HUNDREDS of motorcyclists will convoy along the Oxley Highway between Walcha and Port Macquarie, in protest against plans to reduce the speed limit of the motorbiking mecca.
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There will be so many bikes joining the cavalcade on November 5, it will have a police escort.
Two groups at both ends of the highway, one from Walcha and one from Wauchope, will leave at 9am and meet in the middle at Gingers Creek for a rally at 10am.
Organisers are expecting about 500 riders to depart from Wauchope and another 200 from Walcha.
The large sections of the highway between Walcha and Port Macquarie are set to be reduced by up to 30km/h.
Walcha has a thriving motorcycle tourism sector, with hundreds of riders descending on the town every weekend on their way to, or from, the mountainous road – but it’s feared changing the speed limit may impact the niche market.
The Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) promised no changes would be made until further investigations were made.
Royal Cafe Walcha owner Toni Healey said motorcyclists and businesses were relieved “common sense” had prevailed for the moment, but they weren’t resting on their laurels
“We can come to a more suitable outcome, such as acting on some of the other options put forward [in the Oxley Highway Safety Review],” Ms Healey said.
“That’s the big catch cry from everyone. Why are they only going for a reduction of the speed limit without going for the other recommendations?”
Walcha Shire deputy mayor Clint Lyon regularly travels to Port Macquarie along the Oxley Highway for work and will join the rally to show council’s support for the status quo.
“Council is not in favour of changes in any form,” Cr Lyon said.
“The RMS based their findings on crash statistics from 2008 to 2012.
“The latest statistics show there has actually been a decrease in accidents, so council has sent a letter to the RMS asking why they used the old data.”
In September, Tamworth MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Roads Kevin Anderson told The Leader the changes would only have a negligible impact on tourism, but changed his tune after local businesses contacted him expressing concern.
“I don't want to see tourism compromised, I don't want to see tourism affected by the decision,” he said.
Jamieson Murphy
Newcastle Herald news director. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Newcastle Herald news director. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
