The Moorabool Shire mayor has thrown his support behind housing a potential motorsport precinct which could bring more than 270,000 people to the region every year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A location in the Moorabool Shire was among those shortlisted by the Ballarat City Council back in 2016 as part of the feasibility study conducted for the potential project.
While the development has so far been led by the Ballarat City Council, it is likely it would be build outside of the council’s boundaries given the size of the project.
Initial estimates have predicted at least 240 hectares would be required for the track which would potentially hold an annual V8 Supercar race.
Moorabool mayor David Edwards said while the council had not been formally approached from either Ballarat City Council or state government, he was enthusiastic about the possibility.
“We’re aware of some discussion as a shire that’s been going on, we really haven't been asked to step into that space yet,” Cr Edwards said.
“It would take a lot of resources and ours is a relatively small budget but it’s an opportunity which if presented to Moorabool would definitely be given due consideration.”
Cr Edwards also suggested the former CFA training facility at Fiskville could be considered as a potential location for the hub once the state government completes its $80 million site clean-up.
The facility which would house multiple disciplines of motorsport as well driver training is expected to cost as much as $50 million.
Former Ballarat City mayor and regional motorsport committee member Des Hudson lobbied the federal government for funding in Canberra in 2016.
Cr Hudson said his “gut feeling” was the facility would need to be constructed outside of the City of Ballarat, but believed the project would need input from private investors to gain the attention of state or federal governments.
“It’s not going to just be a benefit to one local government area so this needs to be a joint approach between councils and private investors.”