HASTINGS Valley Motorcycle Club members have been given the all clear to return to their track.
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Port Macquarie Hastings Council forced the closure of the track last year after traces of naturally occurring asbestos were found.
It was found to be present in the serpentinite rock which is scattered throughout the site.
Studies of the asbestos were completed by JBS Environment and word finally came through on Friday that riders were welcome to return to riding at the track.
President of the HVMC Stewart Steel said he was relieved to finally get the go ahead.
“Council haven’t run through exactly what they found with us yet, but, I’m lead to believe the asbestos levels weren’t too excessive,” he said.
“We may have to do a little bit of work on the off-road track before we can use it but otherwise it’s great to be able to get back out there.”
As a precaution Mr Steel said a rocky section may have to be filled in with dirt.
“We’re not exactly sure yet, we will have to wait and see what the auditor says when he comes out here to have a look,” Mr Steel said.
“To be honest we’re just happy to be allowed back here.”
And he said the all clear couldn’t have come soon enough with the club able to continue as planned with their 2013 season start Muster Day.
“It started to get a bit touch and go there,” the club’s president said.
“Even though we were able to have our Muster Day all this has really put us a month or two behind.
“Council kept telling us they hoped to have it all wrapped up by Christmas, and then January came, and then February, and we were getting worried.
“In the mean time we haven’t been able to hold the practice days during this time which we normally would.”