suburb meet current standards - which are background noise + 5db.

Interestingly, the current background noise is 44 to 49db.  Therefore 49 + 5 = 54db.  We are only 2db off the current standard, and fully compliant with the old standard that we must legally be measured against.  Additional noise reduction measures will surely allow us to come in at 54db.

Make no mistake, Council are trying to manoeuvre the Club for their own political outcome; with no regard to how the sport of Motocross is conducted, or the financial viability of the Club.

The Management Committee met at a special meeting, and determined that the Club will not agree to Councils directions.  The reasoning; if we agree to this, then after the 3 Month trial they will say that's the way we must operate from then onwards.  We will have allowed the Club to be restricted to Saturday operations and 6 x 450's per time.

Any Member that has attended or ridden at Stanmore Park on the weekends, knows that it will be impossible to squeeze everybody into one day, and restrict 450's to 6 on the track at a time.  On Practice weekends, we average 200 Riders over both days.  Race days, 165 - 200 Competitors.

Refer to ADMC Management Committee reply to Council.

The Management Committee will continue to fight for a fair and equitable outcome for Members and the Stanmore Park Facility; and will not sell the Club short on sub standard operating conditions.

Interesting times lay ahead with the Council Election on 28 April.  If there happens to be a change of Councillors and/or Mayor, then logically thinking, there may be a change of sentiment towards our Club and Facility.

So for all Members, and Gold Coast residents who will vote in this Election;

• you may like to note who moved and seconded the Resolutions that so severely restricts our Clubs operations.
• you may like to ponder the logic of Council spending at least $200,000 on noise reduction measures at Stanmore Park, then strangling our ability to operate appropriately and viably.
• you may like to ponder Council spending copious amounts of money on the failed Stapylton Facility, despite ADMC Management Committee and MQ continously advising Council that Stapylton was not viable.
• you may like to ponder that your Club has co-operated with Council since December 2011 with these noise reduction measures, and spent over $20,000 of Members funds in the process.
• you may like to ponder the underhanded way that Council changed our operating conditions without consultation; despite the good faith we have extended to them in this project, as well as money, resources and labour.