Dean Street Carpark revenue from V8s offered to charities

Date: Thursday, 28th May 2009

Local charities will be able to pitch for a major fundraiser over the Dunlop Townsville 400 weekend.

Townsville City Council is calling on charities to put up their best case to manage the Dean Street Carpark, one of the the main destinations for park-and-walk patrons during the V8s.

The council will advertise the opportunity and call for applications this weekend.

Dunlop Townsville 400 Committee chairman Cr Tony Parsons said the Dean Street Carpark was a community asset and the potential revenue that the facility could generate over the V8s weekend would go to a community cause.

"We could have contracted a private firm but councillors wanted to offer the opportunity to the community," Cr Parsons said.

"So, we`re looking for a group, non-profit organisation or service club that would be interested in managing the carpark for the Saturday and Sunday of 11-12 July.

"Friday is not included because it’s a regular working day for most Townsville residents, but the weekend parking promises to be a very big money-spinner as it`s just a short walk to Reid Park and all the trackside action and festivities.

"There`ll be huge demand for a convenient and large carpark so close to the event. That level of demand will need to be managed appropriately.

"This could be worth in excess of $15,000 for the community organisation, a significant amount. These opportunities don`t come along very often and we hope local charities consider the offer."

To submit applications, groups are asked to contact the Director of Infrastructure Services, Neil Allen, on 4727 9230 or email enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au for the relevant documentation.

Submissions close at 5pm on 9 June 2009.