A PROPOSAL expected to inject more than $5 million into the Shoalhaven economy each year is being delayed by lack of action from the state government, according to Shoalhaven Mayor Paul Green.
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When Motorcycling NSW announced in June its plans to build a state of the art motor racing facility just west of Nowra in Yerriyong, it was enthusiastically embraced by the NSW Sports Minister Graham Annesley.
But the state government’s upper echelons have not been so welcoming of the concept and the economic boost it would provide to the Shoalhaven, according to Cr Green.
He said Shoalhaven City Council really wanted the state government to run the approval and assessment process for the motor sport complex because it would lead to faster decisions.
“It would be far better for everyone if the state government ran it but they’re not giving any indication of doing that,” he said.
“It just makes it two or three times harder and longer to get it through.”
If the situation did not improve, council might take the proposal directly to Premier Barry O’Farrell, Cr Green said.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to get it through,” he said.
“It’s just too good an opportunity to let go by.”
Motorcycling NSW has offered to spend up to $15 million developing a world-class motorsports facility catering for competitive motorcycling disciplines while also having the ability to host go-kart competitions, speedway racing, all levels of car racing as well as various off-road activities.
Early estimates said the facility would inject about $5.4 million each year into the economy.
Cr Green said the complex would provide a major economic boost to the Shoalhaven, “adding valuable sustainable visitor dollars into the local economy” as a mecca for motor sports enthusiasts from all over NSW and possibly interstate.
“While delivering areas of interest to the many Shoalhaven residents interested in motorsports, this facility will also bring a constant stream of competitors and visitors to the area,” he said.
“With the proposed facility expected to be operating almost 365 days a year, the site will draw attention from regional, national and international motorsports enthusiasts and sporting media.
“This facility will also create a subsidiary motor sports industry with the ability to provide locals with a host of new opportunities in not only technical automotive employment but also in hospitality, marketing and promotion of the area.”
Motorcycling NSW said it hoped to start work building the complex in the middle of next year, but according to Cr Green that date was in doubt due to the state government’s reluctance to get involved.
