Plan for new motorsport complex
A motorsport complex bigger than Victoria's Phillip Island circuit is being planned for a plot of land at the back of the historic Fairbridge Village, north of Pinjarra.
The West Australian has obtained a Motorcycling Western Australia proposal that has been circulated through State Government departments in a bid to help pay for the 315ha property identified as the ideal site for the multi-discipline motorsport venue.
Sports Minister Terry Waldron has inspected the site in the Dwellingup State Forest and MWA, which has 3500 members, has asked for $3 million from the State Government to add to already significant funds set aside to try to secure the privately owned land. It is estimated the complex will cost up to $25 million to build.
The Department of Sport and Recreation confirmed it was aware of the proposal and had asked for a more detailed business case, but a spokesman said there was no government commitment or endorsement of securing a site.
Shire of Murray chief executive Dean Unsworth confirmed the council's full support for the plan and said it would do "whatever it takes" to help it become a reality.
Murray-Wellington MLA Murray Cowper is also a major driving force behind the proposal and predicted the complex would become a new WA tourism icon.
Mr Cowper also believes the project is suitable for Royalties for Regions funding.
"It would become the flagship for motorcycling in WA and unique compared to anything else in Australia," Mr Cowper said.
The proposal sets out multiple uses for the facility, including potential grand prix racing and all other motorcycle disciplines, as well as car racing, go-carts, road and mountain bicycles, driver training and other community activities.
The site already has access to water and power and no residents on the immediate boundaries.
Few recommendations from the State Government's 2008 WA State Trail Bike Strategy, appear to have been implemented and Mr Cowper, a former police officer, said dangers for motorcyclists had increased and the complex would help address the issue.
He said WA's urban sprawl had swallowed many motorcycling areas and forced some riders to ride illegally and unsupervised in State forests with unsafe and unregistered bikes. In contrast, MWA had a thorough training and safety regime teaching young people how to ride either for recreation or in competition.
"Motorcycling across the State is increasing in all disciplines," Mr Cowper said.
"We've seen a proliferation of motorbikes and that creates problems for local governments, for police and for other agencies.
"There are limited places for people to ride. We quite regularly hear of people being tragically killed in varying circumstances.
"These tragedies will continue to occur unless weaddress these issues."
