Motocross proposal off-track

Albany Motorcycle Club's hope of securing its new home near Bakers Junction has been dealt a blow with the City of Albany recommending the proposed track no longer be considered.

A report tabled by the City's works and services committee last night recommended the proposed venue not be considered any further on the basis of significant community opposition.

A total of 303 submissions were received in the community engagement period with 173 in favour of the proposed track compared to 130 in opposition.

But the City's community engagement report identified that, of the respondents within the 3km radius of the site, 50 were opposed to, and only 17 in favour of, the proposed site - a 22ha reserve acquired from the Department of Parks and Wildlife as part of a land swap deal with the City.

"It is important to consider the weight of those who live in the proximity to the proposed site as the impact of the proposal would be greater on their livelihoods," the report states.

Results from noise testing on the site in October resulted in "negligible" noise impacts, but the impact on nearby residents was not ruled out completely with potentially different wind conditions.

Concerns of environmental impact, heightened fire risk, overuse, decreases in the value of nearby properties, traffic issues, community impact, the consultation process and impact on business were also raised by the respondents.

It has been three years since the club had a home after the Miniup Park track in Robinson was closed because of noise complaints.

Albany Motorcycle Club president Rebecca Blyth said the club was not surprised by the City's recommendation, but was delighted to have had the majority in favour of a facility at Bakers Junction.

"It is understandable that there was a large number from within the 3km radius opposed to the proposed track as there was a lot of scaremongering," she said.

"We hope in the future when we go through the process again for a site that the community will be able to see the facts which are there and not the fallacies … we would like to thank the City of Albany, it's employees and councillors who have worked with us.

"The community of Albany has shown there is very strong support and a dire need for a suitable and permanent motocross track."

In a statement yesterday, the City said it had already started exploring options to find a better long term site which is expected to be presented to council in the coming months.

A final decision on the site will be made at the next council meeting on February 23.