THE SHIRE of Collie has passed a motion to secure the future of one of Collie’s most popular sporting facilities.
The council approved the lease renewal of the Motor Cycle Scramble Course at Stockton Lake at the meeting of Tuesday, August 2.
The council is set to lease the track from the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) and sub-lease it to the Collie Motocross Club for the next ten years.
The council confirmed it would be a community built and operated sub-lease with the additional requirement for the club to be responsible for reinstatement ahead of the lease’s termination.
Shire of Collie chief executive officer David Blurton said the renewal ensured the club and community’s continued use of the area.
“The Collie Motocross Club has operated from the Stockton Lake Scramble Track for many years,” he said.
“There has been no change to the lease conditions or the lease area, so the main benefit of the lease renewal for a longer term is that it will provide security of tenure for the club.
“Now that DPAW have provided a lease renewal, the Shire will prepare a sub-lease to the Collie Motocross Club.”
Mr Blurton said the move aligned with the Shire of Collie’s push for sporting and tourism-related facilities in the longer term.
“In the recent Reimagining Collie community survey and consultation participants were in favour of a strong tourism focus providing diversification for the local economy and employment opportunities,” he said.
“This aligns with council’s adopted Strategic Community Plan which includes strategies that aim to grow the local tourism industry.
“The club has indicated that it will proceed to expand its events calendar and upgrade the infrastructure at the grounds.”
Collie Motocross Club president Paul Bevan said the council’s decision has secured the Collie Motocross Club’s future for an extended period.
“It’s a big deal for the club, it gives us assurance going into the future and with the up-keep and renewal of assets and infrastructure it gives us the ability to have confidence going forward, continue to grow the club and grow our infrastructure,” he said.
“It’s something the club has been asking and searching for for the past 10 years, we’ve got 170 members we’re a valuable part of the community, we provide a controlled environment for motorcycle enthusiasts so for us to grow as a club, and to have that assurance too, it’s a big deal.”
Mr Bevan said the track was one of numerous facilities that highlighted the town’s passion for sport, entertainment and tourism all year round.
“We complement the Collie Motorplex, we support like-minded clubs – we’ve have the quad club and vintage motocross come and ride – all that brings business to town through fuel, accommodation, food etc.,” he said.
The Collie Motocross Club has announced plans to expand its events calendar for the upcoming season.
