Council decision

At the meeting on 12 November 2024, Council considered the feedback received through community engagement and approved the issue of a short term Licence to Sellicks Beach Historic Motorcycle Race Organising Committee and Motorcycling South Australia Incorporated (SBHMROC and MSA) to host the proposed event Sellicks Beach Historic Motorcycle Race in March 2025 on the basis that:

• The Licence term will be a combination of exclusive and non-exclusive use to minimise disruption to the public accessing the beach (ie exclusive use will only be for the two event days; all other days in the Licence will be for non-exclusive use).
• The Licence will contain reasonable conditions of use to protect the public, the land, the environment, and cultural heritage significance.

• The Licence will include reasonable conditions to ensure that the event does not disrupt commercial businesses in the area.

Community Feedback on the Silver Sands Beach Motorcycle Event

A recent survey gathered feedback from residents regarding the proposed motorcycle racing event on Silver Sands Beach. Of the 39 participants, 14 were opposed to the event, while 25 were in favour. Here’s a summary of their views:

Concerns from those opposed (14 participants):

A key issue raised was the potential harm to delicate ecosystems, especially areas home to endangered species. While the event is scheduled for a weekend outside the Hooded Plover nesting season, residents are still concerned that the noise and activity could affect wildlife. Additionally, many believe beaches should remain community spaces and worry that such events would disturb the peace and create pollution.

A variety of reasons were given by those who do not support the event. These concerns mainly centred around environmental and social impacts, including:

• Ecological damage to sensitive areas like the Aldinga Washpool Lagoon, saltmarshes, and dunes.
• Risks to endangered species such as the Hooded Plover.
• Noise pollution that could disturb wildlife and residents.
• Erosion of beach landscapes.
• Concerns about antisocial behaviour and hoon driving.
• General disruption to the local area.

Support from those in favour (25 participants):

Supporters praised the event’s role in drawing tourists and creating economic opportunities. Many also mentioned that the organisers take measures to protect wildlife and clean up thoroughly afterward. For some, the event is a tradition that celebrates the region’s motorcycling heritage.

Those in favour of the event highlighted several benefits, including:

• The event’s historic significance to the area.
• The tourism boost, bringing in visitors and supporting local businesses.
• The professional organization of the event, with minimal disruption to residents.
• The opportunity for community enjoyment and entertainment.

In addition to the online feedback an email submission stating opposition to the licensing of the event was received from a local business owner, evidencing concerns relating to impacts on the business patronage resulting from the previous event in 2023.

Council will consider the provision of the license for exclusive use of the proposed section of coastal land (Silver Sands Beach) at the Council meeting to be held 12 November 2024.

To view the Council meeting agendas and minutes visit City of Onkaparinga (onkaparingacity.com)

Background

The City of Onkaparinga proposed to grant a short term Licence to Motorcycling South Australia Inc. for the exclusive use of a portion of coastal land to host the Sellicks Beach Historic Motorcycle Classic in March 2025.

It was proposed that Council issue a licence to the event host for the exclusive use of this portion of beach during the term of the event including 3 lead-in days to set-up and 2 days post event to pack-up. The Licence term will be from 12 to 18 March 2025 inclusive.

The event is a celebration of historical motorcycle racing with a focus on vintage and classic motorcycles including demonstrations and displays. The event is ticketed and fully fenced with 24-hour security.

Risk Management Plans are in place to manage community and environmental safety including unauthorised access to the sand dunes and environmentally sensitive areas in or around the Licence area (other than defined access points).

We undertook community engagement between 19 August to 9 September 2024, seeking community feedback to understand any local information or potential issues we need to be aware of before presenting outcomes to Council for a decision to be determined regarding the license.