News 29 Mar 2017

Plans for MNSW's Shoalhaven road racing facility abandoned

Discovery of rare orchid population deems facility impossible.

Source: Supplied.

Motorcycling NSW’s plans to open a road racing facility at Yerriyong, near Nowra, have been shelved after the existence of an ‘orchid protected under state and federal law as a vulnerable species was found on the site’.

Seven years in the works, including the undertaking of all environmental studies and planning requirements needed to get the DA approved, the project has encountered challenges from environmental roadblocks, activism from a small group of locals against the project and other concerns.

Through those issues the project had continually stalled, however the latest environmental problem in the existence of a significant orchid population – over 100 uncovered in the past six months – has deemed plans impossible. Permission to clear the site won’t be provided.

“This is a sad announcement for us, as it means the end of plans for a badly-needed new road racing facility in NSW and will also mean many of the plans we had for the existing motocross facility at Yerriying will also not go ahead, as they were dependent on the joint facility coming to fruition,” a statement from MNSW said.

“It is also a sad day for the people of the Shoalhaven, as it will mean the end of a huge new income stream for the area, which would have brought jobs, economic investment and activity, new hotels, tourism, and other business opportunities to an area in need of economic support.

“Motorcycling NSW would like to thank the tireless efforts of our supporters in the area, particularly Joanna Gash, Ann Sudmalis MP and the Shoalhaven Council staff who worked closely with us on the project, as well as all of the locals who believed this project would be a win for the district and supported it.

“We would also like to thank the committee and members of the Nowra Motorcycle Club, whose patience and cooperation have been vital to this project. For Motorcycling NSW this project may have ended, but we firmly believe we have acted in the best interests of motorcycle racing in pursuing this project and the search for a means to support our sport with top class facilities will continue.”

The road racing circuit at the $19-million Shoalhaven Motorsport Complex was proposed to be 2.5 to 3.5 kilometres in length, constructed as part of a multi-purpose facility that had gained in excess of $9.5-million in government funding towards its construction if it went ahead.

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