Wakefield Park Raceway Statement
Wakefield Park’s viability as a motorsport facility is uncertain following the NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC) ruling made this week, 13 July 2022.
The owner of Wakefield Park, the Benalla Automobile Club (BAC), has commenced LEC proceedings in relation to the consent to a new development for the facility granted by Goulburn Mulwaree Council on 13 July. 2021. Such consent is subject to many unenforceable conditions. During the proceedings, the Council proposed additional and more stringent conditions.
While Wakefield Park’s call was supported by the LEC, the LEC largely approved the Council’s proposed conditions. These severely limit the number of days per year that the circuit can operate at different noise thresholds. Their influence will make it impossible to operate as a sustainable business.
As of yesterday, use of Wakefield Park for more than 4 events per month will begin with a new consent and require a waiver of the facility’s existing consent. As a result, Wakefield Park will reduce its operations to no more than 4 events per month until an alternative route is identified.
The LEC’s decision is a blow to BAC, which submitted the DA with the intention of upgrading and improving Wakefield Park’s facilities. Wakefield Park’s existence as one of only two permanent motorsport facilities in NSW is now in jeopardy. However, the BAC recognizes the importance of Wakefield Park not only to the local economy but also to the broader motorsport and motorsport industries. It remains committed to exploring all options with all levels of government for facility conservation.
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