By Melissa Meehan
PAKENHAM motoring enthusiasts can hear the faint roar of engines in the distance as the Cardinia Shire Council takes steps to bring a motorsports facility to the town.
All councillors voted to support a motion to write to Planning Minister Justin Madden asking him to rezone Green Wedge zoned land at 355 McGregor Road to allow a facility to be built.
Since 1998 the council has investigated the development of a motorsports facility in the Pakenham area, but has been challenged by size constraints and available land that would not adversely affect residents.
Councillor Collin Ross said a site was hard to find, but McGregor Road appeared to be a good place to build the facility.
“It’s flat, and is already earmarked as a future industrial site,” he said.
“It’s set back from residential areas and the sounds will be mitigated by proposed roads and highways.”
Cr Ross said writing to the Minister would allow outside sources to build a facility that would include a go-karting racing track, off-road motorbike track, driver education and training, motorkhana, motor shows and displays.
He said the council would lease the land to the developer of the site.
Mayor Graeme Legge said the council had been investigating the possibility of a motor recreation and education park in the local area for a number of years.
“There is strong support in the community for such a facility. The issue has always been about finding the right location and now we believe we have,” Cr Legge said.
“The 50-hectare site in McGregor Road is far enough away from residential areas to address issues relating to noise, yet close enough to ensure it will have positive economic and social flow-on benefits to the local community.”
Cr Legge said council had been working closely in partnership with the Pakenham Auto Club and Kooweerup and District Motorcycle Club, as well as Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato, to find a suitable location.
A feasibility study undertaken last year determined that development of a regional motorsports facility was viable in Cardinia Shire.
Cr Legge said any proposal to develop a motor recreation and education park would still be subject to a full planning process, including public consultation and environmental and impact assessments, if the planning scheme amendment was approved.
“We will now forward our request to the Planning Minister and await a decision,” Cr Legge said.
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