My concerns about the proposed development of a 54 room motel by Wests on the site of Scully Park No.1 range from the desecration of what is essentially a community asset in Scully Park, to the impact of traffic, noise and parking on the neighbourhood, the reduction in value of residential property, the impact on my business and the misguided use of club funds.

As a local motel operator, I can assure Wests members and the community that in no way does Tamworth need any more motels, now or in the immediate future.  As of June 2013, Tamworth had 26 motels with a total of 895 rooms and 2522 beds.  The average occupancy rate, which is consistent to within a few points each quarter, was 48.05 per cent.

That is, less than half of all motel rooms available are occupied on average in Tamworth.  For the June quarter this year, only 28.4 per cent of beds were used on average.  The proposed development by Wests will introduce an additional 54 rooms and a guesstimated 110 beds in the local market.

Based on experience and ABS statistics, there is no demonstrable need for an additional motel in Tamworth.  Demand equals or exceeds capacity only three or four times each year, and the longest period of this demand is several of the 10 nights each country music festival. 

The rest of the year?  Well, the average stay in Tamworth is less than two nights.  

More tenuously, motel industry insiders will tell you that most motel developments by registered clubs are not successful from a guest or business perspective, due to the tariff, location and service levels.

Six existing motels or hotels rated in the 3.5 to 4.5 star category already offer excellent function and conference facilities.  I do not see any demand for more. 

As a member of Wests, do I really want the profit of my club squandered on an idea that has no sound economic basis?  No.  As a financial member and a Tamworth citizen, I want the club to benefit members and the community.

Factor in that the motel will be in an isolated position in terms of traffic flow (how many successful motels are not on a main road or highway?) and that the managers and staff will not have a vested interest in the success of the business, then Wests members really need to ask the board, is this the right venture to spend your poker machine profits on?

As an existing motel operator in a market that is already flooded, do I want or need further competition?  No.

As the owner of property adjacent to this development, in a residential area, do I want or need the impact of increased traffic, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak traffic times?  No.  Do I want my property devalued by another commercial property smack bang in the middle of an established, yet booming suburb?  No.  

Just look at the traffic chaos created by the neighbouring Coles Southgate complex in Kathleen St and Alice St!

And, of course, there are the issues of losing the region’s premier sports ground.  A parcel of land that was originally, and until relatively recently, owned and developed by the community, for the community?

West members, I urge you to voice your opposition to this proposal by your elected board.  In simple terms, Wests generates too much profit from gaming and needs to reduce this from a future tax perspective.  A light bulb moment has resulted in this proposal, rather than an actual need based on a realistic business case.

Residents in and around Scully Park and Wests League Club, oppose this development application with Tamworth Regional Council and lobby councillors to take a stand on your behalf.

Sporting groups and parents, get vocal and protest against the loss of Scully Park.

Community members, do you really want your elected council to sell off yet another community asset in Scully Park No.2, even if it is for more than market value?  Is it too long a bow to draw that council will continue to flog off community owned land at above the odds to developers?  Anzac Park would make a nice housing development!