MOTORCYCLING NSW lodged its development application on Tuesday to build a $12 million motor sport complex at Yerriyong.
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The proposal came with some impressive claims. Let’s start with the numbers.
Motorcyling NSW has spent $400,000 over the past five years on consultants’ reports for the DA. Most of that money was spent in the Shoalhaven. All but two of the consultants were local.
Shoalhaven City Council will buy the land for about $600,000.
Motorcyling NSW will lease back the land for $5000 per year.
The complex is expected to cost $12-$15million to build.
The project will create 23 full-time jobs during construction and 43 flow-on jobs.
According to independent modelling supplied by Motorcycling NSW, the venture could inject $20-$30million per year into the local economy.
Tuesday’s lodgement of the DA will give the community its first detailed look at the proposal.
Motorcycling NSW general manager Daniel Gatt encouraged Shoalhaven residents to be involved and read the application while it was on public exhibition.
“Whether you are for the project or against it we want everyone to look at the proposal and submit comments,” Mr Gatt said.
Residents who live in Haines Road near the proposed site have raised concerns about noise and traffic. Over the past two years they have campaigned against the proposal’s location.
Mr Gatt said Motorcycling NSW wanted to be comfortable with its neighbours.
“We will have a community liaison to work with the community,” he said.
“We have met with residents in the immediate area and have responded to concerns.
“Noise was an issue for some and as a result we have decided not to proceed with a speedway track as speedway bikes are significantly noisier than other competition motorcycles.
“We also won’t be running events at night.”
Mr Gatt said the Shoalhaven Motorsport Complex would not be an international-standard racing facility.
“It will not be suitable for Formula One cars or Moto GP bikes; rather, we are aiming at the next tiers of motorsport competition, national titles and club days.
“About two thirds of the year will be lay-days with noise levels not exceeding ambient noise,” he said.
“To address concerns about traffic we won’t be running events in competition with other local events.”
Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash said she was excited about the economic and employment opportunities the facility would bring to the region.
“Council has been working with Motorcycling NSW in identifying a suitable location close to Nowra since first being approached by the organisation in 2011,” she said.
“The facility is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the areas and have major benefits for the area’s accommodation, food and service providers.”
Motorcycling NSW anticipates the DA consent process will take about four months. The organisation hopes to begin work on the site before Christmas.
More details about the proposal can be viewed at www.shoalhavenmotorsportcomplex.com.au.
