Finda: Sunshine Coast

Features

Park operators now facing anxious wait

19th April 2008

flickr.com - aidan wojtas
OWNERS of the notorious Black Duck Valley four-wheel-drive park near Gatton will face an anxious week as they await the findings of the Queensland coroner into three deaths at the park.

The Coroner has been inquiring into the deaths of three men at the park in just over two years.

In January last year, 23-year-old Ricky Blinco was killed when his four-wheel drive went over a cliff on a steep track.

Two years earlier, Steven Desmond Binns, 28, died while riding a quad bike at the park and in June that year Michael Wayne Last, 34, was killed in a motorbike accident in the park.

A number of other people have also been seriously injured at the park, which is famous for its difficult tracks.

Coroner Michael Barnes ordered the inquest, which finished on Thursday in Brisbane, after concerns about the number of accidents at the park.

The findings will outline whether any safety issues associated with the park may have contributed to the deaths.

Motorcycling Queensland general manager Lindsay Granger said: "It was our expert testimony at the inquest that until better management strategies are put into place that it (Black Duck Valley) not continue to operate.

"Our reports are that it is a high-risk environment where the riders themselves are asked to make the judgement on certain tracks, essentially maintaining the responsibility of their own safety.

"Our affiliated clubs and private promoters have fairly stringent rules and highly developed risk management systems where, as much as it can be, we remove the risk."

The Blinco family told The Chronicle yesterday the four-day long inquest had brought back traumatic memories.

"The track Ricky took was described as impassable with 1.5 metre eroded ruts," sister Tracey Blinco said.

"Our concern is that it is still open to the public and it should be closed for further risk assessment."

Four Wheel Drive Queensland's training expert Murray Morris said accredited training might have saved the 23-year-old's life.

"Our golden rule is if in doubt stop, get out and look," Mr Morris said in reference to drivers on unfamiliar tracks.

Mr Morris, who provided testimony at the inquest, said he believed the Coroner's decision would have "far-reaching consequences" for four-wheel-driving enthusiasts in Queensland.

"If they make recommendations that council should have a greater input in terms of development applications and integral planning actions, well that brings another level of complexity and cost that provides too much of a burden and some (parks) just close up," he said.
Toowoomba Chronicle  

Top Picks

Sunshine Coast

  1. /

  2. /

  3. /

  4. /

Local News

A tiger shark. Shark feeding frenzy near Noosa

HUNDREDS of sharks, some up to 4.5m long, have been filmed in a feeding frenzy off a beach north of Noosa this morning says an AGL Action Rescue Chopper crew.

  • Noosa Jazz Festival
    Saturday, 4 Sep, 2010 – 9am
    Noosa Heads
    The Noosa Jazz Festival will be offering a stellar line up that will be all genre of jazz music from the traditional to the more modern funk and blues. View details
  • Healthy Ageing and Lifestyle Expo
    Saturday, 4 Sep, 2010 – 9am
    Maroochydore
    The expo specifically designed to increase awareness of health, wellness and lifestyle options through an offering of over 100 presentations and exhibit. View details
  • Noosa Country Show
    Friday, 10 Sep, 2010 – 9am
    Pomona
    The Noosa Country Show is set to be bigger, brighter and better than ever before. View details
  • Over the Fence Comedy Film Festival
    Friday, 10 Sep, 2010 – 7pm
    Nambour
    Eleven films make up this years short film event. View details
  • Noosa Biosphere Day
    Sunday, 19 Sep, 2010 – 10am
    Noosa Heads
    A free community event to celebrate the 'birthday' of the Noosa Biosphere designation in 2007. View details

      Ads by Google