Raceway gets its training wheels

By Shaun Inguanzo
SANDOWN Raceway has been given the green light to establish an off-road vehicle facility.
Last week’s decision by City of Greater Dandenong Council was hotly debated after Keysborough Ward councillor Roz Blades raised concerns over what impact any noise from the off-road facility would have on residents living near the course.
But city planning manager Jody Bosman said the off-road facility would only be for training, using roadworthy four-wheel-drives.
“The noise emissions are in line with the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) requirements,” he said.
Springvale North Ward councillor Alan Gordon welcomed the facility and said given the poor reputation four-wheel-drives had on suburban roads, the facility might be of benefit.
“I have spoken with four-wheel-drive owners who are happy they can now get training in the local area to learn how to handle their vehicles,” he said.
In a report to council by Mr Bosman, he states that the facility will include obstacles such as a deep sand pit, water crossing, and rock crossing.
The report also says that surrounding properties were notified of the application, but that the council received no objections.
Proposed operating hours for the facility are between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Sunday, with use of the track expected to start at 9am after at least an hour of classroom training.