Mayor vows: Racing is over at Lakeside
16/11/2001 15:20 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Queensland’s home of motorsport, Lakeside Raceway, has closed for business after the local council vowed never to let the venue host motor racing again.
Pine Rivers Shire Council acquired the remaining privately-owned parts of the property this week for $600,000.
Outspoken Mayor Yvonne Chapman said the acquisition would protect Lake Kurwongbah, one of the shire’s primary water sources.
“The Council will ensure that Lakeside will never be used for racing again,” Councillor Chapman told The Northern Times.
“Continued use of the facility as a race track could eventually pose a threat to the water quality of the lake through seepage of oil, fuel and chemicals.”
Mayor Chapman said numerous complaints had been received by the council about noise and odor pollution from events at the circuit.
The Council is in talks with driver-training firm Roadcraft to use the circuit as a training facility for young drivers.
“The time has come for the track to be put to a better community use,” Councillor Chapman said.
The undulating 2.4km circuit, which this year celebrated its 40th birthday, hosted a successful round of the Konica V8 Supercar Series this year, and last held a round of the Shell Series in 1998.
It was placed in receivership in August after failing to raise the necessary funds for a planned redevelopment.
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