Tasman District Council is investigating whether or not to extend the Nelson Drag Racing Association's licence to occupy the Motueka Aerodrome while the group looks to establish its activities at an alternative motorsport venue.
The Drag Racing association's licence to occupy the Aerodrome, issued by Council, and its resource consent both expire in December this year. Last year the council made a decision made a decision not to allow any extension to the licence.
The Drag Racing Association has now asked for that decision to be rescinded and a new licence to be approved. Council's response has been to ask for an urgent report on a proposed alternative venue for drag racing and a timeline for its establishment.
Any future Resource Consent application may have to be heard by an independent commissioner because Council is the aerodrome landowner. That consent could be subject to lengthy delays and inevitable costs to ratepayers and airport user groups.
To facilitate a smoother process, Council is hoping to get the groups working constructively together to find a solution that would avoid unnecessary delay and cost.
A working group comprising Council Property Manager Jim Frater, Crs Michael Higgins, Trevor Norriss and Gordon Currie, drag racing representatives and other airport users is being formed to attempt to resolve the current issues.
A special Council meeting will be convened within a month to hear those reports before Council makes its decision on whether or not to grant the Drag Racing Association an extension to its licence to occupy the aerodrome.
For more information contact Richard Kempthorne Ph 027 223 4000
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