Friday, February 03, 2012 - 05:16 pm, by: Michael Fuhrmann(Tha_new_dude)
2012 Motor Enthusiast Conference
STAND AND BE COUNTED
DRIVING a modified car is not our right, it’s a freedom accorded to us. Unfortunately that freedom will be significantly impacted if the proposed changes to vehicle modification guidelines (as laid out in VSB 14/VSI 59) are enacted in their current form. If you want to retain the privilege of building and driving a modified vehicle without first having to cure cancer or spend the national debt on unreasonably-stringent testing, then you need to take a stand and be counted.
While you’re average politician or public servant (RMS/RTA) may not understand cars, they certainly understand people power. To bring to their attention the vast number of people the will adversely affected by VSB 14/VSI 59 current configuration, the Australian Confederation of Motor Clubs (ACMC) has organised a rally – to be held at Eastern Creek Raceway on Sunday, February 26 thanks to kind generosity of ARDC and Eastern Creek International Raceway who have donated the use of the venue.
Furthermore, the 2012 Motor Enthusiast Conference will be a key element of this rally. At the conference, 150 to 200 invited delegates will pose questions (for clarification) and put forward proposals to a panel comprising the NSW Minister for Roads and Ports, Hon Duncan Gay, Peter Wells and other RMS (RTA) representatives, along with the ACMC and Alan Hay (Chairman of the Wollondilly Nationals – who will chair the conference). If you have any questions or proposals to put to the panel, email them to: secretary@confederationofmotorclubs.org.au.
The main thrust of the rally and conference will be about demonstrating that collectively, motoring enthusiasts are a strong and powerful voice. In the past, the RTA’s approach has been to divide and conquer – effectively diminishing the influence that each of the various modified vehicle enthusiasts groups has in regards to shaping any proposed legislation. A massive turnout with huge numbers of street machiners, mingling with hot rodders, off roaders, classic enthusiasts, muscle car enthusiasts, club racers, charity bashers and everybody in between will overwhelmingly demonstrate that all the different factions are capable of bandying together in a concerted and organised effort to ensure any new legislation is sensible. Be in no doubt change is coming, some form of VSB 14 or VSI 59 will be enacted in the near future. Rather than expend resources fighting change, we need to direct our efforts to ensuring the impending modification laws are logical, reasonable and workable – something the ACMC is working tirelessly to successfully implement.
Therefore the rally is not a protest, it’s a show of strength and information day. At the culmination of the conference, information sheets will be distributed outlining discussion topics, answers and any resolutions undertaken. Our job is to show unity and numbers, giving political weight to concerns raised in the conference.
No shenanigans, no hooning or burnouts on the day – everybody must be on their very best behaviour. While many may strong feelings on the proposed legislation, it’s imperative that everyone keep their cool. For the first time ever, we have developed a working relationship with the Transport Minister and the RMS rather than adversarial one. We have their ear and they’re taking notice! Any anti-social behaviour will play directly into their hands and provide them prime ammunition to severely restrict modified cars. We also hope to generate mainstream TV coverage, who would love nothing more than to stereo type us and sensationalise any skylarking – so don’t screw it up!
There will be room for over 1000 cars, however there will be 300 premium parking spaces set aside for those who pre-enter. If you’re interested is securing a premium parking space, contact your club representative, or email Street Machine at conference@acpmagazines.com.au. Passes will be issued strictly on a first come, first served basis – so don’t muck about. On the day, everyone will enter through Gate 4, (on Peter Brock Drive up towards the Go-Kart track). If you want to park together, you’ll need to arrive together. No ifs, no butts, no sad lost puppy stories. There will be trade displays, sausage sizzle and entertainment to keep the friendly, family vibe going. Everyone needs to be on site by 10am and it should wrap up at around 2pm. For more information on the rally and conference go to: www.confederationofmotorclubs.org.au
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 08:20 am, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
Government meddling once again.
It's quite amazing how these few politicians sit down and conger up this stuff... all because they might have seen a few silly people out on the road in unsafe modified cars - it doesn't mean all of those that modify cars are like that.
Perhaps they should look at banning house renovations for the same reason, we can't have a few silly people changing their home around inappropriately!
Thursday, February 23, 2012 - 06:52 am, by: Matthew Sharpe(Madmatt)
Mike, that's what the resource consent act and local councils are for - to make it impossible to do anything on your own land, or at least make you pay tens of thousands of dollars for a couple of bits of paper.
Honestly, one of the few things politicians actually do is pass knee jerk reactionary laws brought about by the actions of a few idiots, to the detriment of society and personal freedom.
The rest of the time they argue or sleep, both usually while in the house - at other times they can be found wasting taxpayers money on junkets and abusing the baubles of power.
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Government meddling once again. 
