2 December 2005

Have your say on Speedway's future

Racing is underway this season at Western Springs, and Auckland City wants to hear your views on the operation of speedway to guide decision-making in the future.

A mediated decision reached earlier this 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.

"Noise levels are the main issue for motor racing at Western Springs," says Mayor of Auckland City, Dick Hubbard. "All parties have agreed on an independent commissioner to undertake a review of the environmental effects of Speedway, and report back by the middle of May on the findings and recommendations for the future."

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.

A number of independent technical experts, including specialists in acoustics and mechanical engineering, will advise the commissioner throughout the assessment process.

The initial phase is to gather feedback from the community. 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.

"People interested, or affected by speedway are encouraged to send their feedback to Auckland City as this will form part of the review process," says Mayor Hubbard.

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

The closing date for feedback is Friday 10 February 2006.

ENDS

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