Sounds a bit like the 'Turn Werribee into a fun park' from several years ago. Really I wonder at some decision makers.
Morris park speedway is only a few kilometres from western plains zoo with fairly regular races. they have fireworks most nights also. how far would this be from the main collection?
Bridge revs up for drag strip | adelaidenow on Google maps, that is about one or two kilometres from the zoo's southeast boundary
This area is already operating as a motor sport precinct, with a world-class Moto X (motor cross) track and next door, Sprint Kart track, then next to that, a model aircraft club with a 150m paved runway where they fly jet powered model planes. Assuming the noise can be effectively kept under control, I think the further development of this area could potentially be a great benefit to Monarto Zoo. Anyone driving to any of these facilities from Adelaide - including the proposed drag strip - will travel right past the entrance to Monarto Zoo. Given the growing international reputation of these facilities, which host some pretty big events - the visibility of the zoo should be enhanced by the increased traffic to the area. Given the location - the prevailing winds are almost always from the south and occasionally from the north - thus most of the track noise will not be driven towards the zoo, which is west / north-west of the motor sports precinct. It is extremely rare that you would see an easterly wind (blowing west), towards the zoo. I know this, because my parents place is just down the road (Murray Bridge end of Maurice Rd where the proposed drag strip will be built), and I lived in Murray Bridge for 8 years. I hope a mutually acceptable arrangement can be found to allow the drag strip to go ahead without affecting the zoo animals - I do think that further development and subsequent promotion of this area will only help the zoo.
I am inclined to agree with you Sim. If animals in city zoos can adapt to noises like trams, fireworks, ferrys, trains and traffic, I cant really see why they wouldnt cope with the noise from the Motor X. Those most annoyed would probably be visitors and staff working within earshot of the noise.
