Toowoomba Motorsport Facility needed to keep region’s tourism on track

TOOWOOMBA is on the cusp of developing a major motorsports facility and industry to rival Bathurst, with a site located near the Wellcamp Airport and agreement in place to bring a permanent motorsport facility to the region and that means – the V8 Supercars. 

All we need is the money to build it.

A motorsports facility has long been on the Infrastructure Priority List for Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, with the project having extraordinary community support. 

While the Garden City blooms with the iconic Carnival of Flowers, TSBE executive chairman Shane Charles said now was the time to explore the infrastructure needed to boost year-round tourism.

“Every time this project is raised, we get dozens of calls and emails from people within the region wanting to see it get under way,” he said.

At an estimated $40million, excluding land costs, a motorsports facility would be a key asset for the region, increase visitor numbers and improve the local events offerings. 

“There are ways to make this happen - whether it be as a market-led proposal, interest-free loan, and of course direct grants are always preferred.  We really want to work with the government to make this project a reality,” Mr Charles said.

“Toowoomba has a strong sporting legacy in the community, and we know racers and spectators currently have to travel significant distances to enjoy major events or undertake training.

“This facility would provide the infrastructure to attract major events and sports stars from interstate and overseas to the area. The modelling shows the facility is expected to attract well over 140,000 people a year, a major boost to the region’s economy.”

The proposed 450-hectare development would include a 4.35km race track (FIA Category 2 standard), Go Kart Circuit and training facility, Driver Training Academy for Light and Heavy Vehicles as well as camping areas.

Mick Smith, the president of Sports Darling Downs, has thrown his support behind the project, saying the region, and its upcoming racing identities, would benefit.

Mr Smith said while racing identities including Will Power, Cameron Shields and Matt Campbell all hailed from the wider region, a facility would provide the opportunity to see more residents represent the sport.

“If you have the right facilities, anything’s possible and I’d say it’s a terrific spot to have it. It’s not far out of town on the highway, and with the camping facilities, there’s other benefits as well,” he said.

Mr Smith said to develop the next generation of racing stars, a world-class facility was needed.

G and W Racing manager Peter Lack said the facility would help businesses servicing the industry to grow and expand.

“Toowoomba is big enough to support the racing industry and nothing has really replaced the old facilities. It would be good to have a place for people to strut their stuff locally," he said. 

It is expected that the venue will be able to host up to 30,000 campers, making it an ideal venue for a number of large outdoor events. The state-of-the-art facility will appeal to a wide audience attracting international events to regional Queensland. 

Integrated Event Delivery Management Chairman John Howe said people were willing to travel to regional towns to take advantage of major iconic infrastructure. 

“They are a major benefit to Toowoomba tourism for events, as well as driver and motorbike training and other uses of the site,” he said.