Collie Motorplex to get $750,000 from State Government

1/7/02
Collie's motor racing and driver training complex has received a $750,000 boost from the State Government.
The grant will be used to widen and realign the track and undertake improvements that will enable motorcycle, motorcar and go-kart racing. This has huge potential to increase revenue for the Motorplex and increase visitor numbers to Collie.
Dr Gallop said the motor sport and driver training complex, located about 12km east of Collie, was part of a plan to help Collie develop and attract new industries.
It was already helping to transform the town into a major inland tourist destination and providing an important youth driver training facility.
"The Collie community is working hard to diversify the town's economic base - and the Motorplex has a key contribution to make in this regard," Dr Gallop said.
"Motor sport tourism is a growing industry and weekend club events are regularly attracting crowds of between 300 and 400 people.
"These motor sport enthusiasts boost local business by injecting 'new' money into the Collie economy.
"They are a large and vital part of the town's future viability."
The Premier made the announcement in Collie today with the Minister for the South-West, Jim McGinty and Collie MLA Mick Murray.
Mr Murray said the Motorplex project was an outstanding example of initiative and collaboration in regional Western Australia.
"The Collie community has joined forces with the Collie Shire Council, the South-West Development Commission, Wesfarmers Premier Coal, CALM and local business to get this project off the ground," he said.
"They should be commended for their determination and team work."
The Premier and the Minister commended Mr Murray for his hard work in promoting the Motorplex project within Government.
"Mr Murray has been instrumental in ensuring this project gets Government support," Mr McGinty said.
A strategic business plan for the project estimates that over the next five years the Motorplex will inject $5.8million into the Collie economy and create 28 full-time jobs.
Once completed, the complex will provide WA with its second professional racing standard facility.
Only Barbagallo Raceway in Wanneroo currently provides racing facilities to this standard.
Premier's office: 9222 9475