Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin has announced the NSW Government will fund a feasibility study into developing a second race track for Mount Panorama to target major motor racing and associated activities.
Treasurer and Minister for State Development Eric Roozendaal approved $250,000 for the study.
“Motor racing is big business in Bathurst and this study will determine whether we can expand on that.”
The Bathurst 1000 contributed about $53 million to the city’s economy this year (Source: Western Research Institute) representing two per cent of the total local economy in just one event.
It’s estimated the four motor racing events that currently use Mount Panorama – the V8 Supercars, the Festival Sporting Cars, the Bathurst 12 Hour and Drive Bathurst – generate $69 million and about 355 full-time equivalent local jobs (Source: Bathurst Regional Council).
“The feasibility study announced today will investigate the potential benefits of developing a second race track at Mount Panorama custom built for high performance motorcycle racing, it could also accommodate Open Wheeler Racing and Driver Training Mr Martin said”.
“Bathurst Regional Council estimates that the design and construction of a second race track could cost more than $25 million so it is essential that a proper feasibility study is done to ensure that such an investment would be a sound one.”
Motorcycle racing was a feature at Mount Panorama between 1949 and 1988 and the feasibility study will help determine whether it is time to resurrect the sport on the mountain.
“Obviously, the existence of an international standard motorcycle track would have strong potential to attract new events to Mount Panorama which is an iconic location in terms of Australian motor sport,” Mr Martin said.
“If built, a second race track would need to comply with international motorcycle racing standards which would provide Bathurst with the potential to event host events of the calibre of the Australian Grand Prix, which is currently contracted to Phillip Island until 2011. World Superbikes would also be a possibility.
“This would be a significant coup for NSW to win the right to hold this race in Bathurst.”
Mr Roozendaal said the feasibility study will give Bathurst Council the opportunity to consult with various community and business groups on the anticipated impact and benefits of the proposed project.
An upgrade and second circuit would involve developing an additional 4.6km track.
The second track would start on the existing Pit Straight and use other suitable sections of the existing circuit.
The area it would cover would use other parts of the Mount Panorama precinct, so appropriate land use and environmental factors would need to be considered.
“A significant capital works program would be needed to construct new sections of the track, as well as improving the existing track that would be included in the second circuit,” Mr Martin said.
“But we must not get ahead of ourselves. Mount Panorama cannot currently be used as a venue for motorcycle racing due to the safety limitations now imposed in the sport.
“The topography of the existing circuit at Mount Panorama makes it unsuitable so this would require significant work.
“And there are a number of other issues that would need to be worked through at this stage before any decision can be made on a second track for Mount Panorama.
“This is what we expect will be explored in a feasibility study to expand Mount Panorama.”
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