ONE of the biggest, most expensive and important sports infrastructure investments in the history of the Bathurst region appears to finally be on track to become a reality.
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For the past decade or more there has been a vision to build a second circuit to bring motorcycle racing back to Mount Panorama.
The good news is Bathurst Regional Council will consider signing off on $10 million for the project in its 2015-16 management plan.
Better still, there is another $10 million being mooted for the following financial year 2016-17 from council and this hefty sum, combined with a $5 million funding commitment from the state government, leaves a total of $25 million in the bank for the much-vaunted initiative.
Mayor Gary Rush told the Western Advocate the $25 million is a great start.
“This amount should ensure we get everything right for the commencement of the second track. It’s vital,” he said.
The money isn’t for building anything else but the circuit and would ensure we get the best facility possible.
“The whole object of the initiative is to build a world class facility and we can’t skimp on that. The critical component is to get the design and safety of the track right. That will ensure we build something in keeping with Mt Panorama.
“We have to ensure we don’t miss this opportunity to have an international class facility that will benefit the wider region and NSW for decades to come. As they say, ‘if we build it, they will come’.”
Cr Rush said laying down some bitumen is only part of a master plan for the second circuit.
“We are looking at a major amount of land in that Mt Panorama precinct where ancillary businesses and industry associated with motorsport can establish themselves,” Cr Rush said.
“This is more than just a second circuit. It’s a vision. The councillors will sit down as part of next year’s budget and consider signing off on that initial $10 million and another $10 million the next.
“With the $5 million from the State Government already committed we hope to continue discussions with them to ensure Bathurst has a significant world class facility that has the ability to attract significant motorcycling events to be held here that are now run interstate.
“It’s something that would be great for the local economy, but also the NSW economy.”
Mr Rush said he would also be looking to the federal government for assistance and will be reminding deputy prime minister Warren Truss of this fact.
“Our best chance here would probably come under the Stronger Regions funding,” he said.