AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

24 November 2005

Racing season starts at Western Springs

Speedway racing for the 2005/2006 season starts this weekend at Western Springs under the guidelines of the recently mediated decision between local residents, Springs Promotions, speedway drivers and Auckland City.

Mayor of Auckland City Dick Hubbard says he is delighted that an iconic Auckland event is revving up again, while residents concerns are being met.

Terms of the agreed calendar for this season include:

- ten events (excluding practices)

- at each meeting, 60 per cent of races at 90 dBA and 40 per cent of races at 88 dBA based on an arithmetic "average maximum" measurement

- Anniversary weekend and Waitangi Day race free as well as a guaranteed free weekend each month.

Auckland City regulatory services staff will measure noise levels on-site using the noise-monitoring terminal on the boundary of the stadium.

A council officer will read noise levels in real-time to ensure that the race controller is aware of any potential breach of allowable levels, and can inform drivers.

"With a recently mediated decision and guidelines for speedway it is imperative that we closely monitor noise levels at the site," says Chris Dee, Auckland City environmental health manager. "This sophisticated equipment, installed at the site last season, takes into account weather and environmental conditions and provides up-to-the-minute reports on each race."

Promoters and drivers at Western Springs are committed to ensuring that cars and race meetings comply with the amended noise levels from the mediated agreement.

Noise monitoring reports will be produced following each weekend of racing throughout the season.

ENDS

© Scoop Media