All revved up for new driver education training pad

WORK has officially started on the highly anticipated DrivEIT NQ.

As part of the federallyfunded stage 1 works, contractor BMD will construct the driver education pad, a 2.5ha large vehicle manoeuvring area and skid pan.

Federal Herbert MP Phillip

Thompson said the driver education portion of the site was the most important and would be completed first.

“The driver training pad will be the largest on the east coast of Australia for its purpose and will allow heavy vehicle rollover training — inducing a rollover and helping teach truck drivers how to safely deal with such a situation,” Mr Thompson said.

“I know the team has already received interest from the Queensland Police Service for the use of the facility to train their recruits which will save them having to travel to the southeast corner.”

The MP’S promise to deliver the project was part of an election commitment.

Driveit NQ CEO Pat Driscoll said the $12 million stage 1 works would also allow for some motorsports activities.

“The people of Townsville won’t have to wait much longer to get their engines revving out here at what will become one of our city’s most famous attractions,” he said.

“After so long in the planning it’s a fantastic feeling to be … seeing our community’s dream starting to become a reality.”

Mr Thompson said stage 1 of the works would create 50 jobs at a time when the community needed them.

As part of stage 1 works, BMD will also construct the entrance road, storm water infrastructure and road pavements.

Construction is expected to last five months.

Driveit NQ need another $12 million to complete the whole precinct.