By BRAD PERRY

THE future of three Riverland motorsport clubs is under threat after the Renmark Paringa Council told Riverland Speedway to remove advertising signs facing the Sturt Highway.

The advertising signage, on the outside of the speedway course about 80 metres back from the Sturt Highway, does not comply with current zoning legislation and council has requested the 15 signs be relocated to the spectator area.

Around $3000 goes to the Riverland Speedway, Renmark Kart Club and Riverland Junior Motorcycle Club for maintaining the signs.

Riverland Speedway president Greg Haynes said shifting or removing the signs would have a negative effect on the advertising abilities of the clubs and the businesses may pull any future funding.

Mr Haynes said the committee is outraged at the council’s request, as the signage has been erected on the highway fencing for almost half a century without problems.

“I’m very disappointed,” he said.

“The businesses are really devastated because they rely on the signs for advertising.

“This financial gain ($3000) helps all clubs in their sustainability and survival in the future, shifting or removing these signs will only have a negative effect.

“They (the clubs) won’t survive.”

The not-for-profit speedway venue allows motor enthusiasts and spectators to enjoy the sport and generates spin-offs for the region.

However, Mr Haynes said the committee wants to be exempt from the zoning legislation and is willing to fight to keep the advertising signs in their present locations.

Letters from the speedway, local businesses and a petition will be sent to council in a bid for the speedway to be exempted. Moving the signage could see up to 150 people and volunteers affected and Mr Haynes said it would be a huge blow for the region if council passes the legislation.

“In this current economic climate we really have to support local business,” he said.

“It’s a chain reaction...it’s a big impact and council aren’t seeing it.”

Riverland Junior Motorcycle Club president Michael Mawdsley said a number of the club’s members are juniors.

“It’s keeping kids’ hooning, off the street,” he said.

“These people want to advertise and it helps us as we have got sponsorship from them.

“If they go, we have got to find all of that sponsorship money we are missing out on.”

Council should be promoting the facilities not harming them, according to Renmark Kart Club track manager Bob Gelston.

“Council should be proud of what (we) have done and achieved, not hinder us,” he said.

“(If the signs have to be taken down) it will make life a hell of a lot harder for us.”

The Renmark Paringa Council was unable to comment as the issue is to be discussed at next week’s council meeting.