By Rowan Forster
Kooweerup Motorcycle Club has notched a slight victory at 335 McGregor Road, with restrictions on the land beneath AusNet’s powerline easement being lifted.
The group, and the Pakenham Auto Club, are set to accommodate lot one and two at the property respectively, with the third set to feature the world-class motorsports facility.
Council has an alternative site in mind for the motorcycle club, but it is zoned Green Wedge and would require ministerial intervention to use.
In the likely event that the area isn’t re-zoned by December, 2019, the club will join the McGregor Road site.
However, members were dubious about lot two’s accessibility, given an abundance of transmission lines overhead.
After investigating the site, AusNet have reduced long-implemented restrictions beneath the infrastructure.
The change will make the property more viable for the Kooweerup club.
On several occasions, club president Jason Miles raised concerns with Cardinia Shire about lot two.
“We haven’t got a problem with them doing it but the land isn’t suitable for what we need it for,” he said when the proposal was approved in July.
“For the area they’ve given us, with the restrictions on it, that’s our biggest problem.”
When speaking to the Gazette on Wednesday, Mr Miles said he was pleased there had been progress, but much more work needs to be done.
“They’ve lifted a couple of restrictions but there is still a way to go,” he added.
However, sparking further frustration for the grassroots club; Cardinia Shire has refused to shed light on the proposed alternative site for the Kooweerup Motorcycle Club.
Members still have clue as to whether the land will be suitable for their use.
The saga dates back more than four decades, with both community groups long struggling to secure permanent homes.
Councillor Brett Owen, who was at the forefront of campaigning for the clubs, revealed Cardinia Shire has already held two motorsports complex steering committees with representatives.
“The clubs have produced specific details of their individual requirements to allow planning to commence and draft leases to be prepared,” he said.
“It is pleasing to note that AusNet reduced the restrictions regarding activities under the powerlines, which will greatly assist the motor club’s activities.
“Things are really positive in this space and council is engaging with our two local clubs to provide them permanent homes.”
Council is reportedly awaiting further advice regarding track layouts and requirements.
