The Collie Motorplex may soon become a national attraction after the state government announced its plan to fund track upgrades.
The McGowan government committed an additional $314,000 to help finish the redevelopment of the Collie Motorplex and to bring it up to national standards.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Mick Murray and Minister for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan were joined by members of the Shire of Collie council at the Motorplex to make the announcement last week.
The Collie Motorplex is currently undergoing a $2.97 million upgrade, which has seen the track extended from 1.6km to 2.3km along with improvements to spectator facilities and the construction of a pedestrian access bridge.
However, the $314,000 funding from the state government will be used to construct arrester beds, expand run-off areas, replace kerbing and repair pavement, all of which need to be done for the motorplex to receive national accreditation.
Mr Murray said upgrading safety features and gaining national accreditation for the motorplex would provide a number of benefits to the economy in Collie.
“Collie Motorplex will play a key role in diversifying the Collie economy, with these upgrades set to put the town in the mix for nationally-significant events,” he said.
“National accreditation is the next step for the motorplex and will create new opportunities to attract tourists and create local jobs in town.
“Collie Motorplex is already a great South West asset, but with these upgrades it will be able to set its sights on attracting national-level competitions.”
Shire chief executive officer David Blurton said the upgrades would allow Collie to compete for national races, particularly in motorbike racing, and increase tourism in the area.
“This is the only other sealed race track [in Western Australia] outside of Barbagallo in Perth,” Mr Blurton said.
“So it’s a great opportunity for Collie to showcase our region but also to get some people into town that otherwise wouldn’t come.”
Mr Blurton also said that the funding was important to making sure the track is as safe as possible for drivers.
“This money allows us to finish the track to the highest standard in safety,” he said.
“Obviously the safety of drivers is the utmost concern for us.”
Ms MacTiernan said the funding would provide a boost to local jobs in the area.
“Securing this funding means the Collie community can finally enjoy its state-of-the-art motorplex,” she said.
“We want to see Collie become a centre for motorsports in regional WA, providing a boost to the local economy and driving jobs in the South West.”
