EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Collie Motorplex Board is disappointed that they have been dragged into a political dispute between Mr Murray and Mr Rundle.
The Board has not made any representations to the National Party as stated by the Minister. The Boards role is apolitical, and we are interested in working with any individual, business, Local, State or Federal Government departments to secure assistance and funding for the Motorplex.
It should also be remembered that the Board is made up of volunteers who contribute a significant amount of their own personal time given the limited resources available to them.
RESPONSE BY ITEM
"The group is dysfunctional....what a disgrace that group is...the group is dishonest...I am absolutely disgusted with the motorsport group itself...."
The Minister, appears confused in relation to the Collie Motorplex Inc and the Collie Motorsport Group who are two different bodies. He refers several times, to the motorsport group, which maybe why some of his statements are difficult to follow. It is a shame that Mr Murray and Mr Rundle had not asked to meet with the Board, as we would be very happy to work with any interested parties.
In 2019 so far, the "dysfunctional", "disgusting", "dishonest" and "disgraceful" Board of Collie Motorplex Inc, have achieved the following:
The planning, design, construction and licensing of a new Track extension stages 1 and 2, meeting both Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and Motorcycling Australia (MA)h national track licencing standards;
A 90% resurface and improvement of the original short track
Negotiation of Bendigo Bank funding of $495,000.00, associated with the planning and construction of a pedestrian footbridge, completed in the required timeframe and within budget
Organisation of Federal Government funding of $750,000.00 leveraged from dollar for dollar matched funding and used for Stage 2 upgrades (short track resurface and pedestrian footbridge including 1LOP, 2LOP, carpark and footpath)
Implementation of a new Constitution, which will allow membership for interested persons, improved consultation and lead to further growth and support of the Motorplex.
The planning, coordination and execution of 73 events midweek and weekends (this does not include the 7 events which were cancelled due to the track resurface or 4 confidential private hires) including a National Historic Motorcycling event.
Development of a new document framework, planning and commencement of a new administrative infrastructure to assist with the increased use of the circuit.
Facilitation of a financial audit in accordance with Collie Motorplex becoming a Tier 2 association.
Provided sponsorship to WA Disabled Sports Association, University of WA, Curtin University, Asthma WA, Driftability and two junior motorcycle racers.
Continued support for Collie PCYC, Max Employment, Work for the Dole Program, Collie Senior High School, South Regional TAFE Collie Campus, Youth Driver Development Program and Department of Justice.
Participates in the apprenticeship system via The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office and employs a full time trainee who is currently studying Cert IV in Business Administration.
It seems astonishing what the Board has achieved, "while sitting on their bums".
"the group refused free labour assistance in the form of an Aboriginal workers group or Bunbury prisoners"
The Aboriginal Work Group referred to, attended Collie Motorplex for live works training in collaboration with a training specialist company, and numerous local businesses.
This was to facilitate, for these workers, achievement of Cert III in Civil Construction Plant Operations. Funding was provided by the Department of Training and Workforce Development. The 24 participants and trainers, were openly welcomed by the Board and Staff, and remained on site for 12 weeks. This arrangement was set up by a solely private training company with no involvement from Collie Motorplex apart from generously letting them train at our facility free of charge.
Following the success of this course, two more courses were conducted at Collie Motorplex, both for the duration of 12 weeks and the mutual benefits received by all parties was an overall pleasing result.
The prisoners were utilised to assist with constructing tyre barriers for the extended track. This was organised via Department of Corrective Services Section 95 Activities by the Collie Motorplex Manager. Constructing the tyre bundles, was a huge exercise, which required 480 tyre barriers (24,000 tyres, 75,000 nuts/bolts and 150,000 washers) to be constructed to enable the extended track to be licenced. Collie Motorplex also employed five local people, full time for five months thus creating job opportunities locally.
We also continue to support the 'Adult Justice System' who have attended site 10 times since January with 37 people assisting and a total of 50 hours community work performed.
"the motorsport group in Collie declined to have the Gazzanats there, because it did not want to have rubber on the track for when the motorbikes came out"
Collie Motorplex never declined Gazzanats due to rubber on the track, they were offered the venue and burnout pad but did not accept the offer. A statement was sent to both the Collie Mail and South Western Times regarding the reasons why the board declined the use of the track regarding Gazzanats but both papers chose not to run the press release.
"We provided $15000 to help promote the historic motorcycle races, but the group didn't use it"
The $15,000.00 funding to help promote the historic motorcycle race, was not for advertising of the event, nor was it granted to Collie Motorplex. This was granted to the Historic Competition Motorcycle Club of WA who, as per the agreement, were required to utilise it on marquees, generators, toilets, fuel trailer and lighting. To our knowledge the money was utilised as requested, and acquitted accordingly. Advertising of this event was extensive with flyers/posters distributed between Bunbury and Perth, social media advertising, radio advertising in Perth, Collie, Harvey and Bunbury along with TV advertising in Perth and the South West, which ran for four weeks prior to the event.
"Right at this moment, an inquiry is taking place into the group's book work, and the auditor is in all sorts of bother."
There is no enquiry taking place into the group's bookwork. The Board initiated an audit themselves in accordance with the Associations Incorporation Act. This audit has been conducted and completed by a local reputable accounting firm. The Board is unsure why the Minister has made this statement. It can only assume it is based on misinformation and hearsay?
"We give that money straight away and the group did not use it"
With regard to the $314,000.00 we were not made aware of it until the week it was announced, and the funds were not made available immediately as stated. We were encouraged by Mick Murray to apply to the Federal BBRF program, which made sense because the Commonwealth would match dollar for dollar. This was not a premeditated strategy, rather an opportunity to gain some much-needed additional funding. The Boards intent, is always aimed at the best interests of the Motorplex, Collie and WA.
"We provided another $100 000 for promotion of that area but it has not been used"
The $100,000.00 funding, which we waited 2 years to receive, is targeted for a complete Marketing Strategy. The Motorplex has developed a Marketing Plan Proposal, incorporating branding, marketing brochures, website, digital content, merchandising, membership program, regional marketing links, sponsorship, and event marketing. An "Expression of Interest" for this strategy development and implementation is arranged to go out for a second round (due to the goal posts being changed by DLGSC), to both local and national marketing contractors and a contract to be awarded before the end of 2019.
The Board hopes, that in providing accurate information, Mr Murray and Mr Rundle can better discuss the exciting asset that the Collie Motorplex is and we look forward to working closer with them.
The Board extends a warm invitation to both individuals and will organise a meeting at their convenience either at the Motorplex or at their offices.
