Not happy: Strathmerton residents object to skid pad

By Gabriel Garcia

Apr 18, 2023

Proposal: Strathmerton could become home to a new burnout pad but detractors say it will cause noise and air pollution. Photo by Contributed

Recent news of a planned development of a burnout pad south-west of Strathmerton and approximately 850m from the nearest dwelling has divided the town.

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One long-time local, who asked not to be named, read about the development in the Courier late last week and reached out with their concerns.

The resident said their concerns were solely related to noise and air pollution.

“It’s going to be noisy and smell of burnt rubber. Burnt rubber is toxic,” the resident said.

The resident concedes it may bring money into the town but rejects the idea of a burnout pad making the streets safer.

“I’ve lived in Strathmerton a long time and I remember kids getting the idea they can do whatever they like,” the resident said.

The resident emphasised they were not against the idea of residents having an avenue to do burnouts safely but questioned why it had to be near the town.

“Normally Strathmerton is a quiet town, so why do they have to have the burnouts here? There is a perfectly good track in Winton near Benalla,” the resident said.

Other residents have expressed fears that the presence of the burnout pad will lower property prices and cause nothing but headaches.

Moira Shire Council gave tentative approval for the construction of the pad, subject to strict guidelines, with council administrator John Tanner stating in a council meeting on March 22 that there had been many voices for and against the proposed development.

A council spokesperson said council explored thoroughly any environmental impacts the planned development would have and that developers must produce evidence that they abide by Environmental Protection Agency obligations and regulations.

“Acoustic reports were submitted indicating that noise could be managed in accordance with EPA guidelines. It is proposed to use conditions to manage the impacts of the activity,” the spokesperson said.

“In this regard the noise condition is not static. While the decision is based on the recommendations that the facility can operate within EPA limits. The condition allows further ameliorative measures to be employed if it is determined that the recommended measures are inadequate and the EPA regulations are not being satisfied.”