Vote of no support

By Paul Dunlop
CARDINIA Shire Council has turned its back on Wayne Maslen’s bid to develop a motorsports facility in Pakenham.
At a special meeting last Thursday, councillors voted against supporting the application when it goes to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on 12 October.
The decision prompted Cr Bill Ronald to accuse council of being “blatantly antimotorsports” a claim emphatically rejected by colleagues.
Mr Maslen is seeking to establish a privatelyoperated facility for motorbike riders on land in Kooweerup Road.
He has previously described his proposal as a chance to turn a longheld dream in the community into a reality.
The Cardinia Casey Joint Working Party for Regional Motorsports recently backed Mr Maslen’s bid.
Cr Ronald argued in favour of supporting Mr Maslen on the basis that it might be the last chance to establish a home for motorsports in the area.
Councillors acknowledged they were running out of options in the bid to find suitable land within the shire.
But they were adamant that Mr Maslen’s application did not warrant council support.
Councillors said other possible user groups such as Pakenham Auto Club had expressed concerns about the proposal, as had nearby landholders including G and K O’Connor meatworks, one of Pakenham’s biggest employers.
Cr Helen Ward said there were a host of reasons why Mr Maslen’s application was unacceptable.
She said it would result in a high impact use that would be detrimental to the surrounding area.
She said there was a lack of detail supporting Mr Maslen’s bid.
“The application lacks integrity, credibility and is totally inadequate,” Cr Ward said.
“I have no confidence in the proponent providing robust, relevant and substantial documentation in support of his proposal.”
Mr Maslen took his application to VCAT earlier this year after council was said to have failed to make a decision within the prescribed time.
Councillors maintain they could not make a decision because of a lack of information about the proposal.
Mr Maslen does not necessarily need council’s support to win his case at VCAT.
Mr Maslen has previously described his proposal as a chance to provide a place for motorsports enthusiasts, particularly juniors, where they can participate in their chosen sport in a controlled and safe environment.
The vote at council’s meeting was five to one.
Mayor Garry Runge and councillors Kate Lempriere, Graeme Legge and Doug Hamilton backed Cr Ward’s motion not to support Mr Maslen at the tribunal.
Cr Ronald voted against.
Cr Leonora Cox was absent on leave.