Ringwood Motor Sports Complex

[VinceS]

From: https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/08/27/circuit-italia-quashes-construction-rumours/?fbclid=IwAR1jdz4O6n9gBkpsN0-L6m_p8q_AxBWOCqs1oK9gngIcpJ4BrQydiIDBuPU

Circuit Italia quashes construction rumours



An aerial view of Circuit Italia showing the ‘event space’ carved into the hillside and superimposed image of T14 Complex

Developers of the new Circuit Italia motorsport complex near Newcastle have quashed rumours that the facility is under threat.
More than 30 percent of the physical construction of the 3.1km circuit has been finished, but has been put on hold due to the availability of circuit owner/developer Matthew Higgins to commit needed time to the project.
Higgins, a successful Newcastle businessman and motorsport enthusiast, announced plans for the facility back in 2015.
The recent delay in construction had created rumours in the marketplace about the actual completion of the project, which have been totally discarded by one of the project heads, former Supercars Director of Sport, Damien White.
“We understand there has been some speculation surrounding the status of Circuit Italia, but have not reacted because simply we had not been asked until you (Speedcafe.com) called,” White told Speedcafe.com.
“I can confirm while the physical work of circuit construction is on hold, our work has not stopped.
“To be clear, the hold on construction has nothing to do with government funding, geology or council interference. Simply, Matthew (Higgins) is currently focused on another project.
“He is very hands on and wants to be involved and enjoy the process of circuit construction to make sure it’s exactly how he envisioned it.”
The project team engaged design consultant Matty Brabeck from Hauswerk to assist with a redesign of the permanent buildings and the use of the overall space.
Brabeck is the son of Crimsafe founder Steve Brabeck, who was co-owner of DJR Team Penske before his passing in January 2018.
White says that once reconstruction recommences, the circuit could be completed in no more than six months.
“While I’ve been busy with overall facility layout and design, my colleague, Paul Martin, is managing the site, including our significant responsibilities under our Construction Stormwater Management Plan,” said White.
“We engaged Ditchfield for the circuit construction, and they’re one third complete.
“With the same crew numbers, it would be another six months to completion.
“That said, the crew numbers can be increased to reduce the timeline if necessary. Ditchfield have been great to work with and they’re as motivated as us to see the circuit completed”.
The redesign has included a re-working of the pitlane entry to decrease entry speed and make it safer and a reduction and relocation of permanent buildings, while retaining a 12,500sqm paddock area.
“With the significant elevation changes around the circuit, and now the slower pit lane entry, we have achieved a very challenging and safe 3.1km layout,” said White.
“Our attention then turned to a review of the paddock area, pit lane and associated buildings to ensure they were efficient, and relevant to our day-to-day requirements.
“We worked with Matty Brabeck from Hauswerk over a number of months to achieve something we’re incredibly pleased with.
“In the review we concluded we would be over-serviced by constructing a traditional pit facility, as it would only be fully utilised during major events, so we relocated and reduced it, which has then created a very versatile space clear of any buildings.
“We created the ‘T14 Complex’, made up of a parc ferme and storage building, which includes office and medical spaces and the Lounge/Clubhouse, which is truly amazing.
“It’s positioned on the circuit’s edge and provides a view of the high-speed Turn 13, the braking into the Turn 14 hairpin, the kink of the final turn and all the way down the start/finish straight.”
Construction will recommence once Higgins has the available time to commit to the project.

[VinceS]

Go for a drive and have a look over the fence maybe? But do remember to take a token bag of groceries with you!

[TopDOG]

Anymore progress on this track anybody? I noticed the video's been taken down now and I cant see any photos of the new pits building construction 

[VinceS]

Just found out the ACTUAL status of the new Italia Raceway track being built just north of Raymond Terrace. Courtesy of RCIOS (Race Cars In Ozzie Sheds) is video footage taken earlier today: https://www.facebook.com/100013384093931/videos/400998980356235/

That's a pretty serious start on the earthworks so it means they have got over all the paper hurdles and are finally at "GO"!!!

[VinceS]

Just in case anyone didn't see this a week ago, see below.

With these announcements, I can now let the cat out of the bag that Paul Martin was the guy that tapped me on the shoulder at the Newcastle toy run in 2008 and said "we need to talk", which we have done several times over the years. Paul is a sensible and capable gentleman and will have a steady hand on the tiller getting this facility to blossom into a fully operational motorsport venue that we will be proud to have in the area. Glad to see he has stuck with it and finally gets to play a bigger role.

By way of qualification of earlier posts going back over the years, I just need to formally state that Paul has been an absolute gentleman and a model of discretion in our chats. Things I have implied / discovered and talked about earlier came from other excitable chaps with vested interests, and whom I won't talk about unless they bob up and want it to be so!

Whilst there isn't much he can do about it any time soon, Paul has a soft spot for motorcycling and he will undoubtedly have the interests of the sport in mind when looking at future developments.


Q1. When are you starting and when will it be completed?
The project has a number of starting points.
Masterplan: Design, planning and engagement with regulatory bodies started more than 5 years ago and is now finalised with the relevant approvals in place.
Construction: Tenders have been received and a contract will soon be awarded for construction. Construction will commence in the second qtr of 2017, with completion due by end of October, 2017.
Personnel: Two senior appointments have been made. Paul Martin, who has been consulting during the master planning stage, has commenced full time and will manage the circuit operations. Damien White, who was in a senior management position with Supercars Australia, before stints at the South Australia Motorsport Park and Ipswich Motorsport Precinct will focus on marketing and business development.

Q2. Why is it called Circuit Italia?
The circuit name was derived from the road it’s on – Italia Road.
 
Q3. Where is it?
Italia Road, just off the Pacific Hwy north of Raymond Terrace35 minutes north of Newcastle15 minutes from Newcastle airport45 minutes west of Nelson Bay45 minutes to the Hunter wine region

Q4. What is the circuit layout?
Wedged into the side of a hill our circuit designer, Grant Liddell, has taken advantage of the natural topography to create a 14 corner 2.9km layout with extreme changes in elevation; something that is missing from most circuits in the country. The radical rise and fall will bring back memories of Amaroo and Oran Park, all designed and built to the highest safety standard (FIA Grade 2).
 
Q5. How much will it cost to drive my car on it or book the whole venue?
Paul and Damien are finalising pricing structures and the various product offerings. In terms of arrive and drive or whole of venue bookings, we are targeting a price point which will keep us competitive with the current circuits available.
 
Q6. Can I ride my motorcycle on the circuit?
Motorcycle use was a consideration during the master planning and circuit design stage, however the current council approval does not include it. A further Development Application (DA), which would require an environmental noise impact assessment, would be required to permit motorcycle use.
 
Q7. Will there be driver training at the circuit?
Yes. Circuit Italia considers driver education, particularly for young people, an important service to facilitate. There will be a purpose-built driver training area that can be used for specific training in addition to that conducted on the circuit.
 
Q8. Can I do drifting, and will there be drift events at the circuit?
It is vital that we maintain the facility to the highest standard for all users, so drifting will not be conducted on the main circuit. We will, however, permit drifting and drifting events to be conducted on the driver training area.
 
Q9. How can I get involved?
We have been overwhelmed by, and are extremely grateful for, the volume of requests/offers to be involved. Your willingness to give your time to contribute to the success of Circuit Italia reinforces our belief that grassroots and club based competition still has an important place in the motorsport landscape.
We are currently exploring the options to establish a club. When done, we will distribute the relevant information and invite applications.
 
Q10. Where can I stay?
There are many affordable options in Raymond Terrace and surrounds; with the convenience of being only 10 minutes away.
If you’re planning to stay a few days and visit the broader region you may want to explore the many options in Port Stephens, Newcastle or the Hunter wine region. Most of these are well within 45 minutes of Circuit Italia.
 
Thank you.

[VinceS]

Just had a look at the revamped DA tracker and the latest DA related docs for Italia Rd Balickera are dated 28/07/2015 per attached. This appears to be the final hurdle related to getting the actual track approved and there has been nothing since. This link might work: http://datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/Application/ApplicationDetails/016-2011-00000564-003/ and from there you can see earlier docs. Otherwise go here and put in street and suburb: http://datracker.portstephens.nsw.gov.au

[VinceS]

the more you take out of these things, the harder it gets to put back in later on. ... hate to see bikes race motorcycles miss out...

There are many practical pathways to deal with the "matters arising" and I am reliably informed there is a strong appetite to pursue this cause. In a gently does it kind of way, to be sure... Of course it would be ridiculous that racing motorcycles are not allowed at the venue as there is nothing about their nature in operation that is different to cars. Collectively, motorcyclists may not have as solid commercial backing as car racing, but when it comes to community participation days (eg ride days) my observation is that the genre of motorcycling is much better supported in participation rates. These things aren't secret and undoubtedly common sense will prevail in time...

CASAR looks like it's full steam ahead for everyone, which is great.  If Italia does the same, we'll be laughing ?

Great to see what is happening for Casar Park as it looks like they have cleared the final go/no go hurdles, but Circuit Italia will be finished way ahead of Casar Park! Casar is at about where Cicuit Italia was in 2012 - while I expect their path forwards will be a less troubled one, they will not catch up any time soon...

I'm not clear from detail on the Italia web site, as it seems a little ambiguous, so do you know if permanent pit garages etc will be in place when it opens in a few months ?

Circuit Italia's website says they will open with temporary infrastructure and replace it with permanent infrastructure once a separate DA is approved for its construction. I have made no attempt to find out what the status of any further related DA may be. However I note all the artists impressions include it so rather suspect a fair bit of progress will have been made.

[Brett]

I'm with you on the DOC replica / social day idea, and happy to help make that happen, in any way I can.


Don't get me wrong, I'm not pissing on the place, it just seems like it's been watered down, in terms of an overall offering, almost every step of the way, which I now understand is obviously to clear immediate and unforeseen 'hurdles', but as you well know, the more you take out of these things, the harder it gets to put back in later on.  I'd just hate to see bikes race motorcycles miss out, after all of this, given it's proximity to us.


CASAR looks like it's full steam ahead for everyone, which is great.  If Italia does the same, we'll be laughing ?


I'm not clear from detail on the Italia web site, as it seems a little ambiguous, so do you know if permanent pit garages etc will be in place when it opens in a few months ?


First impressions are everything, after all...

[VinceS]

As I understand it, the term "not including motorcycles" was included to pacify an individual, not because there is any prima-facie reason related to noise, pollution / whatever that sets this vehicle type apart from others. But there is a long game here and it needs to play out. Whatever happens is very much up to the facility's owner and he has proven he will take steady sensible steps and not rock any boats needlessly, so we'll just have to wait to see what happens.


There may be social events or training events that include motorcycles, who knows. It is a case of seeing how the track goes then sounding out / putting up any particular proposals we may care to. For instance duplicating the DOCNSW 40th birthday bash on 18/12/16 at Eastern Ck as a training day at Circuit Italia is at least one thing I would like to explore.


I have also been "getting into" my personal project to knock 20% off the road toll (see www.vrdriversim.com.au for details) and this is something that could easily work in parallel with the circuit in initial commercialisation, plus it is totally suited to motorcycle application which you can be sure I will be developing once the car one is proven.


I thought I read somewhere bicycles were out, or was that go-karts...? dunno, on account of not caring!

[Brett]

I couldn't help notice that it says 'Arrive and Drive'.


What is the current status / plan for track / race motorcycles to use this facility ?


Some time back, I recall them being excluded initially, or I may have that confused.


I do recall bicycles getting a big nod, but they're a far too greater risk for me.

[VinceS]

From the man himself:


Circuit Italia is calling for Expressions of Interest from those motorsport enthusiasts, both individual and groups, interested in 'penciling in' a date or dates for track/venue hire or 'Arrive & Drive' sessions. Construction is expected to be completed Q4 2017. Feel free to contact us via our contact page for further information with regard to lodging your Expression of Interest.Thank you.

[TopDOG]

Thanks Vince i thought that track looked a little small & tight for even Troy Bayliss to corner and get enough speed to give his knee sliders a workout & while speaking of him i hear the rain on the road outside making me worry about that other event i mentioned im going to on Sunday in that other topic but maybe the dogs can hold a day at Circuit Italia once its completed and invite him along for a ride!!!

[VinceS]

Scottie that video is of the Hillclimb track which was funded by the purchase of the main track land from the MG Car club. To get that upgrade through the approval process was a pretty straightforward thing, hence they were able to get the thing built and have been using it for at least a year - there are references earlier in this topic with details about that.

Note the main track was renamed to Circuit Italia to avoid precisely the confusion that has set the trap here - namely (pun intended!) the Hillclimb track was called Ringwood and it would be forever a confusion if the circuit track had the same name, which obviously someone on the track side noticed and fixed.

Where is it at? Right now I don't actually know and there is nothing on the website / expected emailed updates from subscribing to the list. I have it on my "wanna to do list" to just get out there and look at the ground and see what is there; dunno when that will happen with everything else going on but... If anyone else cares to do this please put pics / story up here!

[TopDOG]

A look at the track so far!!


https://youtu.be/ADsBhU96OiQ

[VinceS]

Yep, it is here: http://www.circuititalia.com.au

For some reason the old website doesn't redirect at the moment, but the new one does mention there is no need to sign up as a supporter if already done so on the old one.

[VinceS]

For anyone that didn't see the Newspaper article last week, details are here: www.theherald.com.au/story/4055124/raceway-project-gears-up/. Seems we now have a kinda promise to get it done by next June at the latest, depending on how the final builder negotiations and construction goes...

And lovely to see that Mr Higgins has decided he is now OK for people to know of his passion, and backing of this facility, which can only be a good thing!

[VinceS]

I was just speaking to someone in the know the other day. Whilst anyone not in that happy condition would have to be wondering if the wheels fell off and the whole thing got abandoned I can assure you this absolutely hasn't happened. I have the details and still struggle to believe bureacratic processes could be so slow, but it seems there are a lot of cooks here and, by and large, they are just hunkering down and getting on with the getting on of it all.

It will happen, but I am not going to have a guess at when!

Picking around the DA tracker is a bit more tricky as a bunch of paperwork has sprung up around derivative activities flowing from the initial approval. The most recent relevant one seems to be this:

Application: Construction Certificate (10 - 2011 - 564 - 2)Application Status: Determined

Determination Date: 02/11/2015

Determination Type: Council Approved CC

so CC approval 7 months ago is good news, but my more recent info suggested the conditions were quite something to do and hence the further passage of time. At least this will cheer up those that had given up on the whole thing. But no info / promises as to exactly when...!

[TopDOG]

if its meant to happen guys it will, good things come to those who are patient and wait. 

[Sammydog]

I'm not familiar with the sites of the other two potential race tracks you reference, but I do know that the Ringwood site is subject to a lot of constraints that bring in a lot of external referral bodies. While you describe the site as "ugly bush" various ecological maps give  very different value to the site. And thats only scratching the surface of the site constraints. As much as you would like them to, staff do not have the discretion to just write them off when requirements are legislated.


Are you comparing apples with apples when you compare the different sites? Id suggest you aren't.


Lets see how the Wyong and Dungog DA's pan out, and lets see how ecologically, and other, constrained the sites are.


Rightly or wrongly, Port Stephens own mayor declares the area "open for business" and often calls applications to Council that staff are, in his opinion, unreasonably blocking. The majority of management at council set out to appease him. He himself will admit he sees himself and the council area as above the legislation if something is good for the area. Ask yourself why he hasn't gotten involved in this proposal and pushed it through?[size=78%] [/size]


The purpose of a DA should be to "test the waters" so to speak with the technical detail left to the CC. So yes, a CC should be a matter of ticking a few boxes and moving on. The DA consent should be explicit in what technical detail is required to move on. If its not provided then that is unfortunately on the applicant. 


I wholeheartedly agree there needs to be a massive overhaul of Local Govt. But that won't do a thing for DA's until a reform of the various planning legislation is undertaken. This has been flagged for a long time but no govt has had the intestinal fortitude to actually move on and do it.


DA's taking 7 years are the exception, and usually they have one thing in common....a severe lack of information. I agree that DA's and CC's shouldn't take as long as they have in this case, but I can't say that the blame is skewed towards council as you believe.

[VinceS]

Well I DO appreciate what you are saying here Sammydog. My simplistic and uninformed view is that a construction certificate should be readily issued within a relatively short timeframe after DA has been granted. The fact that a year and a half later it hasn't happened, and that it was a year later that the amendment occurred LOOKS like unwarranted hoop generation by a party. And detailed planning around trees SOUNDS like unreasonable obstruction by a party.

Contrast what is happening around the Wyong Shire and the Casar Park motorsport complex. Further apart than chalk and cheese and frankly accountability and responsibility to act in the best interests of the communities represented is sorely missing in the more northern entity.

Personally I hope the Pt Stephens Council is fully exposed to and affected by the consequences of the NSW Govt campaign http://www.fitforthefuture.nsw.gov.au/ to drive out the sort of ineptitude that is being played out so nakedly in this particular DA. What people have convinced themselves is appropriate and due process simply isn't, but there is extreme reluctance to recognise that as the personal consequences may be just too great. This of course is my personal opinion, to the extent I can reasonably outline it in a public forum. Have a beer with me and I will be happy to share more....

Of course it is equally open to anyone that feels the above view is a little harsh to provide a credible explanation as to why a minor re-purposing of a block of pretty ugly scrub already utilised for motorsport for decades has taken over 7 years and counting to get off the ground (check the first post here)? Please don't blame the proponent for their delays in preparing for the synchronised hoop-jumping event when what they should REALLY have heard (once the "no drag-strip?" check was done) is "Thank you, we really appreciate that you want to do this great thing for our shire with no strings attached. How can we help you make it happen?" Oh, hang on - that is what the Wyong Shire is doing. And the same noises came out of Dungog Council who are seriously looking to get a similar facility going. So Pt Stephens' problem is what exactly? Thought so!

[Sammydog]

I don't know about the statement "being made to jump through more hoops". No one forces a developer to lodge an amendment to an approved application.

[/size]Looking through the tracker, the applicant has requested a modification to a condition dealing specifically with "an integrated Development Site Management Plan, Native Vegetation Rehabilitation Plan and Habitat Tree Assessment" required before a CC can be issued.

[/size]A further look at the information outstanding to satisfy the condition and I would say it would be easier to comply with the condition and move on than argue the toss on it.

[VinceS]

Just wondering where this is at and checked the council's website. Bugger me Ringwood Raceway are being made to jump through more hoops. I don't have any idea what this is about right now, but put DA number 564/2011 into the council's DA enquiry and you find the following:

Application InformationProperty Details45 Italia Road BALICKERA  NSW  232449 Italia Road BALICKERA  NSW  2324
Type of WorkReduce Existing Track, Relocate Existing Pit Area & Access Road,  Relocate Driver Training Area - Secton 96 Modification
Application No.564/2011
Date Lodged10/03/2015
Cost of Work$0.00
Assessing OfficerMS B A MARTIN
ApplicantITALIA ROAD HOLDINGS PTY LTD
Applicant AddressPO BOX 831 NEWCASTLE  NSW  2300
OwnerITALIA ROAD HOLDINGS PTY LTD
 
ITALIA ROAD HOLDINGS PTY LTD
 Application Information | Application Stages And Status | Application Stages And Status

Stage Description	Open Date	Completed Date	Status
Referral - Waste Water Officer	18/03/2015	01/04/2015	Completed
Referral - Water & Energy	18/03/2015		Awaiting
Ext Ref - NSW RFS	18/03/2015		Awaiting
Application Information Check	11/03/2015	11/03/2015	Completed
Referred to Mgr for Allocation	11/03/2015	11/03/2015	Completed
Allocation - Building Surveyor	18/03/2015		Awaiting
Allocation to Planner	18/03/2015		Awaiting
External Referrals	18/03/2015	18/03/2015	Completed
External Referrals	18/03/2015	18/03/2015	Completed
Request Additional Info of App	16/04/2015		Awaiting
Referral-Development Engineer	18/03/2015	14/05/2015	Completed
Referral - Traffic Engineer	18/03/2015		Awaiting

[VinceS]

I was told at the King Edward Hill Climb "there has been quite some delay getting a construction certificate issued. When that happens the track will be built quickly thereafter". I don't know what the issues / timing are. The land clearing was done early this year, which I guess the DA approval allows, but obviously construction is another matter. I just checked the Council website and it doesn't explain anything. Some administrative thing obviously happened but that was just a formality from the look of it:

49 Italia Road BALICKERA  NSW  2324
Type of Work Road,  Relocate Driver Training Area
Applicant ITALIA ROAD HOLDINGS PTY LTD
Certifier PORT STEPHENS COUNCIL
Application No. 564/2011
Date Lodged 15/08/2011
Cost of Work $4,000,000.00
Determination Approved by Council
Determination Date 18/10/2013

 49 Italia Road BALICKERA  NSW  2324
Type of Work Road,  Relocate Driver Training Area - S.96 Modification
Applicant ITALIA ROAD HOLDINGS PTY LTD
Application No. 564/2011
Date Lodged 07/01/2014
Cost of Work $0.00
Determination Approved with Conditions
Determination Date 17/01/2014

Patience I guess is a virtue. Suffice to say it is still happening and hasn't hit some misadventure. Which is good news I s'pose, but oh the delays, seemingly all driven by local council bureaucratic processes. If you want to help make a difference there read this: http://www.knowyourrightsgroup.com.au/local-goverment/ and add your name to this: http://localgovernmentclassaction.com/ - I did.

[Chris]

been quite some time since we heard any updates on this, is it still going ahead?

[VinceS]

 Edit. It turns out the CAMS release was made by an official that hadn't checked the facts and the below referenced link has been removed which is confirmation they are aware there were mistakes in the info. Ringwood is a Category B track (not A as stated). Per the DA it needs to go through the normal Council approval process for the issuing and completion of Construction Certificates etc. As you can see if you look over the fence the land has been cleared. But the CAMS statements about Aug-Sept completion and anything that might happen to approvals after that are simply not anchored in reality. From what I understand of these processes, construction should be completed this year, but that is not a foregone conclusion. We'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully we will see some revised info in a future bulletin from the gurus of motorsport (they come out monthly) but for now I have made appropriate corrections to the below table.

And for some other brilliant news, seems the Central Coast Nov 2009 knockback of the Wyong Automotive Racing Precinct stirred good people into action. Preparation for the CASAR track in Wyong got seriously underway in July 2010. See: http://casarpark.org.au/

 More details below, from: http://www.cams.com.au/media/news/latest-news/nsw-venue-update (of course with the removal of this link you would have to wonder about the validity of the rest of the info shown; however easy enough to separately verify)

NSW Facilities Update:

Venue / Facility Development	Latest Updates	More Information
Luddenham Raceway (1.2km Category C track)	DA issued. Media release on CAMS website. Expected to be operating January 2015.	CAMS has secured all affiliated clubs first preference with bookings. Contact: [url=http://mailto:bookings@luddenhamraceway.com][email]bookings@luddenhamraceway.com[/email]
Shoalhaven - Braidwood Road, Yerriyong	Motorcycle NSW still progressing with DA.	www.motorcycling.com.au/
Ringwood Hillclimb	Extention of track nearly completed.	www.mgcarclub.com.au
Ringwood Raceway (2.9km Category B track)	DA issued. Expected to be operating late 2014 / early 2015 Currently restricted to 3 race meetings per year and 47 sprints for club events.	www.ringwoodraceway.com.au
Sydney International Dragway	Now approved for Motorkhana and Khanacross in the precinct – clubs need to contact SID directly
Riverina Motor Complex (Wagga Wagga) –	DA has been submitted for race circuit. Hit a road block as residents oppose and there are concerns about the road leading in which is a notorious blackspot.	www.sydneydragway.com.au
CASAR Park (Wyong)	Still obtaining funding and in-kind support for DA and construction. Council will contribute significantly towards costs of DA.	www.casarpark.org.au

[/url]
 

[Colinoz]

My reckoning is that when the first sod is turned, there will be much tv & press coverage.
Scroll down to below the Ringwood flyer & see Vince's post of my note from the council meeting.

I just came across my copy of the Proposal as approved (in principal) by the council.
On page 7 under the heading 'Noise', followed by 'Objections', then 'Comments':
Para. 3 " It is agreed that the site's proximity to the Respite Centre(1.5km), King's Hill (2km)
and residences is not ideal. However, it is considered that the development (which does not
include motorbikes) can operate within the limits recommended by the relevant noise guidelines".

I suspect that the clause may have inserted to assist in the proposal's transit through council.
It may also be that after, say, 12 months of noise monitoring, that a 'test' motorcycle  event be
held. But don't quote me on that.

Col

[Chris]

I drove through italia road the other day but it didn't seem to be any activity going on there.
Have they even broken ground yet or is everything still getting planned out and all that?

[VinceS]

See http://www.luddenhamraceway.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/LuddenhamRaceway

First I heard of this is as just going through the while-I-was-having-a-ball-on-the-TintaldraTTT 150+ emails (what crazy shyte has happened to the world!!!), and have an early bird opportunity (as a CAMS club member) to book in for the opening session. Now I probably won't be doing that, but figured the news should go here for a mention; if we want to get "chatty" about it can start another topic. But nice to see the demise of Oran Park got people thinking about it all - and doing something!

PS: re the Dungog Circuit idea I was told by a local on the Tintaldra weekend that his sense is that the obstacles to getting the track to happen will probably be too great for those behind it. The spirit and council is willing, but the harsh realities of getting it to happen in an economically viable way seem to be too hard to overcome. This is just one person's opinion and I wouldn't know either way. So we shouldn't hold our breath on that one. I have been recently told similar things about the Singleton option; ie for various reasons it is likely to stay in the "pie in the sky" box for the foreseeable future... bring on Ringwood!!!

[VinceS]

I figure the best way to get an update is to look over the fence next time I'm passing and have a sticky beak, from a respectable distance of course. Dunno when that will be, but anyone else should feel free to have a crack at it and let us know what they see!

It's here: http://www.ringwoodraceway.com.au/index.php?module=location

[Chris]

Any updates?

[VinceS]

DA update. View this email in your browser   Port Stephens Council unanimously voted to approve our Development Application last night. There is still a lot of work to be done to turn this project into a reality and we shall update you as we proceed. Thank you for your support. Copyright © 2013 Ringwood Raceway, All rights reserved. Vince Sunter  ( I'm ready, how about you? ); Check out these Riding Tips: http://tinyurl.com/4x3fk43 ;   Pillioning Tips: http://tinyurl.com/3r5dbz4 VinceS Pack Leader Posts: 1,080 Gotta enjoy the ups in life, let's go for a ride! Re: Ringwood Motor Sports Complex - Approved!!! Report just in: 9 councilors in favour, 1 abstention. Voted on @ ~6pm. Many happy people.    Earthworks should start early 2014, then 12 months to completion.    All going well, of course. No motorcycles 'though. Vince Sunter  ( I'm ready, how about you? ); Check out these Riding Tips: http://tinyurl.com/4x3fk43 ;   Pillioning Tips: http://tinyurl.com/3r5dbz4 VinceS Pack Leader Posts: 1,080 Gotta enjoy the ups in life, let's go for a ride! Re: Ringwood Motor Sports Complex Exactly!!! But there is a process to be followed and that needs to happen, we only get to be spectators there but I will be volunteering for stewarding duties (at which I am eminently qualified) and of course discretion is appropriate (incl public domain statements) and I believe we will add value so we'll just have to rely on others coming to the same conclusion. Stay tuned ........ Vince Sunter  ( I'm ready, how about you? ); Check out these Riding Tips: http://tinyurl.com/4x3fk43 ;   Pillioning Tips: http://tinyurl.com/3r5dbz4 shippy__ Puppy Posts: 6 Re: Ringwood Motor Sports Complex  I won’t be there either, I bought a massive head cold back from Italy……and yes I did tour the Ducati factory, I looked at the factory line where my baby was born, watched a bike run in on the dyno as mine was once upon a day Noise?  Isn’t there a motocross track next door, couldn’t be noise surely. Moderator edit: Removed comment that could be misinterpreted by others, a momentary lapse from the "massive head cold" and I hope you get well soon! VinceS Pack Leader Posts: 1,080 Gotta enjoy the ups in life, let's go for a ride! Re: Ringwood Motor Sports Complex - Council Report Actually, I see the main Council Agenda has the attached overview report which provides a four page summary of the situation and is easier to absorb than the full DA report which itself is an attachment to this summary. Council are given options to approve, reject or amend the DA. I note the meeting starts at 5:30pm and it seems public are permitted, no idea if they are allowed questions but it would at least be reasonable to ask why the term "(not including motorbikes)" should be in any such DA approval when clearly the issues Council should care about wrt vehicle types can only be about noise, and that is already covered. This is just a question I have, but I won't be at the meeting......! If there is any issue from the perspective of motorcycle use it should be about what the circuit owner is kind enough to allow his facility to be used for and the terms surrounding that. Gawd knows how in some way this aspect becomes something Council should have any interest in at all, it seems to be an invalid use of their powers - which of course is just my opinion not something I am well versed in! Edit: Adding the summary text to this post: Vince Sunter  ( I'm ready, how about you? ); Check out these Riding Tips: http://tinyurl.com/4x3fk43 ;   Pillioning Tips: http://tinyurl.com/3r5dbz4 VinceS Pack Leader Posts: 1,080 Gotta enjoy the ups in life, let's go for a ride! Re: Ringwood Motor Sports Complex - Recommended to Proceed, Decision Tonight!!! I just checked DA Tracker, it comes up with an error for this DA but adjacent sequence ones work fine so maybe it is locked for editing / whatever and will come good soon. So I rang Council for an update and was told it is up for consideration tonight and the report is on the Council website - where I found the attached report. Whilst I haven't read it in detail it seems fine to me on a skim read. However formally utilising the facility for motorcycle racing needs to be done as a separate exercise, which is a bit of a nuisance but I am assured by the Council officer this should be a simple process down the track assuming the main application is approved. The bottom line is the proposal is recommended and this is what for: THE PROPOSAL Consent is sought for construction and use of a sealed race track (2.9km) and associated facilities including sealed pit and driver training areas and construction of primary and secondary access roads. The development will involve rehabilitation and revegetation of the existing off-road race track (3.8km). The DA also seeks consent to use the track for the racing of motor vehicles (not including motorbikes) as follows: Race Meetings (Category 1) - Max of 4 events in the 7 month period between 1st October and 31st March - Race meetings may run over a maximum of a 3 day weekend (Friday to Sunday) - Max number of 32 vehicles on the circuit at any one time (based on track length) - Proposed to operate between the hours of 9am to 4pm Supersprint and Hillclimb events (Category 2) - Events to run over weekends (Saturday and Sunday) - Maximum number of 8 vehicles on the circuit at any one time (starting in pairs) - Proposed to operate between the hours of 9am to 5pm General track use (Category 3) - Proposed to operate between the hours of 9am to 5pm, 7 days per week and between the hours of 9am to 10pm for a maximum of 6 Saturdays in any calendar year. - Shall consist of the following activities (or similar): - Restricted private practice by race cars - General use by road registered vehicles - Driver training - Educational or promotional events - Motorkhana The applicant has indicated that future expansion of the facility may be sought for construction of garaging for 36 cars, with offices, meeting rooms and a race control centre located on the first floor and a scrutiny bay and medical room. These facilities are not proposed as part of this DA, and will require separate approval And the conclusion: 12. CONCLUSION After assessment of the application under the provisions of section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, it is considered the proposal is satisfactory and that the key issues of noise, flora and fauna, traffic and water quality impacts have been suitably addresses, either through provision of information or imposing conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that the application be approved subject to recommended conditions. You can read from p31 in the report to see what the 12 pages of conditions look like! Vince Sunter  ( I'm ready, how about you? ); Check out these Riding Tips: http://tinyurl.com/4x3fk43 ;   Pillioning Tips: http://tinyurl.com/3r5dbz4 shippy__ Puppy Posts: 6 Re: Ringwood Motor Sports Complex well apparently today is the big day where they all sit down and do there thing The DA tracker is giving me an error ! Any news ? Also any idea's on if there will be motorcycle track days ? there is gossip that bikes wont be allowed VinceS Pack Leader Posts: 1,080 Gotta enjoy the ups in life, let's go for a ride! Re: Ringwood Motor Sports Complex - Closer, Ever Closer ..... Just had a chat to Pt Stephens Council again, they are sneaking up on it but not quite there yet. Just need to finalise the conditions of consent for Hunter Water for which a meeting is scheduled next week, then the final response should happen shortly thereafter. Then it is "the 4-5 week report preparation time before submission to Council for final approval". So my earlier expectation of we can realistically expect the track to be approved somewhere from September to November this year. is moving to the back end of the target range, surprise surprise!!! I did ask how the Hillclimb Circuit extension had happened well inside the approval time for the raceway (see http://www.cams.com.au/media/news/latest-news/nsw-ringwood-circuit-upgrades for details of that track) and was told it was "a much smaller undertaking so easily handled more quickly". Make of that as you will but at least there will be two separate motorsports facilities next door to each other which will ultimately be a good thing. Vince Sunter  ( I'm ready, how about you? ); Check out these Riding Tips: http://tinyurl.com/4x3fk43 ;   Pillioning Tips: http://tinyurl.com/3r5dbz4 VinceS Pack Leader Posts: 1,080 Gotta enjoy the ups in life, let's go for a ride! Re: Ringwood Motor Sports Complex - Some Progress!!! all we have to do is keep on walking. and yes indeedy, that we are. In fact, "The end is nigh" - which is a good thing this time! But "nothing good happens quickly" and of course "all good things come to those that wait" is also in the mix ....... Enough of the truisms, here's some facts! I spoke to the senior planner responsible today and Yes the mgt of Pt Stephens Council has decreed getting this DA finalised is a priority, and it is absolutely being tackled in a positive manner with every good intent of the relevant council officers to do exactly that. The reality is that it took the applicant until April and May just gone to get some critical documentation together and submit it, which provided a solid response to the various open items referred to in the EPA concurrence "approval" last Dec. This response "addressed most of the conditions" - which I think means there are no items left standing that are within their control. Ongoing noise monitoring was mentioned as a typically important item that has a lot of consequential issues hanging off it, there are others. It apparently was not a small task for the applicant to resolve the actions required to put in their final submissions, which goes a long way to explain the delays we have seen. Now the RMS and Hunter Water are due to respond to allow a final report to be prepared to Council re the DA. That is expected to be all sorted out soon and "we are expecting weeks not months" to do this. From the time the formal report is prepared by the Planning Dept "it takes 4-6 weeks to get it before Council for determination". Obviously all parties are expecting that to be a rubber stamp, but no-one is openly assuming that. I remain optimistic. The upshot of all this is we can realistically expect the track to be approved somewhere from September to November this year. Then of course it is construction news we will be very interested in! Two days ago I was contacted about a new track that is proposed to be built in Dungog Shire, here is some news about that: http://hunterdog.org.au/DiscussionBoard/index.php?topic=891.msg2515#msg2515 Edit: just coming back to fulfill the above promise and want to add that another thing that was said is the DA tracker is regarded by the council officers to be "insufficient for their needs", pointing out Lake Mac was a lot better. This is just a reality not a criticism, it needs quite some work and the fact that it is apparently not being updated until the end is reached, this is only "a bad look" rather than a reflection of actual status / action. So we are advised not to be concerned about this aspect, its a different issue & a problem for others! Vince Sunter  ( I'm ready, how about you? ); Check out these Riding Tips: http://tinyurl.com/4x3fk43 ;   Pillioning Tips: http://tinyurl.com/3r5dbz4 shippy__ Puppy Posts: 6 Re: Ringwood Motor Sports Complex If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking. - Buddhist Saying Was pretty drunk that night still nothing on the DA Status Application Stages And Status Stage Description Open Date Completed Date Status Referral - Water & Energy 01/09/2011 26/09/2011 Completed Ext Ref - NSW RFS 01/09/2011 02/11/2011 Completed Referral - Water & Energy 10/12/2012 Awaiting Referral RTA - Roads Act 10/12/2012 Awaiting External Agency Advice 06/09/2011 02/11/2011 Completed Referral - Traffic Engineer 13/09/2011 08/11/2011 Completed Application Information Check 16/08/2011 16/08/2011 Completed Statutory 2 day Admin Period 15/08/2011 17/08/2011 Completed Referred to Mgr for Allocation 16/08/2011 13/09/2011 Completed Advertising 21/11/2011 05/12/2011 Process Completed Admin Distribution 13/09/2011 13/09/2011 Completed Referral - Planning 13/09/2011 Awaiting Referral - Building 13/09/2011 14/09/2011 Completed Referral - Engineer 13/09/2011 14/12/2011 Completed Referral - Disability Access 13/09/2011 14/09/2011 Completed Referal - Environmental Ser 13/09/2011 16/09/2011 work required Referal - Environmental Ser 22/11/2011 30/11/2011 Completed External Referrals 01/09/2011 01/09/2011 Completed External Referrals 06/09/2011 28/10/2011 Completed External Referrals 10/12/2012 10/12/2012 Completed External Referrals 10/12/2012 10/12/2012 Completed Further Information Required 23/08/2011 29/08/2011 Completed Further Information Required 15/12/2011 Awaiting Print Pages: [1] 2 3  All   Go Up « previous next » HunterDOG Discussion Forum » Categories ---------------------- (Click here for DOG house) » Racing » Ringwood Motor Sports Complex   SMF 2.0.19 | SMF © 2021, Simple Machines XHTML RSS WAP2

[VinceS]

Report just in:

9 councilors in favour, 1 abstention. Voted on @ ~6pm. Many happy people.
 
 Earthworks should start early 2014, then 12 months to completion.
 
 All going well, of course. No motorcycles 'though.

[VinceS]

Exactly!!! But there is a process to be followed and that needs to happen, we only get to be spectators there but I will be volunteering for stewarding duties (at which I am eminently qualified) and of course discretion is appropriate (incl public domain statements) and I believe we will add value so we'll just have to rely on others coming to the same conclusion. Stay tuned ........

[shippy__]

 I won’t be there either, I bought a massive head cold back from Italy……and yes I did tour the Ducati factory, I looked at the factory line where my baby was born, watched a bike run in on the dyno as mine was once upon a day

Noise?  Isn’t there a motocross track next door, couldn’t be noise surely.


Moderator edit: Removed comment that could be misinterpreted by others, a momentary lapse from the "massive head cold" and I hope you get well soon!

[VinceS]

Actually, I see the main Council Agenda has the attached overview report which provides a four page summary of the situation and is easier to absorb than the full DA report which itself is an attachment to this summary. Council are given options to approve, reject or amend the DA.

I note the meeting starts at 5:30pm and it seems public are permitted, no idea if they are allowed questions but it would at least be reasonable to ask why the term "(not including motorbikes)" should be in any such DA approval when clearly the issues Council should care about wrt vehicle types can only be about noise, and that is already covered. This is just a question I have, but I won't be at the meeting......!

If there is any issue from the perspective of motorcycle use it should be about what the circuit owner is kind enough to allow his facility to be used for and the terms surrounding that. Gawd knows how in some way this aspect becomes something Council should have any interest in at all, it seems to be an invalid use of their powers - which of course is just my opinion not something I am well versed in!

Edit: Adding the summary text to this post:

[VinceS]

I just checked DA Tracker, it comes up with an error for this DA but adjacent sequence ones work fine so maybe it is locked for editing / whatever and will come good soon.

So I rang Council for an update and was told it is up for consideration tonight and the report is on the Council website - where I found the attached report. Whilst I haven't read it in detail it seems fine to me on a skim read. However formally utilising the facility for motorcycle racing needs to be done as a separate exercise, which is a bit of a nuisance but I am assured by the Council officer this should be a simple process down the track assuming the main application is approved. The bottom line is the proposal is recommended and this is what for:

THE PROPOSAL
Consent is sought for construction and use of a sealed race track (2.9km) and associated facilities including sealed pit and driver training areas and construction of primary and secondary access roads. The development will involve rehabilitation and revegetation of the existing off-road race track (3.8km).

The DA also seeks consent to use the track for the racing of motor vehicles (not including motorbikes) as follows:


Race Meetings (Category 1)
- Max of 4 events in the 7 month period between 1st October and 31st March
- Race meetings may run over a maximum of a 3 day weekend (Friday to Sunday)
- Max number of 32 vehicles on the circuit at any one time (based on track length)
- Proposed to operate between the hours of 9am to 4pm


Supersprint and Hillclimb events (Category 2)
- Events to run over weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
- Maximum number of 8 vehicles on the circuit at any one time (starting in pairs)
- Proposed to operate between the hours of 9am to 5pm

General track use (Category 3)
- Proposed to operate between the hours of 9am to 5pm, 7 days per week and between the hours of 9am to 10pm for a maximum of 6 Saturdays in any calendar year.
- Shall consist of the following activities (or similar):
- Restricted private practice by race cars
- General use by road registered vehicles
- Driver training
- Educational or promotional events
- Motorkhana

The applicant has indicated that future expansion of the facility may be sought for construction of garaging for 36 cars, with offices, meeting rooms and a race control centre located on the first floor and a scrutiny bay and medical room. These facilities are not proposed as part of this DA, and will require separate approval

And the conclusion:

12. CONCLUSION
After assessment of the application under the provisions of section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, it is considered the proposal is satisfactory and that the key issues of noise, flora and fauna, traffic and water quality impacts have been suitably addresses, either through provision of information or imposing conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that the application be approved subject to recommended conditions.

You can read from p31 in the report to see what the 12 pages of conditions look like!

[shippy__]

well apparently today is the big day where they all sit down and do there thing

The DA tracker is giving me an error !

Any news ?

Also any idea's on if there will be motorcycle track days ? there is gossip that bikes wont be allowed

[VinceS]

Just had a chat to Pt Stephens Council again, they are sneaking up on it but not quite there yet. Just need to finalise the conditions of consent for Hunter Water for which a meeting is scheduled next week, then the final response should happen shortly thereafter. Then it is "the 4-5 week report preparation time before submission to Council for final approval". So my earlier expectation of

we can realistically expect the track to be approved somewhere from September to November this year.

is moving to the back end of the target range, surprise surprise!!!

I did ask how the Hillclimb Circuit extension had happened well inside the approval time for the raceway (see http://www.cams.com.au/media/news/latest-news/nsw-ringwood-circuit-upgrades for details of that track) and was told it was "a much smaller undertaking so easily handled more quickly". Make of that as you will but at least there will be two separate motorsports facilities next door to each other which will ultimately be a good thing.

[VinceS]

all we have to do is keep on walking.

and yes indeedy, that we are. In fact, "The end is nigh" - which is a good thing this time! But "nothing good happens quickly" and of course "all good things come to those that wait" is also in the mix .......

Enough of the truisms, here's some facts! I spoke to the senior planner responsible today and Yes the mgt of Pt Stephens Council has decreed getting this DA finalised is a priority, and it is absolutely being tackled in a positive manner with every good intent of the relevant council officers to do exactly that. The reality is that it took the applicant until April and May just gone to get some critical documentation together and submit it, which provided a solid response to the various open items referred to in the EPA concurrence "approval" last Dec. This response "addressed most of the conditions" - which I think means there are no items left standing that are within their control. Ongoing noise monitoring was mentioned as a typically important item that has a lot of consequential issues hanging off it, there are others. It apparently was not a small task for the applicant to resolve the actions required to put in their final submissions, which goes a long way to explain the delays we have seen.

Now the RMS and Hunter Water are due to respond to allow a final report to be prepared to Council re the DA. That is expected to be all sorted out soon and "we are expecting weeks not months" to do this. From the time the formal report is prepared by the Planning Dept "it takes 4-6 weeks to get it before Council for determination". Obviously all parties are expecting that to be a rubber stamp, but no-one is openly assuming that. I remain optimistic.

The upshot of all this is we can realistically expect the track to be approved somewhere from September to November this year. Then of course it is construction news we will be very interested in!

Two days ago I was contacted about a new track that is proposed to be built in Dungog Shire, here is some news about that: http://hunterdog.org.au/DiscussionBoard/index.php?topic=891.msg2515#msg2515


Edit: just coming back to fulfill the above promise and want to add that another thing that was said is the DA tracker is regarded by the council officers to be "insufficient for their needs", pointing out Lake Mac was a lot better. This is just a reality not a criticism, it needs quite some work and the fact that it is apparently not being updated until the end is reached, this is only "a bad look" rather than a reflection of actual status / action. So we are advised not to be concerned about this aspect, its a different issue & a problem for others!

[shippy__]

If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.
- Buddhist Saying

Was pretty drunk that night



still nothing on the DA Status


Application Stages And Status

Stage Description	Open Date	Completed Date	Status
Referral - Water & Energy	01/09/2011	26/09/2011	Completed
Ext Ref - NSW RFS	01/09/2011	02/11/2011	Completed
Referral - Water & Energy	10/12/2012		Awaiting
Referral RTA - Roads Act	10/12/2012		Awaiting
External Agency Advice	06/09/2011	02/11/2011	Completed
Referral - Traffic Engineer	13/09/2011	08/11/2011	Completed
Application Information Check	16/08/2011	16/08/2011	Completed
Statutory 2 day Admin Period	15/08/2011	17/08/2011	Completed
Referred to Mgr for Allocation	16/08/2011	13/09/2011	Completed
Advertising	21/11/2011	05/12/2011	Process Completed
Admin Distribution	13/09/2011	13/09/2011	Completed
Referral - Planning	13/09/2011		Awaiting
Referral - Building	13/09/2011	14/09/2011	Completed
Referral - Engineer	13/09/2011	14/12/2011	Completed
Referral - Disability Access	13/09/2011	14/09/2011	Completed
Referal - Environmental Ser	13/09/2011	16/09/2011	work required
Referal - Environmental Ser	22/11/2011	30/11/2011	Completed
External Referrals	01/09/2011	01/09/2011	Completed
External Referrals	06/09/2011	28/10/2011	Completed
External Referrals	10/12/2012	10/12/2012	Completed
External Referrals	10/12/2012	10/12/2012	Completed
Further Information Required	23/08/2011	29/08/2011	Completed
Further Information Required	15/12/2011		Awaiting