OFF THE WIRE
thecourier.com.au
MEG RAYNER
http://www.thecourier.com.au/multimedia/images/full/1051436.jpg
N OUTLAW bikie gang is planning to build a new club house and training centre just outside Ballarat.
The Finks, an outlaw motorcycle club that formed in Adelaide in the late 1960s, was last year declared a criminal organisation by the South Australian government, forcing the club to move its headquarters elsewhere.
It currently has a chapter in Sydney, but a sign has gone up on a property south of Ballarat at Yendon, advertising the imminent arrival of a training facility and club rooms.
The hand-written sign has been fastened to the front gate of a Skeltons Road property, prompting concerned residents to contact police and Moorabool Council.
"All Welcome! Enrolements (sic) Commence January 6th 2011," the sign states. "Club house building starts Feb 2011."
It features a hand-drawn skull and cross-bones.
Ballarat is already home to the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, based off Latrobe Street. The Ballarat chapter includes some well-respected members in the community and many of them support the annual Ballarat 3BA toy run.
The Courier sought comment from both clubs yesterday but was unsuccessful.
Moorabo ol Shire Council chief executive officer Rob Croxford said council had received calls from concerned residents who had seen the sign.
“Council is aware of this and has written a letter to the owner of the land seeking clarification for what is supposedly proposed for the site,” he said.
“Council (has) no record of any planning applications with regard to this type of facility or activity for this land parcel.
“Any planning application for use and or development within the Farming Zone must address the objectives and decision guidelines of this zone.”
Ballarat Police Superintendent Andrew Allen said they were aware of the sign and would continue to monitor any movement on the site.
“From a Victoria Police perspective we’re well aware of the property and the sign there and we take it on face value that perhaps they are looking to set up some sort of premises there,” he said.
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