Lakeside Purchase
Under Question
From: Lakeside
Motor Racing Enthusiasts, Inc.
Issue Date:
1
October, 2003
Topic: Lakeside International Raceway
Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts president Ian Milton and
vice president Warren Smith met with Pine Rivers Shire Councillor, Chris
Monsour and Manager Land Development
Services, Andy Opanowycz on Thursday, 4
September 2003 to discuss recent reports in the media regarding Lakeside
Raceway.
The meeting was described as co-operative and an eye-opener
for both parties. It was another opportunity for LMRE to explain that the
return of club level racing to Lakeside does not have to include V8Supercars.
The PRSC offered to procure documents of interest for the LMRE under the
Freedom Of Information Act and LMRE reciprocated with an offer to work with
Council to develop sensible noise controls, including providing race cars and
bikes to assist with sound level testing.
However, with various Pine Rivers Shire Councillors making
claims in the media that Lakeside has polluted the local water system and that
the reason for the purchase of Lakeside International Raceway was to safeguard
the area's future water supply, the issue had to be clarified.
Ian Milton asked the Council representatives for
documentation to prove the pollution accusations. Both Cr Monsour and Mr.
Opanowycz admitted that they were unable to provide any written proof
of past, present or future water pollution.
"Not surprisingly, today's meeting provided
Council with the opportunity to
substantiate claims of water pollution at Lakeside and
they were unable to do so. Therefore, they've spent $600,000 of rate
payer's money on a venture based on rumours rather than facts!", said Ian
Milton.
With the reasons for the purchase of the motor racing
circuit becoming unclear, the PRSC threw its
business acumen into question with statements that they bought the facility
without any plan for its future and were relying solely on a public expression
of interest to provide a solution.
In regards to the PRSC appeal against the
Heritage Listing, Cr. Monsour admitted that Council
has not planned a budget, nor have they received an estimate from legal
advisors for the cost of the appeal.
"Warren and I both run businesses in the area and we were
shocked by the lack of concern for the financial risks, but when Cr
Monsour confessed that Council
doesn't believe
the heritage listing appeal will
succeed, well, my jaw nearly hit the floor!", said Ian Milton.
LMRE also questioned Cr Monsour about her comments
regarding the circumstances in which Lakeside was purchased in the 29 May,
2003 edition of The Westerner,
Cr Monsour said that Council purchased the facility in
November 2001 at the price of $600,000 despite there being offers on the
table of 1 - 2 million dollars. "I believe that other contenders may have a
case for litigation if this resolution is reversed."
Ian Milton asked the Councillor to explain the remarkable
negotiations performed,
which were able to convince the receivers to
sell the facility to Council for less than half the amount others were willing
to pay.
"I asked Cr Monsour why she believes the Pine Rivers
Shire rate payers could be exposed to a law suit for buying Lakeside and she
refused to elaborate", said Ian Milton.
GOAL
LMRE’s
goal is to re-instate motor racing at Lakeside International Raceway as soon
as possible and assist whichever body will best achieve that outcome.
NEXT
MEETING
The
next meeting of the Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts, Inc. will be on Sunday, 5
October at Bullocky's Rest at 11:00AM.
Visit our website for
directions and details!
| 
