Council on the hunt for motor sports site
Published on 01 October 2019
Rockhampton Regional Council today announced plans for the region to become home to a permanent multi use motor sports precinct, and the search for the perfect site is now on.
A proposal to explore the feasibility of creating the precinct was passed unanimously, with councillors putting out the call to the community to get in touch if you have property that could fit the bill.
Mayor Margaret Strelow said there had been interest in building a precinct like this for a long time.
“We know that there is real passion and enthusiasm for motor sports in our region, with active clubs and events like the Gold Rush Sprint attracting interest right across the community.
“The excitement that exists around the inaugural RockyNats is palpable. Given that the event is still 10 months away I am only expecting that to grow.
“We know there is the appetite out there, and we know we can turn this passion into something bigger.
“There are a range of benefits that could come with building a precinct, including constructions jobs and events that would attract visitors and tourists, not to mention the excitement of having a place for our local rev heads to drag race and burn rubber to their hearts’ content.”
However, Mayor Strelow said Council is also aware of the challenges that would come with such a project.
“First off, identifying a suitable location won’t be easy and that’s why we are putting out this call to landowners today.
“Generally a facility like this will have a minimum size of 40 hectares and not be directly adjacent to homes. It needs to have an area of reasonably flat land, have good access to a major road, and be within 20 km of the Rockhampton CBD.
“If you have something that fits the bill we definitely want to hear from you!
“When a preferred site is identified and secured there will need to be considerable planning undertaken including assessing, minimising and managing any potential impacts, and securing development approval and project funding.
“We know there is a long road ahead so we want to get the ball rolling now and look at feasible sites as soon as possible.
“We appreciate there will be significant expectation and excitement about what we could achieve but our focus now has to be on securing the site.”
Landowners who wish to identify their land as a potential site should contact Council’s Strategic Planning team on 1300 22 55 77 or email enquiries@rrc.qld.gov.au.