A POPULAR annual motoring event in the Blue Lake city is at the centre of debate throughout the community this week as residents argue whether or not it should be moved out of the city.
Attracting thousands of people to the Mount Gambier Showgrounds each year, the Mount Gambier Autofest was deemed a success over the weekend, pouring significant funds into the city from visitors and locals alike.
However, the heavy smoke which wafted across the city’s east from fumes during the burnout competition remain a cause of concern for many who reside in the area.
Locals this week voiced their opinions on social media, with many for and against the move of the event to the outskirts of the city.
“Lets look at the major events in this town, they all suit different people from Generations in Jazz, to bike racing that closes the main street in the middle of the city, to speedway, the Red Hot Summer Tour and Autofest, they will not and will never suit everyone, but they all have one thing in common – they bring millions of dollars to our beautiful city,” Josh Young said.
“Without them our city can’t have the nice things like the Mount Gambier Railway Lands and public playgrounds – we need money and these events bring it.”
Also in support of the event, Damo Little said the smoke is not as bad as others have suggested.
“Carols by Candlelight, New Year’s Eve at Vansittart Park, the Mount Gambier Show, they are all events in Mount Gambier that make a lot of noise in populated areas and end at around 10pm – are you going to complain about these?” Damo Little said.
“As for the smoke, it gets pretty thin by the time it can make it to any houses and it is two days a year, deal with it – it brings a truck load of tourists and money into our economy.”
On the other hand, Amy Watt disagreed that the Mount Gambier Showgrounds was the right location for the motoring event.
“It’s great for those that are into this type of hobby, but I do believe it needs to be relocated to a better location,” she said.
“I also think that the hours this event runs need to be reviewed, to still be running after 10pm within the city limits is crazy.”
Local Lily Lobley agreed with Ms Watt, stating a move would be the best option.
“I think the Autofest is a great weekend, however, like Speedway, could – if Mount Gambier has an area – be moved out of the city a bit to better suit the members of the community who dislike it,” she said.
Held annually at the showgrounds for the past 10 years with support from the Mount Gambier City Council, Autofest Australia organisers have remained firm on their decision to keep the event at the current location.
Some backers of the event called for public funding to establish an alternative site.
But that did not bode well with residents such as Allen Woodham, who wrote “why the hell should people have to pay to have the offensive pollution moved from the centre of the city?”
“They don’t produce it, want it or need it,” he said.
“They just want it moved so their lives are not disrupted by this offensive intrusion.”
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