Opening of unique motoring complex in South-West [Visual]

8/12/99
A unique motoring complex offering specialised driver training and motor sports facilities has been opened in the State's South-West by Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan.
The Motoring South West development is located 12km east of Collie on a decommissioned mining site and features a diverse range of driving conditions.
Mr Cowan said that as well as enhancing driving skills and recreational opportunities, the complex would boost the economy of the Collie area, which was striving to diversify beyond traditional industries such as coal mining and energy generation.
Many businesses, clubs and schools from the South-West and Perth are already using the facility for driver training and motor sports events, bringing new business to Collie firms offering fuel, food, accommodation and other services.
The State Government, through the Department of Commerce and Trade and the South West Development Commission, has provided financial support for the project along with motor sports groups and local businesses.
Mr Cowan said that until now there had been no specialised driver-training site outside the metropolitan area and WA lacked facilities for advanced and heavy-haulage driver training.
"Currently, WA companies are forced to fly their drivers interstate for comprehensive heavy-haulage training," he said.
"It is also envisaged that the complex will play a valuable role in providing practical driving and road safety education for school students - the drivers of the future."
At today's opening, Mr Cowan presented a $5,000 grant from the South West Development Commission to assist with improving infrastructure on the site. This will include upgrading the administration and training building, connecting water and power, minor track repairs and signage.
The Collie complex is expected to be further developed over the next 10 years, providing a much-needed venue in the South-West for various forms of motor racing.
The MLA for Collie, Dr Hilda Turnbull, said the complex would have an important multiplier effect in the community, creating both jobs and investment and, in the long term, retaining young people in Collie.
"It can also help to foster Collie's new long-term strategy as a place to visit, live and invest," she added.
Already the complex has become a $500,000 asset to the community, including the value of the existing buildings, roads and services (donated by Wesfarmers Coal), and cash and in-kind contributions from Collie and South West businesses, the Shire of Collie, motor car and motorcycle clubs, the South West Chamber of Minerals and Energy, the Department of Commerce and Trade and the South West Development Commission.
Mr Cowan said it was anticipated that the complex would become self-funding, through hire of its facilities for commercial driver training and motor sport activities.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595

The new Collie complex is an ideal venue for driver training.

Sports cars line up at the Opening