AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

12 September 2006

Speedway review gets green light

Speedway’s future at Western Springs is more assured with the release of a final assessment report on the best practicable options for continued racing at the stadium.

Auckland City has received Honourable Peter Salmon QC’s final report on the Western Springs’ Speedway outlining a recommended approach to balance the needs of all affected parties.

Auckland City’s Arts, Culture and recreation Committee Councillor Penny Sefuiva is pleased with the outcome of the report which suggests a smoother road ahead for Speedway and some relief to local residents.

“The recommendations of Mr Salmon’s report gives all parties more certainty around the speedway season, and in particular guides Auckland City towards development of a resource consent application that locks in the recommendations of the review,” said Councillor Sefuiva.

A mediated settlement agreement was reached in October last year between Auckland City, Springs Promotions and the Springs Stadium Residents’ Association that allowed the speedway to continue while the independent review was carried out.

Mr Salmon’s review highlights the following:

- while a number of houses immediately adjoining Western Springs are considerably affected by noise from Speedway, any approach to limiting noise levels needs to be balanced with the long standing history of racing at Western Springs

- noise limits set within the current District Plan cannot be met, therefore it is necessary to provide relief from Speedway noise for local residents in other ways

- setting a limit on the number of events and the time that they finish will provide residents with certainty around times they will be free of speedway noise.

Mr Salmon has made several recommendations for the operation of speedway at Western Springs in the future. They include:

- a maximum of two practice days and 12 event days per season with limits on finishing times

- at least six race free days between any two actual events and an average of 12 race free days between any scheduled events over the racing season

- a maximum of two rain out events during the season

- a range of new noise limits and preparation of a noise management plan

- provide information and advertising of the events calendar, and start and finish times of races and rain out days

- Auckland City to assist in noise reduction for the interior of adjacent houses on West View and Old Mill Roads.

These recommendations will be reported to council for endorsement.

A resource consent application incorporating these recommendations will be prepared to enable Speedway to continue at Western Springs in line with Council’s earlier resolutions.

“This has been a long and considered process,” said Auckland city’s Mayor Dick Hubbard. “The outcome will mean that for the life of its lease, Speedway can operate at its traditional home and at the same time co-exist with local residents.”

ENDS

See... Western Springs Report

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