By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
CONSULATATIONS with the developer of an empty housing estate will influence whether local drift trikers will be allowed to use the area, council revealed this week.
Manager of Development and Compliance Brett Jackson confirmed that council had reached out to the developer of the vacant land located off Pakenham Road for input.
“We are seeking comments from the developer as part of the process,” he said.
“We will consider any comments made by the developer, or any other party, but no, the decision does not rest with the developer.”
Melbourne Drift Trikes president Greg Lawrence said last week that the group was still waiting to hear whether they would be allowed to continue riding.
He said council had made it clear that several other strict conditions would be imposed.
“The council has told us that the only times we would be able to use the hill are Friday nights from 5pm to 9pm and Sundays from noon to 5pm,” he said this week.
“It’s disappointing because many of our members don’t finish work until 6pm, so it’s doesn’t leave much time.”
Mr Jackson said council had undertaken considerable consultation as part of its process in reaching a decision on the matter.
“Cardinia Shire Council has been working closely with Melbourne Drift Trikes to seek an appropriate outcome and location for their club meets,” he said.
“During any internal meetings on this matter, council considered all correspondence received from the trike club and nearby residents.”
Club president Greg Lawrence says while the club appreciates that council is considering options, members feel they have not properly been consulted or represented.
“We’ve spent a huge amount of money to comply with all of Council’s requests and no-one has ridden on the hill for well over a month.”
He said the process had become exhausting.
“We need to get this sorted out. We’re just a group of locals who want to have some fun.”
Mr Jackson said council hoped to find a solution to the satisfaction of both residents and the riders.
“Council will continue to work with the club to provide direction and advice to ensure their activities can continue in a modified form,” he said.
“Council does not wish to prohibit the club meeting at a location within the shire, however any activity that does occur into the future needs to be undertaken safely, have limited impact on the surrounding residents and comply with all relevant legislation.”
Though council did not respond to questions over what the specific conditions would be, Mr Lawrence said the club had been told they cannot return to the original area they were using.
“They’ve also told us we’ll be restricted to the northern end of the estate, which isn’t the hill we’ve been riding on,” he said.
“It’s certainly not the outcome we’d hoped for.”
