City approves new home for motorcycle club track

Albany Motorcycle Club hope the official granting of approval for a new home track will lead to a revival of the club which has faced an ongoing battle for survival for the past three years.

The City of Albany has granted approval for the use of the track on private land on Mindijup Road in Napier for the next two years until a permanent home is hopefully found.

Since its former home Miniup Park in Robinson was closed three years ago because of noise complaints, the club has experienced dwindling membership numbers.

The club had been secretly using the new Napier track last year until the City this week granted approval after consulting with 55 surrounding landowners and seven government departments and community groups.

Albany Motorcycle Club vice-president Gary Dibble said the new track, which was officially licensed by Motorcycling WA, would keep the club alive.

"What it's going to do is stop the club going into recess permanently," he said.

"Now we can advertise the fact we have a home and spread it through the motocross community. "Hopefully we can get back on the South West interclub circuit and be able to hold proper events."

Albany City Councillor Rob Sutton, who worked with the club to help find a new track, said the proposed permanent home near Baker's Junction was still to be vested to the City from the State Government.

He said the club had to take credit for their initiative in ensuring their survival.