31 January 2006

Two weeks to have your say on Speedway's future

Speedway season is well underway at Western Springs, and Auckland City is reminding people they have until Friday 10 February to share their views on the operation of speedway in the future.

Noise, number of events per season and timing are the three of the key issues for speedway. A mediated decision reached last year between Speedway, Auckland City, and local residents included guidelines for determining the impact of environmental effects and how these can be managed for future speedway seasons.

All parties agreed on an independent commissioner to undertake a review of the environmental effects of Speedway, and a report on these findings and future recommendations are expected by the middle of May.

Section 16 of the Resource Management Act requires that the emission of noise from speedway does not exceed a reasonable level. The review process will inquire into the effects of the operation of Speedway in the hope of determining the best practicable options for the future.

Independent technical experts, including specialists in acoustics and mechanical engineering, will advise the commissioner throughout the assessment process.

Gathering feedback from the community is the initial phase. Auckland City is interested in hearing public views and comments on: * noise levels * noise monitoring * noise attenuation mechanisms * number of events per season * event timing, and * any other effects.

Feedback can be sent in writing to Western Springs, Community Planning, Auckland City, Private Bag 92516, Wellesley Street, Auckland, or through the online feedback form at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/noise .

Feedback has been invited since early December last year. The closing date for feedback is Friday 10 February 2006.

ENDS