Proposed Toowoomba motorsport and entertainment precinct to receive Queensland Government investment

The Queensland Government has announced that it will invest $40 million in a plan to develop Queensland’s largest entertainment precinct at Wellcamp near Toowoomba.

The Queensland Government considers the precinct would attract major events right across the performing arts, business, tourism, sport and events sectors, aligning with their Darling Downs Regional Economic Recovery Plan released today.

The Wagner family’s proposed Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct (WEP) is a $175 million project that incorporates motorsport, driver-training and a 40-000 person performing arts venue.

The project has already received endorsement from local and international motorsport bodies.

Motorsport Australia Chief Executive, Eugene Arrocca noted “Motorsport desperately needs more permanent venues in this country, and one such as that planned by the Wagner family will bring enormous social, economic and community benefits to the people of the Darling Downs and Queensland in general.  

“The circuit design has the potential for the venue to host international and even World Championship motor sport events.”

President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile Jean Todt advised ”having visited your country on many occasions, I am aware that there is an urgent need for more permanent motor racing facilities. The FIA is strongly supportive of this exciting project.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the plan has the potential to revolutionise the economy of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and highlighted the Wagner family’s record of delivering world-class projects - having turned paddocks into an international airport and trade distribution centre that is also home to the Qantas Group Pilot Academy.

Now, the Wagners are ready to take Wellcamp to an entirely to new level – a vision that has received backing from the Queensland Government.

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick called on the Federal Government to match Queensland’s $40 million contribution to ensure the Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct can become a reality.

The Wagner Corporation is already committed to investing $95 million of its own money to the Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct.

Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner notes “the Wagner family will invest with the state and federal governments support in the order of $95 million of our assets and funds into this project.  

“We are keen to start construction early next year to help kick start the economy post COVID-19.”

Minister Dick added “we recognise that our response to COVID-19 is a long-term commitment that will need to be delivered over years, not months.

“That’s why we are committed to working with the community and business leaders like the Wagners in the Darling Downs to continue looking at creating more opportunities for future growth.

“With the Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct, those opportunities could extend from advanced automotive manufacturing to accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and many other small businesses.”  

The Queensland Government has to date announced more than $8 billion on initiatives to support business, industry and households in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help keep the economy moving and Queenslanders in jobs.

Community consultation and planning approvals will still be required before any works start.

The proposed WEP includes:

• the “Will Power Centre for Motorsport and Driver Training Excellence” - a world-class facility catering for:

• all levels of motorsport from amateur club racing through to professional events;

• road safety training and driver education facilities for all levels of drivers and vehicle types;

•  research and innovation partnerships with universities and industry partners, including automotive manufacturers;

• road safety and driver training facilities and vocational training opportunities.

• a 40, 000-person venue for music festivals and major events;

• business tourism and event facilities;

• 5000 person on-site accommodation.