Riots on Princess HWY tonight because of the cancellation of easternats

[04redxr8]

Slightly off topic, but somewhat related.

Many years ago, I used to ride BMX. We had hardly any facilities and the main was being threatened with closure. A small group of riders (like about 5), got together and formed a committee to take the matter to the local Government. This was some 10-15 years ago. This small group not only managed to save that complex, but also managed to have many more built around SE Qld.

Taxpayers funded the whole lot, including land, construction, and all associated insurances. The fact that these guys presentd themselves in a proffesional manner, put forward legimate facts, and persisted to get what they wanted, paid off.

It has been stated in this thread, that we need to do something, however, we can't seem to agree on what to do. We are bickering and arguing back and forth with our views, and not uniting.

I have also stated earlier that we need to all join together if we are going to beyond what has happened. A committee needs to be formed. Organisation needs to implemented. WE HAVE THE NUMBERS needed to make this work.

An Australia wide organisation commonly linked, will make a difference. It has worked for the BMX community, for the greenies and so many other minority groups in the past, why not us?

The first thing we need to do is actually define the difference between a "hoon" and an enthusiast. With this information, we may have a chance with getting what we want.

Furthermore, for those who actually believe we don't have the numbers, you just need to look at a whole range of factors. Firstly magazine circulation. The number of car magazines published is quite a lot. We have a huge range to choose from, and they would not exist if the readership was not there.

The number of car shows and events currently being held in this country. We travel every year to the Summernats in Canberra. Last year ther was between 1300 and 1600 cars entered, and some 100,000 spectators. There was millions of dollars pumped in to the Canberra economy from just one event. Similarly other major events around the country generate millions more for their local economies.

Furthermore, the aftermarket parts, services, and various other automotive businesses catering specifically to car enthusiast culture is a at the very a billion dollar industry in this country. These businesses take large glossy ads in the publications that we read, sponsor forums such as ours and also sponsor the events we like to attend.

The Government is not only concerned with votes, but also in revenue raising. (We see this in every second thread). If we had a lobby group to take our collective voice to the Government, with logical well thought out arguments, a plan on how we could do this succesfully, and ofcourse, the additional revenue that it would raise, we may have chance.

By our Government not building new facilities and keeping our soprt and hobby alive, less and less enthusiasts will take this sport up. Less people will spend money building cars. Businesses will suffer, our government will collect less tax dollars. It is in their best interests to support us. It just doesn't seem that anyone has so far informed them of this fact.

If we do get together, and do this, I'm sure we will have a lot support. Provided we inform the general public correctly of our intentions and what we need. We would also need to show them how this benefits them. I also believe we would get a lot of support from the businesses that we all support. Not just automitive, but the Hotels and food outlets around major car events, tourism outlets and all places we travel to for events.

If you break it down as I have, (and have probably missed a heap of other businesses we support) we have the numbers that we need to be heard. We just need a voice.

If others are interested in doing something, I will put my hand too. I would love to be a part of sokmething like this. However, it would take a large number of people to make it happen. Something like this would go a long way to distancing ourselves from the rioters and hoons hellbent on destroying our culture and lifestyle without even understanding it.

Sorry for the long post, but I thank you if have taken the time to read it.