environmental management

SOUND – NOISE LEVELS AND TESTING AT THE BROADFORD COMPLEX – NOTICE TO ALL USERS

There has been some discussion and confusion around what the noise level restriction is for the Broadford complex and how the testing is carried out.

1. The complex must operate within the limits set out in its planning permit.
2. This limit is set at 95db.
3. Any other limits, EPA, the Sport and other venues are not relevant unless they are lower than 95db.
4. All machines on the venue are subject to sound testing at the various tracks.
5. The Mitchell shire have provided designated points for this testing. (see attached map)
6. Our testing is done by qualified officials, in the correct manner and in accordance with what is set out in the complex planning permit.
7. Any machine found to be in excess of this limit MUST be removed from the track. ie: Historics, Race vehicles, Private Practice, Recreational events, sidecars, cars, Karts
8. If the machine cannot be altered to meet the 95db it is not permitted to return to the track.

These measures must be taken seriously so that local residents can also enjoy their home environment without excessive noise or interference from our complex.

True & False:

• The complex was there first, they have no right to complain: False, we are required by law to abide by the council planning permit for the complex.
• The testing should be done as per the Manual of Motorcycle sport: False, the testing is to done in accordance with the requirements of the Mitchell Shire planning permit.
• Race bikes are always over the 95db: False, our testing shows that the vast majority of race bikes are well within the 95db.
• More noise makes my bike go faster: False, the lap record for the road circuit was recently broken with a bike well under the 95db.
• What’s with the new rules: False, we have always done sound testing at all events and any vehicles testing over 95db have been removed from the tracks.
• Other venues don’t test for noise: False, other venues have similar restrictions.
• The testing is not done right: False, venues often use a 30M drive by method of testing at 95db while the sport uses a stationary test at 98db. (Results are effectively the same, if a vehicle fails the 30M drive by test it will also fail the 98db stationary test). The method of testing is set by each Council.

Testing Process:

• Qualified testers using calibrated equipment at regular intervals during the day to test the sound levels.
• Additional testing will be done if staff believe a higher than permitted vehicle is on track.
• The officials of the event will be notified of any offending vehicles.
• The officials of the event will be required to remove the vehicle from the track.
• Offending vehicles will only be permitted to return to the track if sufficient measures have been taken to make the vehicle comply with the 95db limit.
• Offending vehicles/persons will be recorded, repeat offenders will not have access to the venue.

No refunds will be given if the bike cannot and does not comply. It is the responsibility of the bike owner to ensure compliance. All monies forfeited if they do not meet the noise restrictions.

SOUND TESTING AREAS ONLY

The complex has been trying to get grass to grow on the motocross area for several years but with the harsh conditions and often heavy rain all combining to work against us we needed to look for another option to get this area vegetated.

Not giving up on this worthwhile project we decided to try Kikuyu instant turf. October 2019 we planted several pellets of instant turf after spreading a little top soil to ensure it had a good chance of surviving

The purpose of this trial is to get grass growing on this area and this will slow water run-off and reduce the flow of silt down stream

Well we are now able to look at the results of the trial and it is looking very promising and we will continue to plant additional pellets of turf later this year and as funds allow.

We use sheep on the complex to keep the grass under control and keep the property looking tidy. The sheep have grazed the Kikuyu grass but we are controlling the grazing so as to allow it to spread.

The pics below show the area that we are trying to get into grass to help control water run-off. These areas last year were completely bare.