DriveIT project races ahead with start of track construction
Construction of the race track at the DriveIt motorsport and driver education complex is beginning, with the release of the next tranche of Federal Government funding.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson committed $7 million for this next stage of the project which will go towards the 2.75km circuit, following the initial $5 million which has already seen the driver education and general facilities come to fruition.
“This is an amazing milestone for our community, and I know a lot of motorsport enthusiasts have been itching to get out here and try out the new track,” Mr Thompson said.
“DriveIt is already proving to be invaluable for our region, with the Townsville-based Police Academy using it a number of times for driver training.
“This capability will be further enhanced with the addition of the racing circuit which means not only will our emergency services be better equipped for training, but local motorsport enthusiasts will be able to get racing.”
DriveIt NQ Limited Chairman Greg Fitzgerald said it was an important milestone for the project.
“They said we’d never make it, but after 17 years of advocacy and planning to commence construction of our 2.75km racing circuit is a watershed moment four our dedicated team,” he said.
“Once completed the precinct will provide around $35M of economic benefit to the Townsville regional economy.”
DriveIt CEO pat Driscoll said the federal funding was instrumental to the project’s success.
“This important part of our overall plan is being realised by a $7M Federal grant. Our thanks goes to Phillip Thompson for making this happen,” he said.
“We are pleased to be delivering this important community asset in the election term it was promised.”
Construction is expected to be completed in February next year, weather-permitting.
ENDS