The proposed development of a Ballarat-based regional motorsport facility is gaining traction.
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More than 60 people attended a community information session at the Ballarat Town Hall on Thursday to hear more about the concept and provide feedback.
City of Ballarat councillor John Philips said the concept was designed to cater for “anything with wheels”, from motorbikes and sprint cars to drag racing and light car clubs.
He said about 20 different groups had already expressed interest and the list was growing.
“There is a very broad group and there is huge interest,” Cr Philips said.
“We’ve also spoken regionally to the Pyrenees, Golden Plains and Hepburn councils and they’re all aware of it. We believe this has got great synergies for partnerships.”
Cr Philips said the proposal, first raised several years ago, resurfaced when the council had to relocate at least one light car club due to the development of the Ballarat West Employment Zone.
From there, council decided to open the discussions up to all motorsports.
“There are so many people in motorsports,” Mr Philips said.
“It’s not a V8 Supercar course. It’s based on what the people want.
“We believe there is a great tourism component ... you can also get some level of education for young people.”
The project has not been funded or had land selected, but a working group has developed a concept design of what the facility could look like.
Cr Philips said a proposed $40,000 allocation in the council’s 2014-15 draft budget would go towards planning to progress the project through its next stages.
He said the facility would have to be placed out of town where it would not be an impost on residents.
rachel.afflick@fairfaxmedia.com.au