Family claims park cover-up

THE operators of Black Duck Valley have come under scrutiny from a family member who claims they brought the closure on themselves because they failed in their duty of care.

Jennifer Diete, the daughter-in-law of the park's operators Greg and Kate Diete, also said insurance companies had offered to insure the park this week but the owners had not accepted any offers as they had put the park up for sale.

Mrs Diete said she had in some sense had a falling out with the family in recent times because she was trying to make them see where they had gone wrong operationally.

“The closure of the facility was in fact nothing to do with the government or because insurance was unable to be sourced due to the nature of the activities being undertaken at the facilities,” Mrs Diete said.

“What provides further disturbance is the absolute ignorance of the owners and manager of Black Duck Valley towards what their responsibility and duty of care was to patrons operating in such a facility.”

Mrs Diete said there were videos on Utube and MySpace that illustrated “unsafe practices” that the operators of the park had condoned.

In one video the girl standing with an alcoholic drink watching a motorcycle demonstration was providing first aid during the day.

In the second video, a couple of riders perform stunts while on a motorcycle with minimal clothing.

Speaking with the owners and their son Andrew Diete yesterday, they said they had done “everything in their power” to ensure the safety of people using the park.

“In both videos they are demonstrations by pro-riders. It was our procedure to have at least one staff member present throughout demonstrations,” Mr Diete said.

He also said that the riders were wearing helmets, gloves and boots.

“They are professional riders and what they plan on doing during their jumps is up to them,” he said.

Mrs Diete said in the past week, two insurance companies were willing to insure the park under a different name and management, however, the operators weren't interested.

Locals have begun a petition on Facebook called Save Black Duck Valley, which already has more than 1600 signatures.

Their hopes may be answered as the park is now for sale.