State makes Bathurst upgrade a reality, with or without Feds
15/11/2002 18:47 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
The Bathurst City Council is half way to realising its redevelopment master plan for Mount Panorama, with a long-awaited funding boost from the State Government announced today.
State Minister for Sport and Recreation, Morris Iemma, pledged $10 million to the project, during opening practice for this weekend’s inaugural Bathurst 24-hour production car event.
Council has committed $4 million to the redevelopment, now relying on federal funding to complete the planned $24 million upgrade.
The Federal Government has been reluctant to commit money to the road course, considered the spiritual home of Australian motorsport and venue for V8 Supercar racing’s premier Bathurst 1000 race, maintaining it’s a state issue.
The Federal Minister for Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, was unavailable for comment.
Bathurst Mayor Ian Macintosh said council’s two-year campaign for funding has paid off.
"This is not just good news for racing fans but will allow council the opportunity to develop Mount Panorama into a major national tourism attraction that will inject an economic development boost right across the region, New South Wales and for Australia," he said.
AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane welcomed the announcement. He said it would now be “far easier” for the sport to commit to the 40-year-old Bathurst 1000.
"We have worked very hard with the City of Bathurst to lobby both the State and Federal Government to bring about this very welcome announcement," he said.
"The improvement in facilities will bring the venue in-line with the standards expected by Australia's V8 Supercar fraternity.”
Cr Macintosh said he will sit down with the State Government to draw up a "tourism and economic development master plan" for the circuit.
Work is expected to begin early next year, with or without federal support.
Pit paddock and spectator facilities will be upgraded, with the demolition and rebuilding of the pitlane complex part of the original plans.
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