I believe that there should be more permanent motor sport complex’s instead of the temporary street circuits that seem to be all the rage in recent years. I realize that there are considerable costs involved in getting a permanent motor racing track up to a high grade FIA international standard, that would make it viable to attract major world motorsport events. In saying that, it appears that the Bathurst regional council in NSW, have had the foresight to get involved with a motorsport venue, and can see the obvious benefits that it brings to their area. Without being unkind to the lovely people from the region, it’s got to be pointed out that Bathurst itself, doesn’t really have much else to attract visitors to the area.
Seeing how state governments poor tens of millions of dollars annually, into temporary street circuits at the Townsville, Gold Coast and the Sydney Olympic Park V8 Supercars races, it amazes me that there hasn’t been a more concerted push to have a permanent track where the venue is there, year round and can be utilized for additional motor-racing events and other sports/entertainment attractions. Although the existing temporary circuits are situated close to the CBD areas in the cities, there is an annual debate held where the local business & accommodation venues, who are all for the event (and who wouldn’t be, when the state government and council picks up the tab), and the local residents are generally up in arms against the annual invasion which limits their capacity to get around their cities, with major disruption to local traffic and infrastructure, for weeks before and after the event taking place.
The reasoning behind the ridiculous amount of money being continuously plowed into these street circuit venues, apparently is to generate TV pictures of the surrounding vistas to local Australian and international viewers, who in turn will come to spend their hard earned tourist dollars, at these places in the future. The money that comes with the motorsport fans is another immediate boost to the local economies too. Whether or not the combination of the two, justifies the taxpayer funds going into this black hole, seems to be the question that remains unanswered. The dubious crowd attendance figures that the government and promoters use as propaganda are also questionable, with combined figures over the duration of a three day event published, when generally, fans buy multi-day passes and are counted at least 3 times and more, when they exit and re-enter the circuit over the course of the weekend.
If somewhere in the vicinity of 200 million dollars, spent over the history of the Gold Coast event, couldn’t have built a permanent, purpose built circuit and sports precinct, which would be there for, not only motor sport, but other sports and entertainment as well, I would be greatly surprised. In the case of the Gold Coast, there is evidence to prove that a permanent circuit proposal south of Beenleigh, has been around for quite some time. http://www.imett.com.au/
Either there, or in the vicinity would mean that the location would be near or very close to the main Brisbane-Gold Coast corridor of transport, the M1 motorway and train services. It would still be in the City Council boundaries and close enough for the Gold Coast to gain exposure for their tourism and accommodation industries. Building football, basketball etc stadiums, and having a circuit as part of a specific sporting precinct would also make it more viable. Doing something in the very near future, could also mean that it could be utilized with the upcoming Gold Coast Commonwealth games. Unfortunately, this aspect of planning does not appear to have ever been considered. None of this type of thing is new. It’s been done in many places around the world already, so there’s no reason a first class facility can’t be built here in Queensland.
It’s vitally important that if it were to happen, it has to be done right the first time, as it will probably be the only time. If a crap circuit along the lines of something like Queensland Raceway were to be built, it would be a total and utter waste of time and doomed to failure. A circuit like Bathurst shouldn’t be attempted to be duplicated, however a track that could be a world class complex, built to FIA standards up front, with good viewing facilities catering for both trackside fans and media, would be a success. Making sure it is also a challenging track for competition would be paramount.
“If you build it, they will come”.
A world class circuit in S. E. Queensland, within an hours drive of Brisbane’s airport and port facilities would also mean easy access for international teams. However, it must be done now, before residential development closes the last gaps in the Brisbane – Gold Coast corridor. Leave it much longer, and the opportunity to build a motor sport facility will no longer be possible!
The reality is that we won’t get anything as truly magnificent as the Nurburgring. Take the time (2 minutes) to watch this, and see how a brilliant race circuit has been part of the beautiful landscape in Germany, for decades. If done properly, Queensland could have something, which we could be proud to project this beautiful part of the world to prospective international visitors.
I am a passionate motor racing fan, however I am fed up to the back teeth, of governments pouring our money down the drain, to help prop up localized industries.
porsche91722 