Brumby sets up Winton Raceway taskforce
18/9/2004 17:59 (Press Release) -
The Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, today announced a taskforce to build on the success of Winton Raceway in Victoria's North East.
"Motor Racing provides real economic growth opportunities for Benalla and the North East region," Mr Brumby said.
"The taskforce will investigate how we can build on Winton' s successes and gain even greater benefits for the region.”
The taskforce will be made up of Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, Joe Helper, and Robert Mitchell MLC.
It will work with the Benalla Auto Club, local government and relevant government agencies, to identify motor sport opportunities for Winton Raceway, Mr Brumby said Winton Motor Raceway was a top sporting drawcard, which already generated significant economic benefits for the region.
"Studies have shown the Raceway generates $24 million a year in visitor spending and supports the equivalent of 160 local full-time jobs," he said.
"The Bracks Government is already a big supporter of the Raceway with $120,000 provided through the Regional infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to create a new entrance to the venue."
The taskforce will consider:
· Opportunities to maximise awareness of motor sports events at Winton;
· Cost effective infrastructure improvements around the Raceway precinct;
· Further developing ongoing stakeholder relationships to maximise economic benefits of Winton Raceway to the region; and
· Generally explore opportunities of collaboration between the State Government and Winton Raceway.
"Both Joe and Rob are motor sport enthusiasts, and are keen to see the sport and the local community get a win-win out of Winton and for Victoria's North East," Mr Brumby said.
The taskforce is expected to report to the Government before the end of the year.
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