Controversial off-road dirt bike track proposed
New plan shows size of facility
A HIGHLY-controversial proposed motocross track, which had its application costs subsidised by the Toowoomba Regional Council, has been officially submitted to the council.
The planned “off road motorcycle facility, camping ground and caretakers accommodation unit” by the Brisbane North Off Road Motorcycle Club at Mt Binga, north of Toowoomba, will also have financial support from the State Government if its approved.
The proposal became a topic of debate in the council chambers in April when Deputy Mayor Carol Taylor questioned why the applicant had received $27,000 in grants from the council to put together its application.
According to the report from Property Projects Australia’s Geoff Broadbent, the new facility and camping ground will be based on two lots on Kleins Rd, including a small section of 3400 hectares owned by the State Government.
Mr Broadbent said the new facility and trails could cater for up to 400 riders, who would operate between 8am and 4.30pm.
“The facility will be established an operated by the Brisbane North Motorbike Club, an organisation formed by a group of like-minded friends who are passionate about having a safe, relaxing and wellequipped riding venue for themselves and others,” he wrote.
“The trail riding facility will be supported by the establishment of an on-site camping ground over an area of 15,000sq m, which will accommodate approximately 75 camp sites.
“The facility will be primarily used on weekends, but it is intended that the uses will be permitted to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Riding will however only be undertaken during daylight hours.”
Cr Geoff McDonald revealed the proposal would receive $150,000 in state government support towards construction, if the council approves it.
But it is also based near two other dirt bike facilities, including the popular and longstanding Motocross Mountain.
MM owner Vince O’Brien said he planned to oppose the development, saying it would affect the business he spent a decade developing.
“If they were to get any sort of numbers, of course it’s going to affect us,” he said.
Brisbane North Off Road Motorcycle Club posted on its Facebook page two days ago, saying it would not compete with existing businesses and urged its supporters to demand council approve it.
“Although council shared our vision to deliver on this through granting of the application funds, we need your support,” the post read.
Photo: Property Projects Australia