Published Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence unveils footprint for Townsville V8 Supercar precinct
Sport Minister Judy Spence today unveiled the first map outlining the construction area for the Townsville V8 Supercar race precinct.
Ms Spence said: “This map shows Townsville residents exactly where construction will be undertaken, to develop this world-class multi-purpose events precinct.
“The declaration of this development area is the first big step towards transforming Reid Park into a raceway in time for the first V8 Supercar race next year.
“The Queensland Government is committed to bringing this international event to Townsville. We are providing $14.61 million towards the total precinct construction cost of $29.58 million.
“In addition, we will contribute $2.5 million annually for the first five years of the event to ensure it is a success for Townsville.
“With the construction footprint now finalised, we can progress the detailed design of the track and facilities for release in the coming weeks.
“Last month I brought special legislation before the Parliament so that the development of Reid Park could be completed in time for next year’s series, and we will continue to work with V8 Supercars Australia, Townsville City Council and other stakeholders to ensure this event is one of the best in the world.”
Ms Spence said a range of measures will be put in place during construction to ensure local residents incur as little inconvenience as possible.
For example:
• Access will only be restricted in specific areas where works are underway;
• Roads will remain open when not affected by construction;
• When roads are undergoing work, appropriate traffic diversions will be put in place to reduce the potential impact on commuters.
Ms Spence said suitable measures will also apply when the Championships are held, with V8 Supercars Australia required to develop a traffic management plan for the duration of the event.
“It is estimated that the event will generate $10 million a year in economic benefits for the Townsville region, with 130 full-time equivalent jobs created during construction.
“A further 180 full-time equivalent jobs will be created as a result of staging the three day event each year.
“Up to 70,000 people are expected to visit the city for the annual event, showcasing North Queensland to a massive audience.
“The V8 Supercar Championship series is the third most watched sport in Australia, behind cricket and the Australian Football League. In 2007 alone, almost 22 million Australian viewers tuned in to watch the V8 Supercar Championship Series.
“The series also attracts a potential international audience of up to 850 million viewers across 130 countries. This kind of coverage presents us with a great opportunity to promote Townsville as a tourism destination around the world.
“In this way, local accommodation and business operators that service the tourism industry will reap the benefits of this event all year round.”
Ms Spence said the designated area for construction of the Reid Park multi-purpose events precinct has been declared by gazette notice under the Motor Racing Events Act 1990.
This notice declares the area for construction of the proposed V8 Supercar event and advises members of the public that they can inspect the map of the construction site at the Townsville City Council offices.
Media Contact: 3239 6172
To view map, paste the link below into your web browser
Ms Spence said: “This map shows Townsville residents exactly where construction will be undertaken, to develop this world-class multi-purpose events precinct.
“The declaration of this development area is the first big step towards transforming Reid Park into a raceway in time for the first V8 Supercar race next year.
“The Queensland Government is committed to bringing this international event to Townsville. We are providing $14.61 million towards the total precinct construction cost of $29.58 million.
“In addition, we will contribute $2.5 million annually for the first five years of the event to ensure it is a success for Townsville.
“With the construction footprint now finalised, we can progress the detailed design of the track and facilities for release in the coming weeks.
“Last month I brought special legislation before the Parliament so that the development of Reid Park could be completed in time for next year’s series, and we will continue to work with V8 Supercars Australia, Townsville City Council and other stakeholders to ensure this event is one of the best in the world.”
Ms Spence said a range of measures will be put in place during construction to ensure local residents incur as little inconvenience as possible.
For example:
• Access will only be restricted in specific areas where works are underway;
• Roads will remain open when not affected by construction;
• When roads are undergoing work, appropriate traffic diversions will be put in place to reduce the potential impact on commuters.
Ms Spence said suitable measures will also apply when the Championships are held, with V8 Supercars Australia required to develop a traffic management plan for the duration of the event.
“It is estimated that the event will generate $10 million a year in economic benefits for the Townsville region, with 130 full-time equivalent jobs created during construction.
“A further 180 full-time equivalent jobs will be created as a result of staging the three day event each year.
“Up to 70,000 people are expected to visit the city for the annual event, showcasing North Queensland to a massive audience.
“The V8 Supercar Championship series is the third most watched sport in Australia, behind cricket and the Australian Football League. In 2007 alone, almost 22 million Australian viewers tuned in to watch the V8 Supercar Championship Series.
“The series also attracts a potential international audience of up to 850 million viewers across 130 countries. This kind of coverage presents us with a great opportunity to promote Townsville as a tourism destination around the world.
“In this way, local accommodation and business operators that service the tourism industry will reap the benefits of this event all year round.”
Ms Spence said the designated area for construction of the Reid Park multi-purpose events precinct has been declared by gazette notice under the Motor Racing Events Act 1990.
This notice declares the area for construction of the proposed V8 Supercar event and advises members of the public that they can inspect the map of the construction site at the Townsville City Council offices.
Media Contact: 3239 6172
To view map, paste the link below into your web browser