Waitaki District Council Not To Support Undie 500

A meeting was held today at the Waitaki District Council to discuss a proposal from organisers of the Undie 500. It was attended by Police, Chamber of Commerce, Waitaki District Council’s CEO Michael Ross and Licensing Authority staff and the Oamaru Jockey and Oamaru Harness Club.

Serious concerns were raised about the event by both local and Dunedin regional Police, local St. John’s and Fire Brigade and the Racing Clubs. Clearly these concerns represented a high level of risk for the event as proposed. The fact that Dunedin City Council had already decided to turn down a similar application, and the history of the event over the past 3-4 years all led to the group believing that the only responsible decision would be to decline a request to support this event.

These concerns were supported by Waitaki District Councillors when contacted individually by the Mayor and they had no hesitation in supporting the recommendation from Police and Council Officers that no further consideration be given to staging the event in Oamaru.

Mayor Familton stated that, “While we would love to host proactive events for the benefit of our young people the track record of this particular event left us no alternative. In view of the risks identified, I believe this is our only option!”