THOUGH the debate has been stalled by Wagga councillors voting in favour of the motorsport complex development on Wokolena Road, opponents have spoken out about the decision that will devalue surrounding properties and disturb the nearby Oura community.
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Michael Jocic, an Oura resident of 18 years, said developers only made attempts to engage with the Oura community last Wednesday after Councillor Dallas Tout told the November 10 strategy and policy committee that the applicants failed to show to an Oura Progress Association-organised meeting six months earlier.
Mr Jocic assisted with a survey at Oura Beach - about two kilometres from the development site - in April that indicated of the 90 respondents from five states, the development would deter them from re-visting.
Another concern was the mitigation of conditions, like the run-off that only referred to a one-in-100 year rain event.
"We believe it's going to cause dramatic change to our rural village," Mr Jocic said.
"We don't think that's a safeguard for us at all.
"We've been poorly treated this whole process."
A community meeting last Wednesday heard the proponents declined a physical noise test at the site put forward by Wokolena famers and the Oura community.
"We think they're being disingenuous how they're using the RU1 zoning," Mr Jocic said in reference to zoning laws.
"It's the placement of the property that sold this development."
Oura's Lindsay Kelly, whose 60-acre home of 11 years is opposite the site across the river, cited a devalue in surrounding properties and noise as two major concerns of the development.
"I think it's a sad day when people who are generally in the area aren't treated with respect," Mr Oura said of the consultation process.
"There's nothing logical about it from a town planning point of view."
Mr Kelly expected the first of three amendments to the 76 conditions, relating to the eastern access of Wokolena Road, would prove problematic long-term if the road wasn't upgraded.
He did, however, acknowledge council's efforts to ensure the western section of the road be upgraded prior to the issue of a construction certificate, in addition to taking on board independent findings from a noise consultant.
Mr Kelly added nearby property owners Bruce and Wendy Harris, whose son Lachlan addressed the November 10 council meeting, had made part of their farm opposite the site available to the The Wagga Model Aero Club at no charge since 1987.
"(They) will suffer a major financial loss with the construction of the motor raceway, where their son and daughter-in-law farm next to the proposed site on Wokolena Road," he said.
"Such a financial loss doesn't seem a reasonable return for their generosity to the club over the past 27 years."
PROPONENTS behind the $3.78 million motorsport complex on Wokolena Road have welcomed Wagga City Council's decision to pass the development application three years after it was lodged.
Councillors voted eight-three in favour of the recommendation that included 76 conditions at Monday's council meeting.
Gary Salvestro, on behalf of Mick Neason and Phil Andrea's (operating under A N Aviation Wagga) proposal to develop a 2.6km race track on an 85-hectare block off the Sturt Highway, said the decision was a relief.
"Even the changes to the conditions (are) good outcomes for everyone; we can work with that," Mr Salvestro said.
"We'll continue working with council and the authorities to make sure it's workable."
Mr Salvestro hoped construction would begin in six months and predicted stage one of the complex would take about 12 months to complete.
The complex must also seek approval from CAMS, Motorcycle Australia and the state government.
"This is only the first step of about four steps that involve all agencies," he said.
"This is a major milestone for us all.
"Now everyone can sit down and make it happen ... there's a general feeling of common sense."
Committee4Wagga chief Chris Fitzpatrick maintained the development was in the interest of the city economically and socially.
"We've been in support since it surfaced," he said.
"It's on the grounds of economic and social benefits of the city.
"We see the opportunity for something with a bit of the X factor."
Mr Fitzpatrick pointed to developing the driver training school at the complex as the next port of call.
"Given the process of consultation, the decision is fair," he said.
"The conditions will provide reasonable solutions."