Leaders revved on motor precinct
SUPPORTERS of a dedicated motorsport and driver training precinct have revved city leaders for funding to put the $ 20 million development west of Townsville in the fast lane.
Drive It NQ Ltd, formerly the Driver Education Centre and Motorsport Action Group, launched a campaign to secure c o mmunity donations for the precinct last night.
Dubbed “I paid the toll to save the toll”, the campaign includes the group staging mock roadside toll booths across the city later this month as they await confirmation on government contributions.
Townsville has been without a dedicated motorsport complex since the closure of the Townsville Dragway in 2012. The Townsville Speedway also closed in 2007.
Drive It NQ has proposed a permanent driver education and motorsport precinct – including an international standard speedway and drag track, go kart facilities and an offroad area – on council- owned land in Calcium.
Drive It NQ spokesman Pat Driscoll said the new group was looking to secure almost $ 20 million in funding for the project, which they say will create 120 full- time jobs and inject $ 22.7 million in economic activity into the city each year.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the precinct was not “just for hoons”, with emergency services, mining companies and drivers able to undertake advanced training in a safe environment.
“We know there are people out there who are illegally drag racing and dirt riding,” Cr Hill said.
“But these facilities … can allow car groups and young people to be able to participate in a sport safely.”
Thuringowa MP and former paramedic Aaron Harper said he had recently met with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk about securing funding, but he did not yet have an exact figure.