Council backs Ballogie motorsport complex despite initial concerns
After years of planning and debate, the South Burnett’s controversial new motorsport park has moved one step closer to approval. SEE THE PLANS
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After eight years of planning and three years of back and forth between the South Burnett Regional Council and a growing motorsport club, plans for a new racing track park have been approved.
Council voted unanimously in support of a proposed motorsport park on Lewis Duff Rd, Ballogie during the Wednesday general meeting after the motion was tabled at the May council meeting.
The development, proposed by Triple R Motor Sport, would include a car and bike racing track, a dirt drag track, camping grounds, spectator seating and 2550 parking spaces.
The original council recommendation was to refuse the application, based on factors that included noise concerns for neighbouring properties and access to emergency health care in a remote location.
However, the majority of councillors were in support of the development believing it would benefit the region by bringing new business and activity into the community.
At the May meeting, councillor Jane Erkens said developments like this improved the “economic income” in the area and that it was important for the council to encourage business growth and new developments.
The proposal received a mixed reaction from residents, with 20 public submissions made in support of the project and 14 made against the development.
Those who were in support of the motorsport park felt the facility would benefit the community by supporting employment and increasing the range of recreational activities available in the region.
Those who were against the project were concerned with a wide range of issues, including the impact of noise and pollution on the surrounding natural environment and households, the increased strain on local roads, and increased risk of fires in the remote area.
On social media, some people questioned why the region needed another racing facility, when the Kingaroy Speedway was well established.
While the Ballogie park will be another motorsport racing venue, they are proposing some different types of events to what the Speedway currently offers which will include dirt drag racing as well as bike and speedway events.
In 2018, Russell Carswell, president of Triple R Motor Sport, told the South Burnett Times he wanted to bring top fuel drag racing to country Queensland but he had struggled to find the right land to make his dream a reality.
The previous council and former Mayor Keith Campbell reportedly worked with Mr Carswell to try and find a suitable block.
At the time, Mr Campbell said the project would be a good tourism attraction that gave residents a new place to have fun.
“I believe it would be a fantastic facility for the region in that it would draw participants and spectators from a wide range of locations within south east Queensland and beyond,” Mr Campbell said.
Now, it looks like Mr Carswell’s long-held ambition may soon be realised.
Triple R Motorsports will have the opportunity to negotiate amendments to the current approval conditions.