New Shoalhaven Motorsport Complex Given Federal Funding Grant.
The proposed Shoalhaven Motorsport Complex at Yerriyong near Nowra on the NSW south coast has been given a boost in the form of a federal government grant.
The announcement this week by Federal Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, pledged $9.532 million towards the complex’s construction under the Federal Government’s National Stronger Regions Funding initiative. The announcement has subsequently been welcomed by the governing body for motorcycle sport in NSW, Motorcycling NSW.
The proposed complex will be a multipurpose motorsport facility to cater for most forms of motorsports, as well as provide training and education facilities to develop safe and competent vehicle drivers and riders.
Motorcycling NSW would take a leading role in managing the Shoalhaven complex.
Daniel Gatt, Motorcycling NSW General Manager, was present at the announcement and said that “while the funding does not guarantee the project proceeding, with it still being subject to Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) approval, it certainly recognises the importance of this project.”
The facility will have several circuits, including a 2.5 – 3.5km bitumen road circuit suitable for motorcycle and car racing, full pit facilities, corporate areas, motocross, dirt track, junior coaching areas, enduro and trail riding loops, road based driver and rider training areas, and a go-kart track.
Around $12-15 million will be required to build the facility if approved, and it is estimated it will create up to 200 direct and indirect jobs during construction. Once completed, Motorcycling NSW alone will create 12 full time positions at the venue.
It is estimated that motorsport activities will only take up around 35% of the facilities usage, and Motorcycling NSW hopes the community will also embrace its new facility as a venue for driver and rider training, corporate functions, trade shows and community events.
Motorcycling NSW is a not for profit, member based, community organisation with 8,000 competition members and 16,000 social members and officials. As such, any profit generated would be returned back to the Shoalhaven Motorsport Complex and the sport.