Shoalhaven City Council was encouraged not to proceed with the Yerriyong motorsports complex in 2012 because of the potential environmental obstacles, according to Cr Andrew Guile.
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“In 2012, council’s very own due diligence encouraged council not to go ahead because of the risks present,” he said.
“When [former mayor] Paul Green announced the project I was an enthusiastic supporter.
“But when it progressed, there were all manner of difficulties in terms of the deal and environmental constraints.”
Cr Guile said there was a political motivation behind council’s ongoing support for the project, despite the obstacles in its path.
“To me, it was clear this was being driven by politics and not the merits of the business.”
Cr Guile said the treatment by council of the 100-odd residents in the Parma-Yerriyong who opposed the project helped seal the demise of the track.
“They were dealt with appallingly by council as if they had no rights. So of course they didn’t support the proposal. This was the first group of people you needed to win over,” he said.
“Of course it’s tragic for the local economy. Shoalhaven needs that sort of investment and jobs.”