Barwon Recreational Motorcycling Council - Media Release 01/12/2009
Surf Coast's Motorcycle Club Future Now Secured!
The future of Surf Coast’s Sporting Motor Cycle Club is now secure following the purchase of McAdam Park, Barrabool.
SMCC President Brian Kavanagh said the purchase of McAdam Park had been years in the making, with a massive team effort by various people including SMCC members past and present, Barwon Recreational Motorcycling Council, Geelong Moto Cross Club, Otway Trail Riders, South Barwon MP Michael Crutchfield and the State Government, Surf Coast Shire, Motorcycling Australia and Geelong and Surf Coast businesses and residents.
“Without this overwhelming support for the Sporting Motor Cycle Club and McAdam Park, our future was bleak,” Mr Kavanagh said. “However our future and that of McAdam Park is now secured for many generations to come thanks to the dedicated volunteer work of many, and the commitment shown by various levels of government, industry and the Geelong and Surf Coast communities.
“The battle to secure our home has been a long ride, with many twists, turns and bumps on the track, however we have crossed the finish line and completed the race to save what is regarded as an icon facility by international by riders – that is McAdam Park.
“We look forward to working with the new land owner Motorcycling Australia and other motorcycle clubs in the coming weeks and months to ensure that we continue operating our club here at McAdam Park as we have done for the past 46 years.
“On December 12, we hold our annual King of Barrabool event and club presentation day and today’s confirmation McAdam Park has been saved will provide club members an opportunity to celebrate the year that has been with the knowledge that we have a future here,” Mr Kavanagh said.
Barwon Recreation Motorcycling Council Chairman Peter Lindeman said the future for local learner riders, recreational and competitor riders is now secured.
“After years of work by individuals, clubs and industry it is very satisfying to know that local clubs, riders and in particular young children, now have a safe and secure facility to learn and ride both socially and competitively,” Mr Lindeman said.
“We have said all along that without McAdam Park riders would run the gauntlet of riding on local reserves, golf courses, football and cricket ovals. That is not what we want.
“Hopefully now Motorcycling Australia will be able to work together with authorities, clubs and local residents to ensure that we can reduce such activity and provide a sustainable community facility catering for education, training and a competitive facility as well as including other passive user groups.”
Media Contacts: SMCC President Brian Kavanagh & BRMC Chairman Peter Lindeman
From the Parliamentary Secretary for Water and Environment - Media Release 01/12/2009
Historic day for McAdam Park and local motorcycling community
Today is a significant day in the history of motorsport in the region with confirmation McAdam Park, Barrabool has been purchased by Motorcycling Australia, State Member for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield said.
Mr Crutchfield – who strongly supported the Sporting Motor Cycle Club, Geelong Moto Cross Club, and Otway Trail Raiders campaign to secure the facility – said the sport of motorcycling in the region had been secured.
“The State Government has been a significant supporter of this venue and in securing it as a home for the three local community clubs, which is why we committed $1.27m towards the purchase,” Mr Crutchfield said.
“McAdam Park is a renowned international and national motorcycling facility that caters for hundreds of local families who choose motorsport as their preferred leisure activity.
“The State Government is proud to support this project and delighted that Motorcycling Australia, Sporting Motor Cycle Club and Surf Coast Shire have committed funding towards the acquisition of McAdam Park.
“McAdam Park is an important community sporting asset and I am personally delighted the State Government has played a leading role in helping to secure its future for the people of Geelong and the Surf Coast.
“As well as a venue for major and community events, McAdam Park also offers new or young motorcycle riders with a safe place to enjoy the sport they love.
“McAdam Park also plays an important role in helping these riders to gain the necessary skills associated with riding recreational motorcycles in a safe and socially responsible way.
“The campaign to save McAdam Park has involved not only this government, Surf Coast Shire, clubs, and the wider community, but also many local businesses that have financially supported this venue through fundraising activities and they should all be congratulated.
“It is extremely disappointing that the City of Greater Geelong have not committed to McAdam Park in relocating the Geelong Moto Cross Club there.
“It has been disgraceful how the Geelong Moto Cross Club members have been treated by COGG and the council must as a priority commit at its next council meeting, the $660,000 to the McAdam Park facility so the club has a permanent home,” Mr Crutchfield said.
Media Contacts: Michael Crutchfield and Adam Olive
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