Plans to convert the old Country Fire Authority (CFA) training site in Fiskville in to a multipurpose motor sports venue have gained momentum with the Andrews Labor Government chipping in $150,000 towards a business case assessing the viability of the project.
Home to some of the best motor sport events in the world – including the Australian Grand Prix, Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the Sandown 500 – motor sports are as popular as ever in Victoria.
The Labor Government is partnering with Moorabool Shire Council and the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) to develop a business case to investigate the potential of the Fiskville site as a motor sport hub.
Opportunities for grassroots participation, driver education and training, industry development and vehicle testing will all be explored through the business case.
The project will assess the infrastructure requirements for a range of motor sport disciplines along with the capability of the site to host major motor sporting events.
Motor sport facilities and events attract participants and spectators from interstate and overseas to regional towns and cities across Victoria – boosting the economy and creating jobs.
The project will work closely with the CFA and Emergency Management Victoria to ensure all environmental issues at the site are understood and addressed during the business case.
Motor sport generates more than $700 million of direct economic impact in Victoria alone, so the development of Fiskville is an outstanding opportunity for regional Victoria to capitalise on the economic power of motor sport.
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“We’re ensuring Victoria stays Australia’s sporting capital – investing in major sporting infrastructure like this so we can host the big events that support our global reputation.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“We will work with the CFA, CAMS and the council to ensure any future activity on the site will be safe and suitable for the community, and capable of delivering economic benefit to the region.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“I congratulate CAMS and Moorabool Shire for their efforts to move this project forward – we’re proud to support a project that has the potential to kickstart a new phase in motor sport here in the Ballarat goldfields region.”
Quote attributable to CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca
“This represents an outstanding opportunity for Victoria to set a new standard for motor sport facilities and CAMS is grateful for the support of the Andrews Labor Government in assisting with the funding for a business case.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020