Comments on South Coast Register’s Facebook page flooded arguments for and against the facility after reports a petition designed to stop the development were made.

One reader Bob Down created the Supporters of Shoalhaven Motorsports Complex petition on Change.org. He said it was only fair to measure both sides in a way that could gauge what the majority of the community wanted.

Another reader Daniel Harvey said most people on the South Coast would support the project.

“It creates jobs. A handful of people oppose this venture, but thousands up an down the eastern coast would fully support it,” he said.

Local Bohdan Brumerskyj said he would support any project that betters outcomes for the city, something he believed the Motorsports Complex could achieve.

“We don’t just work off the ‘unspoilt’ campaign. I think we need to find out how many people will travel to use a place like this,” he said.

“We can’ t just go off the number that Motorcycling New South Wales have given that there are two full-time jobs as the only economic benefit because there is a whole industry surrounding it from cleaners, food suppliers, accommodation – there’s a flow on effect.

“All we can do is review everything and base our judgment on that.”