Wakefield Park Issues

[275 GTB-4]

Originally Posted by Jacal

The recent Noise issues were the final factor in deciding not to participate in the state race meeting this coming weekend. There were a number of others as well but I was still considering it until I heard about 3 competitors I know in similar cars being sent home in the last 3 weeks because of noise complaints. Givent that I bet there is no refund for being sent home despite having run there for 21 years in the same configuration in the past I just didnt have the final incentive to go and have a run. lets see how those who turn up go and if no-one in my category has an issue then maybe I'll go back next year for a race meeting. Seems to just be too much hassle to going motor racing these days that doesnt relate to the actual prep and running of the car as an amateur on a budget.

A free plug for Goulburn Tyre and Exhaust Centre, 7/11 Verner St, Goulburn NSW 2580 Phone: (02) 4821 6262 who quickly knocked up a curved exhaust extension for my friends car. The short curved extension, bolted on with a U Clamp, angled the noise to the track and the car was allowed to compete (Hint, Hint ;-) )

[Casper]

Sound is very directional and sending it to the ground is a common way to reduce the level heard, nothing new there but a good idea a lot would not know.

[Kingair]

Noise is a funny thing, people, nimby’s and local council love to whinge about aeroplane noise, car racing etc but are oblivious or will turn a blind eye to other noise when it suits or they have a vested interest!

Our local council organised a festival, that ran Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Big thing was made about it would finish 1130 pm Saturday night-however there was still loud music playing at 1230am. I live three miles from where it was being held and was mighty unimpressed with the noise being generated and having a 0530am alarm for work. Complained to the local council, got a very rude reply about it being a Covid-19 safe event, boosting economic stimulus and it was helping with peoples mental health. The licence states a 1130pm finish, I replied in my email only to be told that we can’t always comply with that finish time, and also one must be tolerant in our multicultural society and appreciate other people’s views!
The lady also suggested for next year, that I invest in double glazing, buy new curtains, or I book a four day break, and get out of the area and away from the festival as she was worried my mental health!

[275 GTB-4]

Originally Posted by Casper

Sound is very directional

'Cept bass notes/frequencies, which are omni-directional

[Casper]

Originally Posted by 275 GTB-4

'Cept bass notes/frequencies, which are omni-directional

You obviously have local knowledge, do you know if the sound limitations have been changed or is WP trying to impress the local objection group. Is their opposition totally against WP operation or is it against an expansion of the circuit and their perception that they will be subject to an increased amount of noise. If the usage limits don't increase then obviously the noise nuisance can't change much. Electric cars will fix the problem entirely.

[Kingair]

Mum wouldn’t let me use my Scalextrix set when The Sullivan’s was on because it interfered with the TV picture.

All those electric cars at Wakefield Park, could interfere with the local’s TV reception!

[Umai Naa]

Originally Posted by Casper

You obviously have local knowledge, do you know if the sound limitations have been changed or is WP trying to impress the local objection group. Is their opposition totally against WP operation or is it against an expansion of the circuit and their perception that they will be subject to an increased amount of noise. If the usage limits don't increase then obviously the noise nuisance can't change much. Electric cars will fix the problem entirely.

The minutes fromn the council meeting held back in July, give a pretty clear indication of what WP and the council are up against.

The rebuttle to every step and measure WP, etc ahd taken around noise management and mitigation, was frankly juvenile.

They had specialist test equipment brought in to map the way the sound travels out of the facility;

"Maybe it's uncalibrated?"

They hired two different engineers to analyse and offer their opinions;

"Maybe we need a third opinion!?"

So basically, it's three particular residents who simply don't want the facility there at all. One of which inherited their property from an estate, and only moved there a few years ago.

[Casper]

[QUOTE=Umai Naa;4087923]

They had specialist test equipment brought in to map the way the sound travels out of the facility;

"Maybe it's uncalibrated?"

They hired two different engineers to analyse and offer their opinions;

"Maybe we need a third opinion!?"

/QUOTE]
Was "they" the circuit owners or the residents? my apologies for the question but it is not clear to me.

[Umai Naa]

They, being the circuit owners.

My apologies.

[Casper]

WP employed expert engineers and then did not like the results? that sounds like desperation to me. Never ask the question before knowing the answer as they have just shot themselves in the foot with both barrels. Bad management all round chaps, too late now to try and rectify a giant stuff up caused by not thinking the problem out.

[Umai Naa]

Originally Posted by Casper

WP employed expert engineers and then did not like the results? that sounds like desperation to me. Never ask the question before knowing the answer as they have just shot themselves in the foot with both barrels. Bad management all round chaps, too late now to try and rectify a giant stuff up caused by not thinking the problem out.

WP enacted the engineers and specialist equipment. The residents were dissatisfied with the outcomes.

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Umai Naa

WP enacted the engineers and specialist equipment. The residents were dissatisfied with the outcomes.

That clarifies it, thanks. Sometimes a bit of talking and PR is better than going to war.

[275 GTB-4]

Its classic NIMBY against the rest of the world...absolutely pathetic that the squeaky wheels can can stop the whole bus full of enthusiasts and the silent majority that surrounds any sporting facility.

As for bass/low frequency knowledge, I studied electronics and have built Hi-Fi systems so I know a enough to be dangerous!

[Casper]

Originally Posted by 275 GTB-4

Its classic NIMBY against the rest of the world...absolutely pathetic that the squeaky wheels can can stop the whole bus full of enthusiasts and the silent majority that surrounds any sporting facility.

As for bass/low frequency knowledge, I studied electronics and have built Hi-Fi systems so I know a enough to be dangerous!

They stopped OP and Amaroo.

[275 GTB-4]

Originally Posted by Casper

They stopped OP and Amaroo.

Both succumbed to urban encroachment...Wakefield is still out in the sticks!

[Casper]

Originally Posted by 275 GTB-4

Both succumbed to urban encroachment...Wakefield is still out in the sticks!

That is fairly obvious and I think I made that point earlier but things change. The owners want to change things and some surrounding residents who may have been happy with the status quo objected, were there complaints before the development plans were put to council?

[PVDA]

Originally Posted by Casper

were there complaints before the development plans were put to council?

Yes, previous management many years ago didn't help the situation apparently either.

[PVDA]

Originally Posted by Casper

Sound is very directional and sending it to the ground is a common way to reduce the level heard, nothing new there but a good idea a lot would not know.

You not only need to watch the noise coming out of the engine but the air being sucked in can be noisy so make sure you have a decent air filter in there to help mute that as well.

A car at a Winton 6 Hour Relay many years ago ran out of things to try to quieten it down until someone suggested it might be induction noise.

[275 GTB-4]

Peter Walker elected new Mayor of "Golbun" Council (he was Deputy Dog)...maybe not so good for Wakefield Park as he opposed development etc in the past...we shall see what we shall see!

https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/stor...ncil-decision/

[275 GTB-4]

Next Council Meeting (live streamed) 9th FEB 22, WP likely on the agenda with the new council.

and I have read where Goulburn Chamber of Commerce president Darrell Weekes is trying to inject some common sense into the "debate"...

[Tourer]

Hopefully a sensible outcome is reached - nice circuit in a pretty handy location and far enough from the centre of town that you'd think the circuit operations would be fine and not causing any great disruption.

[Buckshot]

I'm a member of the MX5 Club of NSW and we do a lot of track days down there. Not only is it a good track to run around on for a novice like me but it's also a great social weekend away, sometimes we'll fill one of the local motels with just us.

I'd be pretty miffed if it got shut down.

[cavvy]

Be sure the motel owner is letting the Council, the local members (Fed, State, local), the Chamber of Commerce, tourism & local paper/s ... offer to draft a letter .... dont leave these basic steps to others & hope ... more is good.

[275 GTB-4]

Originally Posted by cavvy

Be sure the motel owner is letting the Council, the local members (Fed, State, local), the Chamber of Commerce, tourism & local paper/s ... offer to draft a letter .... dont leave these basic steps to others & hope ... more is good.

[275 GTB-4]

The local Chamber of Commerce is complaining about the toxic culture in Councils planning section...surprise, surprise! :-)