Policy will restrict minibike use

By Paul Dunlop
TRAIL bikes and gokarts have been banned in and around Pakenham and other local towns and people riding anywhere else will need a permit.
New controls on the use of recreational vehicles in Cardinia Shire came into effect on 1 January.
Adopted by council late last year, the recreational vehicle policy is designed to address concerns about the use of recreational vehicles and their potential impact on local amenities, the environment and businesses.
Under the new regulations, minibikes and other recreational vehicles are not permitted in urban or builtup areas, townships, recreation reserves or other protected areas of the shire.
Cardinia Shire local laws manager Alan Giachin said recreational vehicles were only allowed in other areas with a permit obtained from the shire.
Initially drafted more than 12 months ago, the policy has now been reviewed twice and redrafted in a bid to come up with a comfortable compromise on a hotly controversial issue.
Councillor Bill Pearson said the regulations represented a step forward in an area that “always creates a lot of problems”.
Mr Giachin said the permit requirements were very reasonable and designed to cater for the needs of both the vehicle users and the surrounding property owners.
The policy also:
LIMITS the number of trailbikes, minibikes, gokarts or other vehicles that can be used on a property.
REGULATES the times they can be used.
PLACES controls on noise levels.
Cr Pearson said it was always going to be difficult to find a definitive solution. He said the policy would be reviewed in a year’s time.
“It’s an honest attempt by council to come to grips with the problem, the worst issue for council is when you have two neighbours fighting.
“It’s up for a 12month trial, it’s not set in concrete but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll see how it pans out.”