Park plan’s speed needs
MEGA bucks fuelled by motor sport could be the answer to reviving Eastern Park and the Moolap foreshore, a veteran businessman says.
Charles Neal, who has been associated with motor sport for decades, said a grand vision for the Geelong parkland was necessary in order for a “neglected part of Geelong to thrive”.
“There’s so much untapped potential there and we need to have a bold vision for Eastern Park,” Mr Neal said.
“Calder and Sandown are more than 50 years old. A new facility that serves a number of purposes would be great for the region at a time when we need more jobs and investment.
“There’s a strong motor sport culture in Geelong and our city is well-placed geographically to attract the best in the sport from across Australia.”
The area is subject to the Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan, which was released by the State Government last year.
The study area for the Moolap Plan includes the former Alcoa aluminium smelter site and rolling mill at Point Henry. The draft framework recommends ecological conservation rather than full-scale development as suggested by Mr Neal.
Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine chief Roger Grant wouldn’t comment on Mr Neal’s plan but said Geelong’s motorsport attractions were worth celebrating.
“From a tourism point of view, there’s a lot to be said about the importance of motorsport in attracting visitors to Geelong and the wider region,” Mr Grant said.
“Motorsport just doesn’t mean cars racing around a track. The show-and-shine events have grown in popularity in recent years and will continue to grow.”
But Mr Grant said radical changes to Eastern Park could impact on the original intention of the public space.
It is not the first time Mr Neal has flagged the plan for motor sport in the area. He also raised the proposal when he ran as a council candidate for Brownbill Ward at last year’s Greater Geelong election. He was also the National Party candidate for the Polwarth electorate at the 2006 state election against Liberal MP Terry Mulder, who was successfully returned for a third term.