Driver education vital
I REFER to the articles published under the banner “219 dead – This must stop” ( TB, 27/ 11). Yes, it must! We need to change drivers’ attitudes no matter what their age. To this end we need to follow the successful example of many other countries and improve driver education.
An important part of driver education involves practical experience and skill development.
The team at DriveIT NQ Limited are soon to build the largest dedicated highway grade skid pan in Australia along with associated infrastructure.
This facility, stage one of the proposed driver education and motorsport complex, will allow for all levels of driver education including heavy vehicle rollover recovery training.
It is being built on land provided by the Townsville City Council using a $ 5 million grant from the Federal Government.
The full business case calls on the income derived from motorsport to fund the operation and maintenance of the driver education infrastructure.
To this end a further $ 20 million in funding is being sought.
The development application is currently before the council and the State Government.
It is hoped approval will occur in the near future.
DriveIT NQ Ltd is a not- forprofit organisation, currently run and supported by volunteers dedicated to making this much needed, community owned facility a reality.
Once the development application is approved DriveIT NQ Ltd will be looking for an 11- person board of ( honorary) directors.
This project will save lives and return in the order of $ 35 million annually ( including flow on) to the regional economy for a relatively modest public investment. PAT DRISCOLL, Chairman, DriveIT NQ Ltd.