Motorsport in Victoria is on track to shift into a new era, with the Avalon Airport Precinct named as the site of the state’s proposed Home of Motorsport – backed by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced the site, which was nominated as the preferred location by Motorsport Australia.
A $1.6 million Labor Government investment will help with the design and planning of Victoria’s Home of Motorsport, which will see the 150ha plot at Avalon earmarked for the new home of an elite multipurpose motorsport precinct.
Motorsport in Victoria supports more than 4,300 jobs and the number of events each year can top 1,000, including international drawcards such as the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Potential proponents will be asked to demonstrate how the Home of Motorsport could deliver key aims including growing participation, boosting jobs, providing educational links and enhancing Victoria’s renowned major events standing.
The design and planning phase will consider the best track configuration which could cater for uses ranging from test days and grassroots competition to elite events.
A new Home of Motorsport is listed as a priority in the recently announced2022-32 Victorian Motorsport Infrastructure and Participation Strategy, which will help to sustain the high number of motorsport events held in Victoria from grassroots to elite level.
Victoria accounted for more than 22 per cent of all four-wheeled motorsport participation across Australia in 2019.
The proposed Home of Motorsport will help support regional Victoria to host more high-octane major events which includes the recent Australian International Airshow 2023.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Motorsport is a great Victorian passion and pastime for many, and it also supports thousands of jobs and delivers significant economic benefits to our state.”
“A Home of Motorsport at Avalon would inspire and encourage the development of up-and-coming drivers in their efforts to become household names like local heroes Oscar Piastri and Cameron Waters.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George
“We’re backing the Home of Motorsport to be established at Avalon because we know the major economic and sporting benefits it will deliver to our local community.”
Quote attributable to Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca
“Delivering a Home of Motorsport in Victoria would not only fulfill one of Motorsport Australia's key infrastructure goals, but it also enables the sport to grow its participation and competition with a reliable state venue.”
Reviewed 14 April 2023