Workshop sees stakeholders drive future Western Australian Motorsport Strategy forward

Peak bodies, local government authorities and representatives of the Western Australian Government have met to discuss the draft of the WA Motorsport Strategy.

With an aim to identify the infrastructure needs of track-based motorsport activities around Western Australia, develop a hierarchy of motorsport facilities, and provide a plan that supports future investment and opportunities to increase participation in track-based motorsport infrastructure, the Strategy is also looking to examine a legislative approach to the licensing and sanctioning of track-based motorsport venues, as has been been implemented across much of the rest of Australia.

The Western Australian Government has facilitated the workshop to give the stakeholders the opportunity to work collaboratively to further the interests of motorsport in Western Australia by developing plans to increase participation for the community, improving operations and safety.

Among other areas, the draft strategy considers Wanneroo (Barbagallo) Raceway, Collie Motorplex, Kwinana Motorplex, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, a proposed facility in Albany and a potential new private facility in Keysbrook.

The draft also proposes an industry representative body be established which covers all types of tarmac-based motorsports activities. Its key responsibilities could include creating motorsport pathways to increase participation in the sport and consider licensing, sanctioning and accreditation requirements.

An independent consultant has produced the draft strategy and has engaged extensively with a range of industry bodies including national and State associations, track operators and relevant local government authorities.

The Western Australian Government anticipates it will be able to respond to the recommendations with a clear course of action by the end of 2018.

Commenting on the potential of the Stategty, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray advised “motorsports have a passionate and loyal following in Western Australia and the industry is a key driver of jobs, tourism and small business.

"Creating a strategy to inform the State Government's actions in motorsport is vital for the future of the industry, promoting increased participation, safety, and wider economic and social benefits for Western Australia."

Image: Drag racing action at the Perth Motorplex.