By CASEY NEILL
EASTERNATS supporters have put a protest on the backburner after presenting a petition to Greater Dandenong Council.
Councillor Jim Memeti presented thousands of signatures supporting calls for the off-street racing event to return to Sandown Racecourse at the council’s Monday 14 September meeting.
“I think these people need to go somewhere,” he said.
CEO John Bennie said the petition would be tabled at the next opportunity and the council would then consider the matter before establishing a position.
He said Sandown owner Melbourne Racing Club would have to apply for a council permit to hold the event.
Following three years of illegal ‘drag racing’ on the Dandenong Bypass each weekend, Keysborough South Action Group this month suggested running an off-street racing program at Sandown Racecourse similar to one at Calder Park.
So Jon Davison, who established the Easternats event in 1997, started a push for its return to give car enthusiasts an outlet.
Almost 600 people have shown their support on the Bring Back The EASTERNATS To Sandown Facebook event page.
But a “peaceful gathering” planned for the coming weeks is now on hold.
“At this stage we do not believe that it is in the best interest to hold a public gathering,” Mr Davison said.
“We are seeking (the council’s) support to organise a meeting with the Melbourne Racing Club.
“We will be attending another meeting of council on Monday 28 September.
“We will be asking further questions and anticipate replies to those questions which were asked on Monday 14 September.”
Mr Davison said the council claimed he hadn’t abided by his event permit in 2009, so Sandown terminated the agreement
“We complied with everything that was asked,” he said.
“I brought a lot of trade and commerce into the area.”
