Motorsport search revs up again

By Paul Dunlop
THE bid to build a regional motorsports centre in Cardinia Shire has been revved up again amid claims that this time it’s the real deal.
Council last week reforged an alliance with Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato who will head a new taskforce that will search afresh for a home for the hundreds of keen motorsports enthusiasts in the area.
Mayor Bill Ronald has also hinted that, along with a new sense of purpose in the search, a suitable site may be at hand.
“This has been around for a long time and a lot of people support the concept of a motorsports facility — as long as it not near them. We believe we can find a facility that is near nobody,” Cr Ronald said.
At council’s meeting last week, Ms Lobato was appointed chairwoman of a taskforce comprising councillors, shire officers and representatives of groups such as Pakenham Auto Club, Kooweerup Motorcycle Club and Berwick Kart Club.
Federal MP Jason Wood has also been approached to join.
Their role will be to advocate and plan for a motorsports facility somewhere in the shire. There is speculation that land around Tooradin has been identified as potentially suitable.
The move comes just a few months after Ms Lobato quit the previous council committee claiming she had been set up to fail.
The claims were strongly denied at the time with the State Government blamed for not making suitable land available for a facility.
The fallout between Ms Lobato and the joint CaseyCardinia working party was just one episode in a saga that stretches back several years and has taken a number of twists and turns.
There has been plenty of talk but too little action, according to frustrated residents who just want somewhere to ride.
It remains to be seen whether the new group can finally uncover the muchlooked for site for a facility that would provide a base for usergroups and motorsports enthusiasts from around the region.
Cr Ronald was confident at council’s meeting last Monday that there could finally be some light at the end of the tunnel.
Ms Lobato said she believed the latest move would deliver the results people were wanting.
The Gembrook MP said she felt very positive about the new committee’s prospects.
“I am thrilled to have been asked to chair this committee and believe there is every chance of success,” Ms Lobato said.
“The difference this time around is that this committee really wants to provide a motorsports facility for the people of this area.”
Cr Ronald said a motorsports facility would be well utilised by local young people as well take pressure off local laws officers chasing people riding motorbikes illegally on local roads, in state forest and new residential subdivisions.
Bunyip ward councillor Bill Pearson paid tribute to Cr Ronald during the discussion at council’s meeting.
“This is another example of the mayor talking to community groups, gaining their support and acting on their wishes,” Cr Pearson said.
Cr Ronald and Central Ward colleague Brett Owen were appointed as council’s representatives.