NEW safety regulations, rising entry fees and the need for new high-tech materials to stay competitive are threatening the ability of some schools to take part in the RACV Energy Breakthrough event in Maryborough.
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Ballarat High School, which has raced in the sustainability and engineering challenge for the past 17 years, is struggling to find support for the popular extra-curricular activity in the face of rising financial pressure.
Entry fees have jumped from $480 to $540 per team. With three BHS teams entered in the November event, the school’s $1500 contribution to the team does not even cover the entry fee.
New safety regulations and expensive new materials needed to bring down the weight of the bikes have also contributed to the rising costs.
Technology teacher Kym Raneberg said BHS teams taking part would have to hold barbecues, chocolate drives, car washes and other fundraisers to find the extra money to enter and fund their bikes.
Safety changes arose from an Ambulance Victoria report after last year’s event raising concerns after several drivers received minor injuries in accidents.
The changes include requirements for increased body strength of the bikes and improved vision.
“I think it’s a bit of an over-reaction,” Mr Raneberg said.
“It’s very hard because for the event to be successful the bikes have got to be light and to be light they can become flimsy.”
Many teams have turned to carbon fibre, but it is vastly more expensive than fibreglass and priced out of the reach of some teams.
Mr Raneberg called for the event to get back to roots – involving students in building energy efficient bikes.
“I’d like to see it get back to not having to buy manufactured components, with teams getting some sort of recognition of the things that they manufacture.”
Sixty schools from across Australia compete in the annual event and Ballarat High School has a strong record of achieving great results with limited resources.
