The General Manager 10 July 2007
Eurobodalla Shire Council
PO Box 99
MORUYA NSW 2537
RADIO CONTROL DIRT RACE TRACK PROPOSAL - HANGING ROCK
Ref No 06.0311
Our Association urges Council to refuse consent for this proposal at Hanging Rock and to suggest other more suitable sites. The proposal does not suit the values of the reserve; its noise impact will conflict with use of the library, university and passive recreational use of the beach; it will involve the removal of part of a Casuarina glauca forest remnant; and it is likely to increase vandalism problems.
Why does the Hanging Rock Plan of Management (as shown on Council website) have maps of Gundary Oval instead?
VALUES OF THE RESERVE
The 1999 Plan of Management for Hanging Rock Reserve states (section
1.2, p 5) that it aims to meet community expectations and enable
the area to be "utilised sustainably for the benefit of all
users". The Plan acknowledges (section 3.2, p 10) that the
community values the reserve "as an important meeting place
for recreational, social, educational and cultural activities."
The remote control car track will not be to the benefit of all users and in fact will degrade the experience of those who need or want a quiet place to study, read, relax or passively enjoy the nearby beach. While the noise may not be louder than passing traffic it is a higher pitched, more penetrating and more annoying noise. Even nearby residences will be affected due to prevailing winds, especially in summer when daylight will allow use of the course until much later in the evening. Who is going to police a 7pm closure to the public?
REMOVAL OF PART OF AN ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL ECOSYSTEM
The community identified the vegetated dunal buffer and foreshore
area as "having important scenic and environmental qualities,
which need to be preserved" (section 3.2, p 10). It provides
a scenic backdrop to the sporting complex, a natural buffer against
wind and windblown sand and a habitat for native flora and fauna.
The Principles of Crown Land Management which are listed in Section 11 of the Crown Lands Act, 1989 require among other things that:
One of the Objectives of the Plan of Management is "to protect and enhance native vegetation, foreshore and dunal areas around Joes Creek and Corrigans Beach" (section 3.3, p 11). Since the Plan was adopted Casuarina glauca forest has been identified as threatened so the need to preserve this remnant forest is reinforced. (In 2004 the NSW Scientific Committee listed Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest as an Endangered Ecological Community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995)
INCREASED RISK OF VANDALISM
The Plan of Management (Security Issues, p 15) states that "vandalism
on the Recreational Reserve has been a particular problem in the
past." The proposed remote control car track will be a drawcard
for young people, much as the skateboard park is. For the same
reason it should be located in a position that is either supervised
at all times or very visible to passing traffic.
SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE SITES
The Surfair Speedway near the Moruya Racecourse is the logical
place for this proposal. It is supervised during opening hours.
No matter where the track is located most users will bring the
models and related equipment in vehicles. Since so many young
people drive this will not be an impediment to their participation.
Another possible site is at the southern end of the Batemans Bay swimming pool. Enough cleared land is available for the track and viewing platform, parking areas exist and the site adjoins the Princes Highway. It is very visible to passing traffic and the noise will be masked by traffic noise.
If the Hanging Rock Reserve has to be used it would be better to locate the course near Beach Road next to the skatepark. At least this site would be more visible and the noise would blend with that of passing traffic; the popular beach would retain its values for passive recreation and the remnant forest would not have to be cleared.
CONCLUSION
We do not believe the proposed development complies with the objectives
of the Plan of Management (section 3.3, p11). In particular: -
We ask that this proposal be refused and the proponents be guided to a more suitable site.