Old quarry could be a lifeline for motocross

A FORMER sand quarry adjacent to the Barwon River looms as a lifeline for a local motocross club.

Plans to develop the former industrial site in Fyansford into a motorcycle racing track have progressed, after months of talks with the Geelong council.

The facility would house the Geelong Motocross Club, which has been searching for almost three years to find a new headquarters after the closure of McAdam Park in 2015.

With the 54-year-old club left without a track, its 70 members have been forced to travel widely to pursue the sport.

Suitable land throughout Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast has been evaluated and ruled out for more than a decade.

Regional lobby group G21 has listed the need for a new motocross venue — to also cater for the Sporting Motorcycle Club — as one of its priority projects.

The GMC believes the former Newcomb Sand and Soil quarry at Fyansford provides the necessary space, at a central location, to establish a new base.

An acoustic report, completed last month, found the noise levels would be below the Environment Protection Authority’s maximum recommendation for noise from motor sports.

The track would be set back from the Barwon River by a minimum of 35m, and be well hidden from the Geelong Ring Road.

The GMC said the track would be used up to 57 times per year, with 10 of those to be Sunday club race events.

There would be no buildings at the site, however ‘pit tents’ would be installed on race days.

The council has released the GMC’s plans for public comment until September 23.