Motorpark in Childers area

THE Fraser Coast Motorpark committee is changing gears, with plans to find land for its project closer to Childers rather than the originally proposed site.

THE Fraser Coast Motorpark committee is changing gears, with plans to find land for its $30 million project closer to Childers rather than the originally proposed site between Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

The complex, which would include a drag strip, speedway, cart track, motocross track and driver education area, is predicted to provide $85 million of economic value over its lifespan — and that is not including the industry boom it is predicted to create, the jobs during construction and the employment opportunities once in operation.

Project chairman Ben Collingwood said an information meeting on the motorpark would be held on June 19 and members of the Bundaberg community were encouraged to go along.

“What we are really looking for now is the land,” he said.

“We need to come up with the land and the money and then it should all go ahead smoothly.”

Mr Collingwood said he was thrilled by the support given by the Fraser Coast and Bundaberg councils.

“We are very happy by the response so far from the Bundaberg Regional Council,” he said.

“It’s very encouraging and great to see a proactive council like this.”

About 100 hectares of land would be needed for the complex and Mr Collingwood hoped a site could be found between Childers and Maryborough.

“Once we have the land and funding, it would be about a three-year project,” he said.

“It would be about 18 months for the environmental and design process and then between 12 and 18 months for the build.”

The committee for the project formed in 2005 and has not been spinning its wheels since.

“Our project was finding if the motorpark is feasible and we know it is now,” Mr Collingwood said.

The information sessions will be held from 10am on June 19 at Bundaberg European Automotive.

For more information, call Mr Collingwood 4152 5883 or 4159 2044 after hours.

Originally published as Motorpark in Childers area