Symmons Plains Raceway for get a $5.4m upgrade in Federal Election promise by Peter Dutton

Tasmania’s home of motorsport, Symmons Plains Raceway, would get an unprecedented upgrade under a Coalition Government. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton donned a racing suit in pit lane to reveal what he would do.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton at Symmons Plains Raceway with Liberal candidate for Lyons Susie Bower. An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest $5.4 million to upgrade TasmaniaÕs premier motorsport venue, Symmons Plains Raceway, delivering significant improvements for spectators, competitors, and the wider community. Picture: supplied

Tasmania’s home of motorsport, Symmons Plains Raceway, would get an unprecedented $5.4m upgrade under a Coalition Government as Opposition leader Peter Dutton put the pedal to the metal on his election campaign in the state on Saturday.

The state government this week signed a three-year extension to keep the V8 supercars racing in Tasmania with a new three-year deal worth $6m deal, which included a $1.8.m component for safety upgrades to Symmons Plains to keep it up to speed with national standards.

Donning a red racing suit in pit lane at Symmons during the national Trans-Am championship event there this weekend, Mr Dutton revealed his potential overhaul to the battle field for Tasmania’s round of the supercars _ the state’s biggest sporting event.

Spectators at Symmons Plains. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

“Symmons Plains is not only the home of motorsport in Northern Tasmania – it’s a key driver of regional tourism,” he said.

“This investment will ensure Motorsport Tasmania can continue delivering high-calibre events with high-quality infrastructure to match.

“Labor has neglected regional infrastructure for too long, but [Liberal Candidate] Susie Bower is a passionate advocate for Lyons who is working tirelessly to ensure local communities get the support, services, and infrastructure they need and deserve.”

AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Will Brown driver of the #9 Coca-Cola Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 during race 1 of the Tasmania Supersprint, part of the 2023 Supercars Championship Series at Symmons Plains Raceway on May 20, 2023 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

The Dutton money would go to:

1.Control tower upgrades

2.New digital flag-point lighting system

3.Enhanced driver training amenities

4.Essential service upgrades (power, sewerage, etc)

5.Refurbishment of the function centre, including training rooms and a covered spectator area

6.Improved media centre

7.Upgraded toilet amenities

The state government money would go into on-track improvements.

Liberal candidate for Lyons Susie Bower with Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton at Symmons Plains Raceway. An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest $5.4 million to upgrade TasmaniaÕs premier motorsport venue, Symmons Plains Raceway, delivering significant improvements for spectators, competitors, and the wider community. Picture: supplied

Ms Bower said the Coalition’s investment would deliver on what locals had been calling for – boosting tourism, and upgrading vital community infrastructure.

“This $5.4 million commitment from an elected Dutton Coalition Government will deliver real improvements to the facilities that thousands of Tasmanians, tourists, and motorsport fans use every year,” she said.

“Whether it’s modernising toilet amenities, upgrading the function centre and media spaces, or delivering a new driver training facility – this is about delivering infrastructure that serves everyone.

“Symmons Plains is also the proud host of the Tasmanian All Schools Cross Country event, welcoming over 2,500 participants and 3,500 spectators, and a preferred training ground for emergency services across the state.

“These upgrades will benefit not just motorsport, but schools, emergency services, and local families too.”