[smuzz]

We'd probably run into trouble with the council (... whichever one it is that takes responsibility for that part of McCoy Park) by creating access/exit obstacles.

This is just one of the frustrating facets of having our field at the current location - and when we line 'em up, it's a problematic list ...
1. It's a swamp. About three or four years ago we had to move the runway north about 20m because of constant inundation and that was a major hassle because we lost airspace at each end of the strip. Even now we lose way too many days per year because the strip is unserviceable and it's getting worse because there are large patches of earth in the runway(s) which are sinking.
2. There are two councils that are apparently responsible for different parts of the field. Parramatta City Council owns the flood basin proper, but apparently Blacktown City Council is responsible for the access way and the ramp - or at least that's my understanding from the Secretary. In terms of making decisions and getting things done to improve our situation, this is not helpful - having one council to deal with is like a hangover without the fun of the night before, having two is a pain in the arse.
3. We pay Parramatta City Council about $1,500 a year to have access to their swamp for three days per week (which nobody else wants and is basically freely accessible land for other recreational users) and we get no concession when it's unusable. I don't know what other sporting/recreation clubs pay, but if our flying field had a location (with shade structures and toilets) and an elevated position like the established cricket/football field on the western end of McCoy Park then it'd be a good deal.
4. As we've re-discovered, we get visited by bikers and other vehicles periodically (we have been for years) and there's no real solution. PCC haven't the resources (or will) to prevent it, so it keeps happening.

In PCC's defence, they did spend about three times our entire club's assets themselves, in removing a collection of huge willow trees at the western end of the strip a couple of years ago. These were a real problem in terms of restricting our airspace, and it was fantastic to see 'em gone. Granted, they were a pest in their definition as well as ours, but they did remove them when the Secretary requested it.

In summary: It's frustrating and it has been for years and barring some sort of miracle, it ain't going to change. I think it's necessary that some of the newer members of the club are aware of this though, so that they're not under any false illusions.

So, there ends this week's vent from the miserable ol' turd.