Report recommends future home for South Australian motorsport

A report by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) recommends the former Mitsubishi test track at Tailem Bend as the preferred site for the future development of a motorsport park in South Australia.

CAMS found the location and size of the Tailem Bend site, plus its capacity to host different disciplines, to be the most suitable location for home for South Australian motorsport.

CAMS also investigated proposals for the Gillman Motorsport Park, Adelaide International Raceway (Virginia) and Cougar International Raceway (Monarto) while also evaluating the Mallala Motorsport Park - South Australia's only current permanent motor racing circuit.

Each site was considered for its viability in the respect of: commercial suitability; noise and the effect on the community; location and topography; effective and efficient use of land; potential for future expansion of activities; and future prospects for nearby development.

There was also consultation with the motorsport governing bodies in South Australia: the

Australian National Drag Racing Association, Motorcycling South Australia, the Australian Karting Association, Speedway Australia, and the South Australian Motor Sports Board.

The Tailem Bend land is owned by the Coorong District Council, which recently finalised Expression of Interest submissions to take over the site, which included proposals to create a multi-discipline motorsport complex.

Commenting on the report, South Australian Sport Minister Leon Bignell said there have been a number of proposals to develop State level motorsport facilities in recent years, stating "to help the Government make an informed judgement, I commissioned CAMS the internationally recognised peak body for motorsport - to evaluate the proposals.

"Their report was done at no cost to the Government, and there was no commitment from Government to fund a motorsport facility."

Image courtesy of CAMS.