Lease terms clear way for motorsport land agreement
Date published: 11 November 2015
The Townsville City Council is following through on a commitment to fast track a lease over the preferred site for the driver education and motorsport precinct near Woodstock.
Council’s Planning and Development Committee today approved terms that clear the way to finalise lease arrangements with the Driver Education Centre and Motorsport Action Group (DECAMAG) over land on the council-owned property at Bidwilli Rd.
Committee chairman Cr Tony Parsons said the lease would be crucial for supporting DECAMAG’s planning and funding applications for the proposed multi-purpose precinct.
"Formally securing a home for a motorsport precinct in a fundamental step for DECAMAG’s campaign," Cr Parsons said.
"Negotiating a lease will provide DECAMAG with the all-important land tenure that will be essential for gaining development approvals and supporting funding submissions.
"The council has already made a substantial commitment by identifying and providing the preferred site, and expediting the lease arrangements is another major milestone for the proposal and DECAMAG’s campaign."
Today’s report recommended the council rescind a previous condition making the negotiation of the lease subject to the approval of a development application.
Instead, the lease will require all relevant planning approvals to be obtained within three years, and development of the complex substantially commenced within six years.
The committee’s recommendations will go to the full council meeting on November 24 for adoption.
The preferred site is situated on a portion of the 490 hectare property (former CSIRO Landsborough Station) which the council acquired 12 years ago.
DECMAG has already met other conditions including the preparation of a feasibility report and economic assessment of the proposed precinct.
