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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 13 Hansard (4 December) . . Page.. 4552 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

He is a bit wrong there. He then states:

Over the years I have seen some forward thinking from the ACT Government. There have also been some massive blunders. I appeal to you and your colleagues don't make a massive blunder with this legislation. I believe that if some of the controlled sporting activities of the ACT are stopped then people, especially our kids, will use their energies in other non-productive areas. The sporting future of our nation relies on encouraging people to be involved in all forms of sports. Why single out part of this encouragement, especially when it is out of step with the State which surrounds all the boundaries of the ACT?

If legislation proceeds it will mean that I, and probably many others, will relocate.

He goes on to talk about a karting club in Dubbo, 160 kilometres from him. He finishes up by stating:

Hoping that I don't have to discontinue my sporting activities in the ACT because of you people.

Yours faithfully,

Lyle Hughes.

That is indicative of a number of people outside the ACT who come here to use facilities. He also makes a very valid point about young people. He makes some very complimentary remarks about how the clubs are conducted. I think it is important to look at such things as the benefit young people get from this activity. I have been out there on a number of occasions. I have presented prizes to the mini-bike riders and the go-kart drivers. I have seen many young drivers from eight upwards benefit from this activity.

I have spoken to a father of about 35 years of age who has been a motorcyclist for many years. He told me that none of the kids who have come to the club have been involved in serious accidents. They have turned out to be good drivers. He told me sadly that he has lost a number of mates he grew up with who had bought a bike when they were 17, had no proper training and unfortunately suffered tragic consequences. He spoke very highly of how effective the sport is in training kids to be good, responsible drivers. I get similar comments about the karts.

Mr Speaker, I have been up on the Ridgeway. I have been up to where the sound is measured. I was there on a few occasions in 1990-91. I have been there on seven occasions during this Assembly. On only one occasion was there any discernible loud noise, and that was during a major event fairly recently. I remember being asked to go up there on Sunday, 29 May 1995, when two or three motorcycle events were being held.

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