Pearcedale’s Kade Mosig, currently ranked number six in Australia says that Casey needs a motorcycling track.
By Kelly Yates
A MOTORCYCLE enthusiast is heartbroken after his dreams of opening Casey’s first motorcycle track in Tooradin were thwarted when the council refused to grant a permit at a Casey planning meeting last week.
Wayne Maslen said one of the reasons for the proposed motorcycle track along the South Gippsland Highway, about 500 metres from the Baxter Tooradin Road roundabout, was to give riders a legal place to ride.
He said that four children were killed and more than 2200 children were caught and fined in Casey for illegally riding in 2002.
“We have a problem in Casey but no one will admit it. These kids will ride wherever they can,” he said.
The coastal areas such as Pearcedale and Tooradin are home to at least half a dozen of Australia’s top motocross champions.
Pearcedale’s Kade Mosig is currently ranked sixth in Australia but says they have no home ground to train on.
“I have a private track on my property but for other riders, they have nowhere,” said the 18-year-old.
Casey councillor Kevin Bradford has been supporting setting up a motorcycle venue in Casey since 2003.
“This would have been the perfect opportunity to approve a proper motorcycle venue in Casey,” he said.
The proposal was supported by fellow councillors Rob Wilson, Wayne Smith, Michael Farley and Paul Richardson.
Cr Colin Butler said the proposal did not meet the planning guidelines and rules of the Green Wedge Zone and subsequently planning officers recommended a refusal.
Mr Maslen said he had planned to charge a gold coin entry fee to use the motorcycle track.
“Young guys like Casey Stoner have had to start form somewhere to get to where they are today,” he said.
“It’s like an apprenticeship. But these up-and-coming riders have nowhere to practise.”
Mr Maslen is urging the council for a revote.
“I want them to read through the report properly. We do not want a race track, we want a motorcycle track open to the community,” he said.
He said he was not willing to give up without a fight.
The only other tracks where bikers can pay a ride fee for the day is Frankston and Bacchus Marsh.
Trevor Mosig, formerly a senior member of Motorcycle Victoria said Casey definitely needed a motorcycle track.
He said there had been a shortage of places to ride since the closure of the track in Hallam.
“The closure of Hallam has left children and families in no man’s land,” he said.
Mr Mosig made reference to Frankston’s track but said the 45 minute drive would turn most parents off.
“I’m disappointed council knocked it on the head,” he said.
Cr Butler suggested other possible locations for a motorcycle track such as the old tip site or new industrial area in Cranbourne West, Narre Warren North tip site, O’Gradys Road area in Hallam, adjacent to Endeavour Hills Shopping centre, Noak Road quarry site in Harkaway or Wilson Park or Akoonah Park in Berwick.
