OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Bazz]

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH STOCKTON?

By Barry Ashenhurst
Editor, ATV ACTION Magazine.

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In September this year, three members of the ATV ACTION crew sat down with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to discuss the Stockton Bite Recreational Vehicle Area (RVA).
As meetings go it was very successful. We met the key people responsible for administering Stockton Bite, while NPWS learned that ATV riders are not all ignorant boot chewing gang-bangers and got a clear idea of what they would like to see happen at Stockton Beach.

About six weeks after our meeting I got a phone call from NPWS Hunter Coast Area Manager Rob Gibbs. Rob told me that a proposal for a new and larger Recreational Vehicle Area had been approved. He said the new RVA occupied a position south of the Lavis Lane entrance and extended seven kilometers down the beach to the Sygna wreck and back to the tree line. The area was 48 percent larger than the previous RVA, up from 290 to 430 hectares.

Some time later Rob sent us a map of the new RVA. I asked my friend Paul Nixon, who’s been riding at Stockton for 30 years, to go over the proposal carefully so we could let NPWS know if we thought the new RVA would work.

Paul read the document, then went out to the RVA on his quad. Soon after, he identified several problems and we emailed those concerns to Rob Gibbs. We pointed out that:
1) The new RVA extends seven kilometers down the beach and back to the tree line but the so-called ‘high dune area’ is actually as flat as a dining table. There are no high dunes as a quad rider would know them. We might as well stay in the carpark.
2) Since Lavis Lane is the only authorised entrance to the new RVA, in the summer peak period the carpark will become heavily congested with riders trying to park and unload trailers. The congestion could force some to park in Lavis Lane itself.
3) Bored with the flat riding area, some could be provoked into racing and that will only piss of others with whom we share the RVA.
4) 40kph is an unrealistic speed limit. That’s first gear on a quad. Who’s going to ride around in first gear all day?

We also suggested that the current permit system be modified because it penalizes anyone who visits Stockton only once or twice a year.

The new RVA will operate until after Christmas when the arrangements will be reviewed and then fine-tuned if necessary.
We’re hoping our criticisms will be taken into account when that happens.

JOIN UP
Government bodies like NPWS will only conduct negotiations with representative bodies, not individuals, and there is no representative body for quad riders in New South Wales. That being the case, Paul Nixon and I attended Central Coast Dirt Riders committee meeting and asked two things: would the club accept quad membership, and would they be willing, through that membership, to represent our views to government departments?

We got an immediate yes, which means that if quad riders can be encouraged to join the club they will gain recognition from pertinent government departments like NPWS.

If the experiment succeeds, we may also be able to use some of the CCDR’s facilities for MA-sanctioned racing. That could be motocross, enduros, cross-country. No dirt riders’ club in New South Wales has facilities for drag racing but our association with CCDR might help us find a legal venue.

At this stage negotiations are in the early stages but we suggest you consider joining the CCDR if you want the backing of an organization that can advocate your point of view to a government department that will listen.

To find out more about CCDR, go to http://www.ccdr.com.au/CCDR/content.php?page=home.phpgo.


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[Explosive]

Well (Saint) Bazz,
What can i say you have done it again another well written piece of work this time it has some meaning and intrest to the Quad riders.
Not like your magazine wright up from what i understand it was a clean up day not a DRAG MEET or ROCK CONCERT!
Saint BAZZ you as the editor of the ATV ACTION mag need to think your statements and comments and seriously think about what you write and post.
This is not something that you can go and point your finger at 1 person just because you dont like them or you have no intrest in there form of racing.
Quote"There weren't as many quad riders as we expected in fact the turn out was pathetic."
Well in saying that there must be 100's of DRAG RACERS that go to stockton reguarly.
So instead of bagging them you might need to start supporting them since there is so many.

In conclusion to this i think you would done the Quad Riders a favour in letting them know whats happening at Stockton like you have in your post here as opposed to Bagging Quad Rider that enjoy a Drag Race.


Regards
ZAK
_________________
FOUR STROKE WARS CHAMPIONS USA 2009
KING OF THE HILL (GLAMIS C.A)
OVER 650cc POWER ADDER
UNLIMTED / CHASISS

HOME OF THE FASTEST TURBO RAPTOR

WWW.EXPLOSIVERACING.COM.AU
Ph:(02) 95338242

[ashnery]

Well Barry
You certainly having us quad rides heading in the right direction.
We need a voice at these meetings , to keep us all informed on what desicions are being made on our favourite riding area.
I say everyone who rides at stockton (even once a year should join a club for numbers)..
who ,where,and how much to join .keep us all in the loop.

[ashnery]

Just a note.
Why didnt you put what you have WRITTEN above in you magazine instead of the other comments on drag racing.
Look I love the sport and go drag racing at stockton ,And nobody untill latley has really cared , but now there is so much interest in stockton with all these changes ,I for one am willing to follow the rules up there and guessing majority will agree.

[Losty Down Under]

"but now there is so much interest in stockton with all these changes ,I for one am willing to follow the rules up there and guessing majority will agree."

Well said ashnery. We all need to be on our best behavior to keep what we have for the future.
The meetings with CCDR have been very positive. The more ATV memberships & voices at the meetings, the more chance we have of getting sanctioned events running in NSW (including drag racing).
By joining a club, it also gives us a voice as 1 that will be taken notice of.

Paul
_________________
If it's not upside down, you're not trying hard enough!

Paul

[OZ_450]

Explosive wrote:

Well in saying that there must be 100's of DRAG RACERS that go to stockton reguarly. So instead of bagging them you might need to start supporting them since there is so many. Regards ZAK

100's ??? damn so more drag racers in aussie then mx guys that raced the nats are you for real Zak?????
_________________
black covered in 5.7 powered oversize quad
model vx ss 350 hahaha
enough bass to compensate for lack of skills
Empty Wallet Racing proudly on track for GM Motorsport

[Explosive]

Oz,
I really dont know how many turn up to a MX National meet but accordance to the add there must be heaps!
I havent been to MX NATS event yet.
But when we build a mx bike we will be there a support our Racer/Bike.
But you should be asking Ranger Bazz hes the one that said the turn up at stocko was pathetic.
And accused the drag racer for not showing up so i only assumed that there in there 100's
From what i understand theres only few purposely built drag quads.
Bazz help im answering your questions now.
But i know there was about (aprox) 300 people or more come out for easter.
In saying this oz this a BBQ/ Social weekend and were getting a good turn out it was no National organised event.
Again Bazz can confirm the number of Drag Racers.
Oz im not here to compare events or people i am trying to clarify Bazz's claims in his story.
The story was a absoulte joke the guy is contradicting him self.
Why not put this article in the mag????????(Refer to Bazz 1st post in NSW)
I dont understand were your coming from?

Zak
_________________
FOUR STROKE WARS CHAMPIONS USA 2009
KING OF THE HILL (GLAMIS C.A)
OVER 650cc POWER ADDER
UNLIMTED / CHASISS

HOME OF THE FASTEST TURBO RAPTOR

WWW.EXPLOSIVERACING.COM.AU
Ph:(02) 95338242

[Stock As A Rock]

Good Stuff Bazz, You seem to be pulling us in the right direction on and off the beach, Keep it up, thanks

Mick...
_________________
"Its Only A Flesh Wound !!!"
_________________

[OZ_450]

no Zak i was just being smart sorry just messing with the figures ya said was all lol
_________________
black covered in 5.7 powered oversize quad
model vx ss 350 hahaha
enough bass to compensate for lack of skills
Empty Wallet Racing proudly on track for GM Motorsport

[Bazz]

The Stockton update didn't go in the mag because that issue was finished by the time National Parks and Wildlife published details on the new RVA.

- Barry Ashenhurst

[looking]

after we get this stockton thing sorted we need to get the road rego thing sorted out that is my dream

[jefooz]

wow its panic stations now hey boys? ? ? feel sorry for you guys who need trailers or utes to get your quads to stocko cause thats how you's can end up coppin fines as the rangers will just wait for you to return to your cars in the carpark if yous have been out of bounds etc. another of my local mates was up there last weekend when 5 national park rangers jumped out of a unmarked white 4wd and held lengthy discussions with a number of riders as to how its gonna be after xmas. they will start raising revenue in the xmas holidays so be carefull! they will be pushing rego + permits + riding out of bounds and they did say waters edge only for rec vehicles between sygna and shacks ! also 40kmh speed limit applies. they said there is a proposal to hold further discussions with rec vehicle owners / riders to try to get some clarity and look at ideas. if and when this public meeting takes place we need a big turn up!!!!. if i didnt live where i do i would be sellin my quad if the current laws become enforced (these laws have not changed! any old school rider knows that these were the rules in the early 90's and have never changed, they were just never enforced except when good old rick blunt was on). i suppose there would be a lot of cheap quads for sale ( which id look at, but only honda's) - ill only get done if i snap a chain or run out of avgas!. good luck boys and girls ........

Last edited by jefooz on Mon Nov 26, 2007 2:40 pm; edited 1 time in total

[REDTED]

nickbb1 wrote:

after we get this stockton thing sorted we need to get the road rego thing sorted out that is my dream

-Id be happier if UVPs were still available ( If they are NOT ) as I only visit once or twice a year.This will become zero (with rego) if the only option is $150 for 3 months CONDITIONAL rego.
_________________
Cheers-Redted. 04 Raptor

[bigjon]

jefooz wrote:

if i didnt live where i do i would be sellin my quad if the current proposed laws become effective. i suppose there would be a lot of cheap quads for sale ( which id look at, but only honda's) - ill only get done if i snap a chain or run out of avgas!. good luck boys and girls ........

Your sooo cool dude!
I wanna be like you when I grow up.
_________________
Don't close your eyes during the crash, you'll miss the best part

[Banshee250R]

jefooz wrote:

ill only get done if i snap a chain or run out of avgas!

What,snap a chain??

Didn’t know cheap Chinese quads run on Avgas
_________________
Doin skids for the kids and doughnuts for the grown-ups
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[jefooz]

hey big jon - na ya dont really wanna be like me lol, the last part you read was only a little bit of a joke to someone cause he tried to bolt many years ago and ran out of juice, so a bit of a stab at him - i have a lot of time for the beach and all its users.

[Bazz]

Why don’t we try to get this thing back on track. I’m happy to shake hands with Zak Naumcevski if he’ll meet me half way. It seems to me that we are all interested in ATVs, and any public argument may reflect them in a bad light. None of us wants that.
What do you say, Zak?

Barry Ashenhurst.

[Banshee250R]

Heres an idea

Why don’t you all stop whining and bitching between each other and stand together?

No offence to anyone personaly
_________________
Doin skids for the kids and doughnuts for the grown-ups
------------------------------------------------

[Explosive]

Bazz wrote:

Why don’t we try to get this thing back on track. I’m happy to shake hands with Zak Naumcevski if he’ll meet me half way. It seems to me that we are all interested in ATVs, and any public argument may reflect them in a bad light. None of us wants that. What do you say, Zak? Barry Ashenhurst.

Well Bazz, You have got your self a deal.

Regards

Zak
_________________
FOUR STROKE WARS CHAMPIONS USA 2009
KING OF THE HILL (GLAMIS C.A)
OVER 650cc POWER ADDER
UNLIMTED / CHASISS

HOME OF THE FASTEST TURBO RAPTOR

WWW.EXPLOSIVERACING.COM.AU
Ph:(02) 95338242

[Oldrodder]

The NPWS is currently handing out new maps and taking photos of the quads and trikes that they know are legal at Stockton.

They have blocked off the entrance into the Basin and given the ATV's a seperate entrance to the new riding area from the 4x 4's

They are currently on their education phase and are also having us fill in questionaires
All appears good and positive for the future if we do the right things.

They did advise us that from the end of January the education phase stops and they start the enforcemnet phase, and that will mean the handing out of fines instead of warnings.

So if you are going to Stockton in the near future be warned and make sure you have your rec rego up to date and your beach permit current.