Ringwood Motor Sports Complex

[shippy__]

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

[VinceS]

Well, there won't be a Chrissie present on this one, but things are moving along nicely. The status on Pt Stephens Council website is as shown below. I have just rung the planning officer for an update and the short story is there is a fair bit of work to do but some important milestones have been cleared. THE most critical one was that the EPA held a "concurrence view" on issues surrounding flora and fauna which it seems they do. This means the Council has the power to approve the application, otherwise it would have been state govt level.

So now the emphasis is on sorting all the "normal" stuff, which is very much a work in progress of course between the various parties. So issues like RTA requirements, water mgt and residents' noise concerns can be reviewed and appropriate determinations made by Council. Normally these types of processes are just about deciding what the conditions of consent will be by finding workable answers for the various stakeholders.

So still a "job to do" but we can be expecting to see good news sooner than later.

Here is an interesting "behind the scenes" story on the track at Kulnurra, although from what one of our members said this is not just a "friends of friends" thing, as one of those "friends" charges since I was told the track is "bloody expensive to hire" which of course I figured meant you can hire it - but not according to the owner!
http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/love-of-fast-cars-and-a-lost-licence-drove-this-private-world-class-track/story-e6frfq80-122653320415

Here's the current DA status info:
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

[shippy__]

I seriously hope something comes from this.
It pisses me off how sh*t on motor enthusiasts are in this country, and especially this state.
What, we have 2 bloody tracks and both are hours away? this needs to happen.

Agreed and they wonder why they hoon on the street!, I have to be on the freeway at 3:30 am to get to the track for 7am I don't get home until 9:30pm makes for a big effort to stay safe and legal

[Chris]

I seriously hope something comes from this.
It pisses me off how sh*t on motor enthusiasts are in this country, and especially this state.
What, we have 2 bloody tracks and both are hours away? this needs to happen.

[VinceS]

No updates, and this is a classic situation where "no news" = no news! I just checked the council's DA Tracker and no change there. I could ring the developer to ask but I would just be pestering and don't really think that is fair, maybe November would be OK for my next "pester" call in the absence of anything. However if something actually happens I know the guy will ring me as we have a pretty good rapport and mutual respect on this whole topic, so again - no news = nn!

For your general interest as I think it is useful perspective I will share a small part of a personal conversation with a person that knows about these things and I'm sure he'll be OK about it. "very few Council planners are even close to happy with the planning system we have and we are all holding our collective breath that the new legislation actually delivers something that works for us, applicants and the community at large." I looked that up and it is encouraging, details are here: http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/a-new-planning-system-for-nsw. Another comment was"Carlos is one of the good guys and the file isn't being sat on for the sake of sitting on it" and again, I think that is enough of a basis to not pester since whatever the realistically best outcome is from here I expect those involved will make sure we get it!

I did however, in a moment of procrastination of going and doing a major digging task yesterday, amuse myself writing to the CEO of CAMS about this exact topic after I read one of his monthly newsletters. Whilst I wasn't thinking to there is no reason not to put this in the public domain as it may inspire others to think of mutually supportive activities and start some serious lobbying going on! Here 'tis:

 CAMS - The thing we need MOST is more tracks

Dear Andrew Papadopoulos,

As a 30 year steward in “the game” could I please politely suggest that it is lovely to read about all the “busy-ness” of running motorsport in the country, but THE most important thing we need to see to foster the ongoing strength and development of CAMS is more tracks, and that they be really accessible to the general public. That has the handy by-product of channeling an outlet for otherwise socially unacceptable but remarkably common behaviour in autos PLUS building an environment that blokes particularly understand with the flow on benefits to stem the tide of our increasingly individualistic society.

Of course it is not easy to get tracks up, which is precisely the reason CAMS should make it its business to get highly involved in the process and keep common knowledge intact and be able to act as an effective advocate for the process. Plus from first principles be a regular advocate for the concept in an endeavor to get the next Tony Parrish to stand up and have a go – they are out there but some of them haven’t realised how cool it would be to set up their own race track. And there are particular ways to do it right including some basics that need to be in all as well as those “individual flair” items.

I have been watching these guys http://www.ringwoodraceway.com.au/ try to get this one over the line for years, they are very close but the things which have been delaying them since last September are areas that CAMS could make a massive difference if it chose to get involved in the whole process of fostering track developments. You can read my blog about it all here http://hunterdog.org.au/DiscussionBoard/index.php?topic=275.0 but the guts of the delay according to the local council planning officer is that the various state govt depts that need to agree are unable to say what will satisfy their requirements, so the developer (****** *******) is having considerable difficulty compiling responses that will get accepted. His dilemma is that he doesn’t want to put responses in that will risk being rejected.

Earlier parts of the 4 year delay with the Ringwood track were about extremely inefficient council processes to handle something a bit different, and before that it was a ridiculous situation with the local CAMS club where they desperately needed some rational independent input to sort out simple issues but instead the egos and incompetence of a couple of key club officials derailed the process. With the latter some stirring by me brought it to a head as the execs were clearly acting for ego not members interest, so I just made sure the members could see it, the rest as they say is history! A bit outside the realms of conventional stewarding and absolutely had CAMS been available to all parties and interested a couple of the core “trip points” would have been easily dispelled.

The above is a typical example of what goes wrong getting a track up, this one is likely to succeed but the previous attempt on the same site failed due mostly (IMHO) to a lack of key skills by the proponent – again an area where some buy in by CAMS could have made a big difference. Also we have seen the spectacular 2010 “fail to proceed” of the Wyong Automotive Racing Precinct where all parties including the Council wanted to build it but by what looked like (again IMHO) an ineptness to sort practical issues managed to rule out all the proposed sites on reasoning that was clearly flawed. Where was CAMS guiding hand and vocal lobbying on that one?

The point is that these are NOT a local issues topic, despite appearing to be. What we need is high level political agreement that the OUTCOME of more tracks is highly desirable, then there is a policy, then there is implementation and the pathways become easier for the locals to say “yes”. The other part of the equation is to weed out those that have the capability and interest to sponsor these things, and there is a lot CAMS could do to foster and encourage that.

Getting this stuff right is ultimately going to be a far more useful legacy than the “feel good” stuff that CAMS currently shows a tendency to gravitate to. How about it Andrew, you look to have a good head on your shoulders, are you up for the real game here? Thanks for considering my plea anyway. I am copying this to my fellow stewards and officials advocate where I would ask that this be put up as an item for discussion to make sure the ball is kept rolling, and any other actions to get this long overdue area for excellence properly on the radar. And thank you one and all from many future generations for anything you can do in the here and now to make a difference to this important topic.
 

[shippy__]

any updates?

[Josh B]

Once again - thanks for the update Vince!

I hope too that you have 'stirred the pot' a little - in a good way - and we can get some progress with this desperately needed facility.

I will keep checking in to see how things are getting on.

Josh

[VinceS]

Well today I rang Pt Stephens Council planning Dept and spoke to the planner. He has been responsible for this DA for the last three months. What he says has basically occurred is that the applicant was sent a letter last September detailing some additional information required and they are yet to respond. Whilst that is the actual situation, it is of course, not that simple!

The info required related to water mgt, environment & heritage issues, species mgt and the like but the most important elements related to flora and fauna management. The REAL problem was explained to me that this info is required by various NSW Govt State Agencies, and the Applicant is having considerable difficulty identifying exactly what it is that will satisfy the various agencies, as they only want to provide info that is going to be accepted and pass the relevant assessment criteria. It appears this is not an easy thing to do!

OK, one thing this explanation means is I need to retract my various earlier criticisms about Council competence or lack there-of as it seems to a large extent they are only the traffic marshals for bungling incompetence by others! Except that we had a candid discussion about the earlier part of the DA process where definitely the Council systems could most politely be described as "extremely inefficient and not fulfilling the needs of the community it served". However that is crying about spilt milk and serves no purpose - and anyway it has now apparently widened considerably to loop a whole lot of others into the breach so true accountability is somewhat hidden from view and blame easily dodged! This is not meant to be a complaint, just a (somewhat cryptic) observation.

In reality the feedback I provided which came down to "not good enough, mate" was very well and professionally received. It was plain that I was being fair and even handed in my views, tolerant of realities of life and the like, and in return I was getting realistic responses and a recognition of the validity of how things actually appeared, regardless of what was actually going on. As well as some interest to make genuine improvements where practical.

I also believe I got some real traction with my views that it is simply not OK to make Applicants second guess the needs of various approval entities (agencies, council / whatever), and it shouldn't be so dependent on the actual skills / personal views of the particular individuals involved on the approval side. As a society we have been tearing up dirt and scrub for many years now, and it is always a balance of many factors in deciding whether to do so or not. Whatever the criteria for doing so should be pretty black and white by now and the need for "opinions" should be very limited, and dispensed quickly and professionally where warranted. The normal process should be to simply identify all the hoops the developer needs to jump through and give them decent assistance to get through them, rather than propagate the easier to do "road block" mentality. Then it is just a case of making sure they do what they said they would, easy peasy!

The good thing about what may flow from my stirring is I got a follow up call. It sounds to me as if my matter of fact even handed kind of discussion has got the caring individuals in Council (yes, it does seem they actually do exist!) to realise this one really has gone a bit off the rails, and see what they can do to move it along a bit faster. I can only hope, but am glad I tried!

[Josh B]

I have been regularly checking in on this topic and I can't believe how long the whole process is taking.

I remain optimistic that this track will go ahead as my motorsport activity has slowed dramatically since moving up from Sydney 7 years ago - I always found Eastern Creek too expensive for what you got and Wakefield is just too far away - we really need something local for all Hunter Motorsport enthusiasts.

Thank you to Vince for keeping us all in the loop as well as you are able to.

Cheers, JOSH

[VinceS]

James, don't worry. From my post below this is the "real" bit:

I did have a chat ........the appropriate result still expected with only the timing ...unpredictable

There is a lot more strength behind that comment than I am going to put in the public arena as frankly, it is not my place to do so, and I will always respect confidentialities of others.

Equally I know I could as a club representative / private individual concerned about a public arena matter create a lot of real trouble for Pt Stephens Council, well beyond what here are basically cheap shots on the surface of it. The simple truth is that the people and processes would be found wanting in significant ways if tested against the standards required by those to whom they are genuinely accountable. It appears to me (ie "allegedly", without being privy to all the facts) to be a gross dereliction of duty, and my discussions with those in government that could hold them to account do agree there could be cause for action, and I have that in writing. But of course my allegations would need to be formalised and verified and the reality of how badly performing people behave when caught out is they get spiteful and look to take revenge in some form and this in itself is a risk that my well intended stirring may unwittingly bring into being. Suffice to say that there are other effective means of achieving a no risk outcome should there not be a credible conclusion to the process. I did just check the website moments ago and see there is still no formally recorded status change - I would have to suspect (but don't know) that the metaphorical cudgel is getting raised to give this matter a serious nudge along pretty soon........!

PS: Note how Guest posting is now working with James's post? ANYONE can post here or elsewhere in this forum, you just need to answer a couple of Ducati oriented q's which so far spammers haven't done and you too can express an opinion / provide some info whether you remember your password or not!

[James S]

I've given up on the Ringwood motor complex. 

It'll never happen!

[VinceS]

I did have a chat about the status of this a couple of weeks ago. To say that the competency of Pt Stephens Council is called into question would be a bit of an understatement. This is no secret, it is plainly visible to anyone that looks. However a route has been mapped forward that covers whether they lift their game or don't, so it is still a patience game with the appropriate result still expected with only the timing remaining absolutely unpredictable!!!

I did just check the status on the Pt Stephens Council website a minute ago, still no entries showing ANY progress in 2012, un-effing-believable that a public administration body is unable to efficiently of effectively administer anything that is in the best interests of the public which it is supposed to serve.

[VinceS]

As before, the MINISCULE changes since the update before Christmas are shown in purple, what are these people doing? Surely this slow rate is not what competent professional discharge of civic duties is supposed to look like? No? Well I guess that isn't what they are doing then!!!

Obviously, from checking the dates, part of the issue could be the speed (or lack thereof) that the website info is updated, because the item that was missing from my prior report but is now shown as completed well beforehand was not an error by me! So that means the below, which shows exactly nothing has happened (as far as status is concerned) so far this year, may in fact not be up to date - but this is what is reported as of a few minutes ago:

Application Stages And Status:
Stage Description:                 Open Date     Completed Date   Status
Referral - Water & Energy:          1/09/2011     26/09/2011   Completed
Ext Ref - NSW RFS:                  1/09/2011     02/11/2011   Completed
External Agency Advice:             6/09/2011     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:                 1/09/2011      1/09/2011   Completed
External Referrals:                 6/09/2011          -      Awaiting
Further Information Required:      23/08/2011     29/08/2011   Completed
Further Information Required:      15/12/2011          -      Awaiting

[VinceS]

A quick check of status at Council, purple is what has changed since 2.5 months ago, not sure if we are any the wiser. They are about to crack 12 months since they were asked to "pre-approve the submission" of the DA, not real flash even for a public service body methinks!


Application Stages And Status:
Stage Description:                 Open Date     Completed Date
Referral - Water & Energy:          1/09/2011     26/09/2011   Completed
Ext Ref - NSW RFS:                  1/09/2011     02/11/2011   Completed
External Agency Advice:             6/09/2011     02/11/2011   Completed
Referral - Traffic Engineer:       13/09/2011     08/11/2011   Completed
Application Information Check:     16/08/2011     16/08/2011
Statutory 2 day Admin Period:      15/08/2011     17/08/2011
Referred to Mgr for Allocation:    16/08/2011     13/09/2011
Advertising                        21/11/2011     05/12/2011   Process Completed
Admin Distribution:                13/09/2011     13/09/2011
Referral - Planning:               13/09/2011     
Referral - Building:               13/09/2011     14/09/2011
Referral - Engineer:               13/09/2011     
Referral - Disability Access:      13/09/2011     
Referal - Environmental Ser:       13/09/2011     16/09/2011
Referal - Environmental Ser        22/11/2011     30/11/2011   Completed
External Referrals:                 1/09/2011      1/09/2011
External Referrals:                 6/09/2011     
Further Information Required:      23/08/2011     29/08/2011

[VinceS]

And what we know is:

[VinceS]

Oh look, just when it looked like nothing was happening, something did!!!:

The development application for the proposed circuit has taken the next step. Port Stephens Council yesterday, in accordance with Section 79a of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, gave public notice of the proposal which will run from 27th October to 26th November 2011.

I guess that means approval could happen by Christmas - as long as no serious hurdles get hit!

[VinceS]

A month after the last check the status update is


wait for it



NOTHING'S HAPPENED!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Bizarre or just what you would expect from Pt Stephens Council? Make up your own mind on that one!

To check yourself use http://eservices.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/eservice/start.do then click on DA tracker (on the left) then DA Enquiry and put in DA number 564/2011 and click Search (at bottom) then click the property title to see if anything actually does happen!

Edit: Had a direct short-cut link above but deleted it as it was session dependent and just gave an error if the browser had been closed.

[VinceS]

Just checked the Council status, it is:

Application Information:   
49 Italia Road BALICKERA NSW 2324         
         
Type of Work:                 Reduce Existing Track, Relocate Exisitng Pit Area & Access Road, Relocate Driver Training Area
Application No.:              564/2011
Date Lodged:                  15/08/2011
Cost of Work:                 $4,000,000.01
Assessing Officer:            MRS P P EMMETT
Applicant:                    ITALIA ROAD HOLDINGS PTY LTD
Applicant Address:            PO BOX 831 NEWCASTLE NSW 2301
Certifier:                    PORT STEPHENS COUNCIL
Owner:                        ITALIA ROAD HOLDINGS PTY LTD

Application Stages And Status:
Stage Description:                 Open Date     Completed Date
Referral - Water & Energy:          1/09/2011     
Ext Ref - NSW RFS:                  1/09/2011     
External Agency Advice:             6/09/2011     
Referral - Traffic Engineer:       13/09/2011     
Application Information Check:     16/08/2011     16/08/2011
Statutory 2 day Admin Period:      15/08/2011     17/08/2011
Referred to Mgr for Allocation:    16/08/2011     13/09/2011
Admin Distribution:                13/09/2011     13/09/2011
Referral - Planning:               13/09/2011     
Referral - Building:               13/09/2011     14/09/2011
Referral - Engineer:               13/09/2011     
Referral - Disability Access:      13/09/2011     
Referal - Environmental Ser:       13/09/2011     16/09/2011
External Referrals:                 1/09/2011      1/09/2011
External Referrals:                 6/09/2011     
Further Information Required:      23/08/2011     29/08/2011

Edit: DA Number was incorrectly listed as 2012 (by Council!!!) so it is now correct

[Brett]

I'm sure I'll be shouted down for it, but a clockwise circuit in the home of Speedway and Dirt Track ?

It is better than the one we don't have...

[VinceS]

Check it out and register for updates:

www.ringwoodraceway.com.au

Also check out the track layout and go for a virtual lap, what a cool idea!:

http://www.ringwoodraceway.com.au/index.php?module=circuit

Very exciting isn't it!!!!!

[TopDOG]

yay for those of you in team hunterdog!!! i'll be sick everyday they race but will be there in support and to take our team hunterdogs photo's!!! hopefully some of brett draing a knee leaning it right over round turn one or wherever they will let me lay on the track during a race :'( i could even lead the team onto the starting line up then off at the podium in my chair then stand up on it with them

[VinceS]

I am told this website http://www.ringwoodraceway.com.au/ will be up and running by Monday arvo. On it you will be able to register to receive official updates of the status of the track development.

Nobody is prepared to put an estimate on when the track will be operational, at least to some level. So I will put a "guess" in of May 2012. This is based on guesses that the DA approval will take until late November / mid December to happen so at most clearing and some preparatory earthworks will start this year and finish mid to late Jan 2012. It doesn't take long to put hotmix down but it MUST be left to cure for some time, about two months from memory, or it will crack. There are plenty of race track owners that have first hand experience of how bad the damage of a bit of impatience can be on their new hotmix! In parallel the first set of structures will go up, these being the basic facilities required to control entry and operate the facility from. How extensive these will be and therefore how long it will take to construct them I am not sure. I expect there will be additional facilities constructed some time in the future, presumably the subject of a separate DA.

Another thing to bear in mind of course is that the way the track is to be utilised is also not clear, which is partly because I would be surprised if the owner has a detailed plan at this stage, beyond the broadly expressed intent that all sounds very good. I have been told lots of good stuff about the intentions, but I will regard that as all "off the record" information and wait for announcements on the above website to confirm whatever is actually going to happen, as it is announced.

Hopefully when the track is in a sufficient state to do some commissioning style tests as part of setting it up for driver / rider training we will be able to put together a crack team of Ducati volunteer riders and provide some early assistance to this fine endeavor!!!! But you know I'll keep you posted as to whether this is a possibility, although please note this is bound to be a "members only" by private invitation activity, so please make sure you are current!

PS: I note the MG Car Club has also just submitted DA560/2011 to extend their hill climb, glad to see they have started to spend the dosh after they so unnecessarily delayed the whole process to get the race track under way!

[VinceS]

Finally the clock has started to get this facility constructed. From Pt Stephens Council Website DA Tracker a few moments ago:


Property Details: 49 Italia Road BALICKERA NSW 232445 Italia Road BALICKERA NSW 2324

Type of Work: Reduce Existing Track, Relocate Exisitng Pit Area & Access Road Relocate Driver Training Area

Application No.: 564/2011

Date Lodged: 15/08/2011

Cost of Work: $4,000,000.00

Assessing Officer: MRS P P EMMETT

Applicant: ITALIA ROAD HOLDINGS PTY LTD

Applicant Address: PO BOX 831 NEWCASTLE NSW 2300

Certifier: PORT STEPHENS COUNCIL

Owner: ITALIA ROAD HOLDINGS PTY LTD

Application Stages And Status
Stage Description                        Open Date     Completed Date      Status
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          Awaiting

[VinceS]

By way of update the track is still at the "red tape" stage, nuffin more to be said really!

[VinceS]

Not sure what exactly I can say by way of update  , I know how keen people are (including myself) to see this facility up and running.

Let's try this: As you can see from various public domain info in various parts of the local community a DA for the race track facility was to be submitted as soon as the ownership issues were sorted, which the record at the Land Titles Office shows they were early last December. As you can see from http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/AboutUs/PerformanceMonitoring/tabid/74/language/en-US/Default.aspx#lpm Port Stephens Council reports they achieve "Mean net days for DA determined of value $5M-$20M" at 69 days, and I see this report puts them at 29th out of 75 councils on the performance spectrum that handle this size DA, so that should be a good sign. But a search of Pt Stevens Council website (http://eservices.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/eservice/daEnquiry.do) shows they haven't even managed to accept and lodge the DA yet. Which leaves only two possibilities: 1) The developer didn't attempt to submit the DA in a timely fashion, or 2) The Port Stephens Council have issues within their development processes that misleadingly disguises true performance and/or now renders them unable to achieve the performance that they reported to the Planning and Local Government Ministers a year ago. Guess where my money is...........?

Regardless, all we can do is wait  

[VinceS]

An Extract From MG Car Club website:

News Update on Ringwood land sale; 4th December 2010.

As they say "a deal is not done till the money is in the bank - Well the money is in the bank!"

Yesterday, Friday 3rd December 2010 at 3.00pm IRH became the owner of the annexed portion of Ringwood Park and MG Car Club Newcastle inc. remains the owner of it's Hillclimb/Motor-khana-cross area.

So that should mean a DA could get lodged before Christmas if all the planets align, good stuff - here's hoping......!

[VinceS]

Well the back room bs has been trundling along. This issue is soooooo much about egos! However, I won't go there - finally there is a clear path to get the deed done and there was an announcement yesterday that a deal has been sorted. You can see from the below, assembled in chronological order, that there has been a lot of behind the scenes stirring (I am pleased to say!) focussed on getting over the impediments and establishing an answer - and finally the process has gone full circle back to where it started and the sucker will now happen! There is still discontent in the ranks at the MG Car Club, their AGM is next Friday (12/11/10) so something may happen then. However, regardless of what the membership decides about the "management" (sic!) of the process by the existing committee, all roads lead to an answer now. So we can expect construction to start in the New Year and have local radar free asphalt beneath our wheels well before next Christmas!!!

Here is the story leading up to yesterday's announcement that agreement has been reached.

MG Car Club October Newsletter
From http://www.mgcarclub.com.au/Magazine/October%20Magazine.pdf
(approx 26/09/10)
I can start this report with exactly the same words as last month - that was a brief report on the position of the property sale. Since then, at our last committee meeting, some members came along to ask some questions about the current situation with our land deal. They were all answered and the questions have been repeated in this magazine along with those answers. (see Page 26)

Page 26
Q & A from members at the September Committee Meeting
Regarding the sale of part of Ringwood Property.
Q1: Have any minutes of meetings & deliberations been kept?
A: Minutes of all called and committee meetings held have been taken. Casual discussions etc. - No.
Q2: What has been spent on legal fees and other costs for the sale and what is the budget?
A: About $25,000 till now.
Q3: What is likely to be spent?
A: It cannot be defined - we are defending an action in the Supreme Court so that we are able to retain our Hillclimb facility.
Q4: How many hours has Turnbull & Hill Solicitors spent on the case at the moment?
A: Approximately 60 hrs.
Q5: Why did the club change solicitors?
A: Our original solicitors suggested we should do so as they considered that they were, possibly, in a conflict of interest situation with regard to the property sale contract.
Q6: Why are we in court with Italia Road Holdings (IRH)?
A: IRH wishes to enforce the contract, as written, which we believe doesn't reflect the intentions of IRH or the Club when the contract was drawn up.
Q7: Have any members formally contacted the club or committee asking information regarding the sale and its progress?
A: One member.
Q8: Seeing it was decide to sell a portion of the club's land in April 2009. Why is it not yet sold?
A: A boundary realignment is needed to be able to sell the portion of the property required by IRH and that has not been obtained yet.
Q9: Was the original boundary realignment rejected and why?
A: It was not rejected; there was a request for more details. When IRH became aware of this IRH made an offer too good to refuse and then we withdrew the application.
Q10: When did the committee resubmit the Boundary Realignment Application to council?
A: 9th July 2010.
Q11: How is the new Boundary Alignment different to the first one?
A: It is still the same as it was as that is what we are defending in the Supreme Court. We have just included more information which was asked for originally.
Q12: There was a meeting with IRH reported in the August Clubtorque what is the present situation?
A: IRH is waiting on the Boundary Realignment decision or the result of the Supreme Court hearing before any further talks can take place.

************************************************************
STOP PRESS!!!! (approx 26/10/10)
Re: Sale of part of Ringwood Park property.
 
The news which many members have been hoping for has happened.

The final approval and plans for the boundary realignment have been uplifted from the Port Stephens Council today 3rd November 2010.

They are now ready to be sent to the Lands Title Office (LTO) for registration, as soon as Italia Road Holdings (IRH) forward their consent to the new title registration, which they have offered to do.

Once the new title deeds are received back from the LTO, the land sale can be settled, after all the required actions have been completed, (including the offered removal by IRH of its covenant over the approx 14 ha land area being retained by MGCC(N)).

The "ball" is well and truly in IRH's court!!!   WE NOW WAIT!!!

For more detail please "REFER TO PRESIDENT'S REPORT NOVEMBER CLUB TORQUE"

*********************************************************
MG Car Club November Newsletter
From http://www.mgcarclub.com.au/Magazine/NOV%2010%20MAGAZINE.pdf
(approx 30/10/10) At the Ringwood Property Sale Information Night it was good news that the DA for the Boundary Realignment had been granted by Port Stephens Council with conditions attached. These conditions, included fire protection works, water storage and a fire plan. All been finalised and the final DA consent forms were lodged with Council last week. Council expects their final approval consent to issue this week.

In the Court matter, IRH missed their lodgment times last week, and have now offered to consent to two of the orders that we have counterclaimed in court. These being to (1) strike out their IRH claim for the purchase of the entire parcel of land, and (2) to consent to the MGCC cross claim (ie for the sale of all of the land less the approx 14 ha area that we retain) and as well they have advised that they will not be offering a defence to our cross claim nor evidence in support of their claims. The matter of costs will be reserved. IRH have also advised that they will consent to the registration of the boundary realignment with the Lands Titles Office (LTO) and will remove their caveat over our 14 ha land area.

In the absence of any further development, the Court is expected to approve these consent orders at the next hearing date 12th November 2010. Settlement should then take place as soon as the LTO has returned the new Titles. You will recall that after the contract was found to have errors, IRH was seeking to take advantage of that fact and force us to sell to him the whole property. The course, which was chosen and has been pursued was due to my and the committees resolve that, as has been the case since the purchase of Nelson Plains, the club own property on which we are able to conduct motor sport events at a reasonable cost to members.

There is an interest group within the club who think this ideal should be disregarded and sell all of the land no matter what the outcome. This group is canvassing proxy votes in order to remove the bulk of the committee at this months AGM. If you are a full voting member, you should carefully consider to whom you give your proxy vote. An extensively changed committee could reverse Mal Roach's unanimously supported motion to do a boundary realignment and sell the remaining land to IRH. You should get a clarification of a member's conviction before giving them your proxy vote.

************************************************************
UPDATE - 4.11.2010
Re: Sale of part of Ringwood Park property.

As always, this complex matter moves quickly.

Today, Italia Road Holdings' solicitors have given IRH's written consent to allow the plan of the boundary realignment to be registered at the Lands Title Office in Sydney.

This will be lodged by our surveyors Rennie Golledge, as they are able to lodge the necessary documentation electronically. This, they will do tomorrow (5.11.2010).

[VinceS]

Well, this is 2 week old MGCC news I just noticed. It doesn't say much other than that the participants don't have what it takes to just get on and sort the fairly simple issues out. Eventually they will and this bit will just fade into a distant memory as the irritation of the bungling start fades into the euphoria of actually seeing the sucker happen:

Developments with the sale of the property at Ringwood Park are still at a delicate stage and IRH still has their court action pending. A suitable outcome for the sale is still being brokered, trying to forge a deal meeting the committee?s wishes.

[VinceS]

There has been a delay in getting the Ringwood Circuit over the line. I have had an opportunity to buy into this situation in quite some detail. In short, the delay is due to human failings that I will not elaborate on publicly. The below official update comes from the MGCC's website. My reading of the knowledge and discussions I have had is that this is simply a temporary delay and ultimately (when viewed from the rear view mirrors a few months down the track) will be seen to be more nuisance value than a real problem. However, one interesting thing that has come from this is that there is A LOT of pent up demand and good will on behalf of some really capable individuals "out there" who want to (and will) get a race track happening in the Hunter, and there is at least one really viable alternative should the MGCC find it all too hard to sort out what should be a pretty simple deal. Already I've said too much (I am pretty annoyed about the foolhardiness of approach and lack of legitimacy to the fundamentals of the present situation), so here's the official news:

MG Car Club August 2010 Newsletter
Many enquiries have been received as to what is happening regarding the sale of part of the Ringwood Park land to Italia Road Holdings Pty Limited (IRH). The Committee considers it appropriate that Members are advised of the current position. Members will recall that agreement was reached with IRH for it to purchase all of MG Car Club Newcastle's land except for 14 hectares on which MGCCN's hillclimb facility and support infrastructure is located.

This agreement was subject to the ultimate registration at the Lands Department NSW of a plan adjusting the boundaries of two of the three lots comprising MGCCN's land. Unfortunately difficulties arose in having that plan approved by Port Stephens Council and in view of this IRH offered in late November 2009 to purchase the 14 hectares which was to have been retained by MGCCN on condition that such land was leased back to MGCCN for its use for 99 years at a nominal rental.

This deal had other positives for MGCCN and it was agreed to in principal by the Committee and ratified by the committee. Unfortunately when the lease document was submitted by IRH's lawyers it was found to contain conditions which MGCCN could not accept and to do so would have placed MGCCN's future right to use its hillclimb facility in serious jeopardy.

After the negotiations for the sale and lease back of the 14 hectares broke down in May of this year IRH, through its solicitors, sought to enforce completion of the Contract for Sale of the MGCCN land on terms contrary to what was originally agreed. Looking into this matter and seeking alternate legal advice it became apparent to the Committee that the Contract had not been drawn correctly and was not clear in its terms.

IRH has now commenced Supreme Court proceedings seeking enforcement of the Contract for Sale on terms which would require MGCCN to sell two of our three lots which would include the hillclimb facility. MGCCN has instructed new solicitors, who have advised that MGCCN is in a good position to defend the proceedings commenced by IRH and have the Contract enforced in terms of the original agreement with IRH.

Notwithstanding the Court proceedings IRH has indicated its willingness to negotiate a resolution of the matter and MGCCN's solicitor has invited a proposal from IRH through its solicitors. No proposal has been received to date. A face to face meeting took place last week with a view of finding a resolution, and that was positive. In terms of the current resolution of committee no decision will be taken to sell the land on which the hill climb is located without a further resolution of the committee. As the matter is now sub-judice it will not be possible for the Committee or its individual members to respond to emails or other enquiries regarding the matter.

MGCCN will also be reserving its rights against its former solicitors. The matter is next before the Court on 1st October 2010 and Members will be advised of further developments as they arise.

[VinceS]

Update:

Slow progress due to all sorts of issues arising . My optimistic view is that the organisers are very close to pushing the big "go button" , they are certainly well into organising the detailed implementation once the remaining hurdles are cleared. Reading between the lines I expect two months is the sort of time frame that there will be something tangible to report. From there to "let's go racing" should be less than 12 months . Stay tuned for more ......!

Edit: From the MG Car club May 2010 newsletter comes the following public domain info (http://www.mgcarclub.com.au/Magazine/Clubtorque%20May%202010.pdf):

The preparation of Italia Road Holdings' Development Application is steaming ahead, without a hurdle that hasn't been able to be jumped yet and the transfer of land is just about to be finalised. I'm hopeful that the facility will be available for Easter next year. They think it will be sooner, let's hope.

[ChrisC]

I really hope this gets off the ground now.  Oran Park is history.  Eastern Creek is great, but getting crowded. You have to book in a month or more in advance if you want a spot, most times.  Wakefield's a sweet little track, but it's an overnighter if you want to use it.  And Kulnara is bloody expensive!

Bring on Ringwood, and bring it on fast! 

[VinceS]

Well at last some good solid news. The development of this racing facility is being approached in a sensible mature manner and stands a high probability of success. The proponents are going about the process using proper consultative techniques to really flush the issues out and deal with them in a way that is likely to get outcomes that do work within the normal checks and balances we need to operate effectively as a community. Brilliant.

The process is well underway, lagging a bit behind where it was anticipated to be, but being done well. It is due to the thorougness and intelligent engagement with the various stakehoders that the plans have changed - as they should as this is, by nature, an interactive relatively unpredictable process. Which is what is going to count in the long run to make the venture a success on a lot more levels than my earlier posts (as a one-eyed single interest observer!) could possibly have suggested was necessary. Obviously nothing is certain until it is completed in accordance with the relevant requirements, but there is an air of cautious optimism about the whole thing now.

Seems all a bit cryptic? Well that is because I am trying to say something without saying anything. You may note that I edited an earlier post below, this is because it really wasn't representative of what was going on, plus I think a bit too much of my frustration was showing at the circumstances as I had seen them previously unfold over the years and - funnily enough as you get with this web phenomenon - people noticed! I well remember when the Ringwood track was nearly a done deal when we heard about those upstarts in Sydney wanting to build a similar facility at Eastern Ck - the view at the time was that we Novocastrians would beat them by 6 - 9 months!

Aha, you may have guessed by now that all this beating around the bush is because I have been taken into the confidence of the people preparing the facility. And, if it gets up, it is nice to know that the fellow most likely to be running it is a fellow motorcyclist and a very switched on operator - and a nice bloke to boot!

"Yeah, yeah Vince, that's all fine but when might we see this track?" you may ask. Well I don't know and nobody else is prepared to have a guess at this stage. So my guess would be that late next year would be the earliest. But that's just a guess, a fair bit of water has to flow under the bridge first. My other guess would be that, if there is any real news that can be relied upon, it will turn up here: http://www.ringwoodraceway.com.au/ so keep an eye on that!

[VinceS]

I went looking on the Pt Stevens Council website (http://eservices.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/eservice/daEnquiry.do) for a DA to cover this development so we would be able to know what might be expected - and therefore pick the right time to go volunteer our assistance / participation! Short story is I couldn't find anything useful. The following is all that comes up, obviously something happened recently but not sure what is expected beyond that:

47 Italia Road BALICKERA NSW 2324
Type of Work Boundary Re-alignment
ApplicantRENNIE GOLLEDGE & PARTNERS
Application No.397/2009
Date Lodged19/06/2009
Cost of Work$0.00

49 Italia Road BALICKERA NSW 2324
Type of Work BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT
ApplicantPAUL LE MOTTEE PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Application No.60067/1999
Date Lodged20/01/1999
Cost of Work$0.00
DeterminationApplication Withdrawn
Determination Date21/07/2003

49 Italia Road BALICKERA NSW 2324
Type of Work DRAGSTRIP / RACING CIRCUIT - AMENDED PLANS
ApplicantMOTORPLEX AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
CertifierPORT STEPHENS COUNCIL
Application No.42/2002
Date Lodged10/01/2002
Cost of Work$5,000,000.00
DeterminationCourt Appeal Dismissed
Determination Date11/07/2008

The relevant land is:
45 ITALIA ROAD, BALICKERA   Lot 1 DP 245116
45 ITALIA ROAD, BALICKERA   Lot 2 DP 245116
45 ITALIA ROAD, BALICKERA   Lot 31 DP 787250 (was Lot 3 DP 245116)

[VinceS]

I have heard that the RTA, previously the biggest stumbling block, have realised M is not developing a facility that is intended to draw big crowds, therefore the interface at the Pacific hwy won't be an issue beyond normal traffic experienced now which should abate their concerns considerably. The council will also reportedly be much less likely to have an objection to a proposal put by a person more inclined to listen to and accommodate their needs. So I am lead to believe it will just be a matter of time to suit whatever M thinks will be the fair thing to get up, all things considered.

Anybody passing the area might care to call by and check if there is anything to see!

[VinceS]

Well, there's bad news, and good news:

bad news: The MG car club was quietly determined to sort all the stuff out with the plain intent of holding the first race meeting In August 2010. But then they had the club's accountants have a proper look at it and discovered that, like every other race track in the land, it is virtually impossible to break even! So they pretty well abandoned the idea of getting the track up.... :'(

good news: A private individual, we'll call him M, had been following the deal with the falling through of the earlier track deal, and what the club had concluded re finances, and decided that, if no-one else was going to sort this out he would! M is some considerable distance past "well off', and $10M to have his own private race track is apparently small change, and gives him somewhere to run his Ferrari and Aston Martin rather than the bother of going to Eastern Ck which he is tiring of. OK, a local with attitude and capability, you beauty! He is quite happy to share the facility and obviously the MG Car club is going to help with some of the more boring details that will take the load off M so he can concentrate on playing cars amongst his other interests. Well, M is now the proud owner of the land as the MG car club has sold it to him, so it is more than just another good idea - this one has real traction....

There are other details but M is not looking for publicity. He is a powerful man so the odds are good he knows how to sort shite out and get a result, here's hoping!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[VinceS]

I just found the MG car club’s website contains the following:

the extreme disappointment of the year was in July when we received the news from the Land & Environment Court of the rejection of the Motorplex application for the RINGWOOD PARK Development. However all is not lost yet, the Ringwood Development Panel is hard at work with a new conception plan. The new direction will concentrate on a much smaller facility, one which will satisfy the needs of our club members and at a much lesser price, and one I hope that the club can afford.

So obviously there is a reasonable probability that something worthwhile will happen in that direction. The omission (for now?) of a drag strip is no particular issue to me for the time being, bring on the race track!

Both CAMS and the Newcastle MG Car club have new presidents this year, that could also help with getting a fresh approach to getting this sort of facility through.

And isn’t it nice to have something local back on the radar again, give us all an excuse to go buy new Ducatis!!!

[VinceS]

Firstly the "old news":

Re - failure of Motorplex to gain approval for a Motorsport Facility in the Port Stephens area:

John Cotter, President of the Australian Racing Drivers' Club which runs Eastern Creek International raceway advises - I can confirm that the Club recently commissioned Apex Circuit Design of Great Britain, which is one of the world's leading motor sport venue design companies, at a cost of about $350,000.00 to prepare a Master Plan for the redevelopment of the Eastern Creek complex.

Clive Bowen of Apex Circuit Design, and three others of his team, spent about a week in and around the facility in May gathering all of the information that was needed, even down to traffic flow in the nearby area. The ARDC was also able to supply digital topographic surveys for their use so that all questions of rise and fall and camber could be addressed.

Clive Bowen returns to Australia next Tuesday (5th August) to present the Master Plan to the ARDC Board. The ARDC Board will then the be presenting the Master Plan to Eric Roozendaal, as the direct representative of Premier Morris Iemma, on Tuesday afternoon.

The brief to Apex Circuit Design was to maximise the potential simultaneous multiple use of the facility and to ensure that the work involved interferes with the existing day to day operations of the facility as little as possible.

I can indicate that the word is out in Europe already that we will have, if the Government is prepared to fund the work rather than spend $30M on a once a year Homebush Bay street circuit, one of the best facilities in the world, and certainly in Australia, as we already have an approach from the promoters of the FIA GT Championship to run a round of their 2010 World Championship at Eastern Creek.

Regards
John Cotter

Now have a look here for the detailed new track info http://wp.circuitclub.com.au/

[Brett]

This is a pretty ordinary outcome, but to be completely honest, I would have been astounded ( in a happy way ) if it got through.

As a long time member of Raymond Terrace Motorcycle Club, I vaguely recall that most of that land is in the water catchment zone for Newcastle's Grahamstown supply.  We went to great lengths to move from a really practical, and easy to maintain, oil based dirt track, to a dust and water cart, water cart, water cart circuit.  The motocross track was OK as it was fairly easily hosed / water carted, and the various enduro loops seemed to hold the water a little better so the clay based bulldust which dominates that area wasn't such a big deal.

I don't know if it's still there, but there was also a minibike club, off road racing facility and a hill climb track ( I presume that's what it's called as it's probably not really a circuit - and real small as I recall ), and I remember the locals kicking up a stick about the noise from the hill climbers when they first moved in.  But in fairness to them, placing it down near the front gate of the property was pretty stupid.

So I think that although it was probably always ambitious to think that site would all come together that easy, I think that with the right support regrouped, that there's surely a place for this type of facility, preferably somewhere flat, maybe closer to the jet base, or some place else where someone else has beaten us to the noise and environmental disruption.

It's absolutely a great idea and I'm happy to support any sensible alternative, as I'll be one of the first ones out there, once it's regrouped and the wounds heal from this one.

The local car clubs must be pissed off.

[VinceS]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. This just turned up and absolutely sucks:

Dear Sir/Madam
On Friday 11 July 2008 the Land and Environment Court of NSW delivered its judgment in the
appeal proceedings brought by Motorplex Australia Pty Ltd against Port Stephens Council.
Commissioner Brown dismissed the appeal, refused the amended development application, and
allowed Council until 18 July 2008 to make any application for costs.
The Land and Environment Court has dismissed the appeal for reasons consistent with Council’s
reasons for refusing the development application. The Land and Environment Court has held
that the development application (as amended) should be refused due to the:
• significant traffic impacts on local roads and the adjacent Highway, especially at the
intersection of the Pacific Highway and Italia Road;
• significant adverse impacts on threatened species and habitats;
• significant adverse impacts on water quality;
• significant soil erosion that would result from the construction and operation of the
proposed development;
• significant adverse noise impacts on nearby rural-residential properties;
• the proposed development being inconsistent with the objective of the 1(a) Rural zone.
The Land and Environment Court’s determination now concludes this matter.
Yours faithfully
Scott Anson
Scott Anson
MANAGER DEVELOPMENT & BUILDING
Phone: 49800214
scott.anson@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

[VinceS]

I just read in the latest Cycle Torque that Council has given it the nod and it is just some slender thing about a threatened species that the objectors are grasping at which has been sent back to the Land & Environment Court to look at. And then I got formal notice of the status per below. You can get a colour map of the track set up from http://www.mgcarclub.com.au/ plus presumably updates as they come to hand (given that people will be more worried about making it happen than writing about it!). I have attached the Cycle Torque article & map below, the notice I got was as follows:

Re: Proposed: Drag Strip / Racing Circuit
Property: LOT: 1 DP: 245116, LOT: 2 DP: 245116, LOT: 31 DP: 787250
49 Italia Road, 47 Italia Road, 45 Italia Road BALICKERA

You recently provided written submissions to Council concerning the amended development application to establish a motorsports complex at Italia Road, Eagleton. That application is the subject of appeal proceedings before the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales.

The proceedings are to be heard for 5 days commencing Monday 12 May 2008. The hearing will start at 10.00 am with a site inspection, and will adjourn to 2.30 pm at the East Maitland Courthouse (which is located in John Street, East Maitland) for the purpose of hearing evidence from some of the people who made submissions concerning the proposal. The proceedings will then continue from Tuesday to Friday, from 10.00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Land & Environment Court, 225 Macquarie Street, Sydney. The hearing is a public hearing and all interested persons are entitled to be present.

In all, well over 500 submissions were received, including your submission. All submissions received will be tendered as evidence in the proceedings. The Court has asked the Council to advise you that the Court will carefully consider the content of all submissions received by Council, including your submission.

In order to ensure that the proceedings are conducted in a just, cheap and quick manner, the Court has directed that the Applicant and the Council may call up to four persons to give oral evidence. Four persons who support the proposal and four persons who oppose it will be selected. These persons will be heard from 2.30 pm on Monday 12 May 2008, at the East Maitland Courthouse.
At this stage, the Council does not propose to call upon you to give evidence in addition to your written submission. Your written submission will be tendered as evidence in the proceedings, and the Court will give careful attention to your views on the proposed development.

As stated above, you are most welcome to attend the hearing of the proceedings.

Yours faithfully

Scott Anson
MANAGER DEVELOPMENT & BUILDING
Phone: 49800214
scott.anson@portstephens.nsw.gov.au