Council signs over land for motorsport precinct
Date published: 5 February 2016
A proposed $22 million driver education and motor sports precinct in Townsville now has a formal home.
The Townsville City Council today signed a long term lease with Drive IT NQ over a council-owned tract of land at Calcium.
Mayor Cr Jenny Hill and Drive IT NQ president Pat Driscoll today signed the agreement for the site, which is located on the 490 hectare former CSIRO Landsdown Station the council acquired 12 years ago.
Cr Jenny Hill said the signing of the lease represented a major commitment from the local community towards the establishment of the facility.
“Securing the site is a major milestone for Drive IT NQ and the future of motorsport and driver education in Townsville,” Cr Hill said.
“Having tenure over the land, is fundamentally important for planning approvals and government funding submissions to bring the project to fruition.
“I’m extremely proud to say that the council has been right behind the Drive IT NQ and the motor sport fraternity, and working with them led the studies to identify and secure a suitable site.
“Council will continue to support Drive IT NQ by facilitating the planning and development approvals and supporting their funding submissions to State and federal Governments.
“The Townsville region has a great need for a driver education and motorsport precinct and we now have a great opportunity to establish a muliti-purpose facility that offers broad benefits to our community.”
Deputy Mayor Cr Vern Veitch, an ardent supporter of Drive IT’s campaign, said the facility would provide a major economic and recreational boost for the city.
“A multi-purpose facility of this size and scope will have a significant impact on the local economy and provide a big shot in the arm for automotive industries and service providers in our region,” Cr Veitch said.
“As well as having a major benefit for driver safety, the proposal is extremely important for the future of motorsport in the north generally.
“The Calcium site provides an ideal location where motor sport activities can be conducted without the threat of urban encroachment and that’s a big plus.”
The conditions of lease require development of the complex to be substantially commenced within six years.
