October 29, 2015
The South Burnett Regional Council breathed new life into the proposed Wondai Street Sprints motor race meeting on Wednesday when it agreed to resurface parts of the Wondai Industrial Estate to provide Sprints organisers with a race track.
A proposal to undertake the $220,000 resurfacing project to create a 1.6km race track was moved by Cr Damien Tessmann.
Cr Tessmann said the organising committee for the Wondai Street Sprints first approached the Council with the idea two years ago.
“We all thought it was a good idea that could bring a lot of people to the area, and we all agreed the Industrial Estate was the perfect venue to hold a sprint car race meeting,” Cr Tessmann said.
“We didn’t have any money to put towards it, so we had to say no. But we promised we’d look at it again when we had our next Budget review.”
Cr Tessmann said in light of Cr Keith Campbell’s announcement earlier in Wednesday’s meeting that the SBRC had just received an unexpected $1.275 million windfall, he wanted to move a motion Council spend $220,000 resurfacing some roads in Wondai’s Industrial Estate to create the racing circuit.
Cr Tessmann said organisers had originally proposed the entire surface be asphalted, which would cost an estimated $300,000.
“We told them that was too expensive, so they went away and came back to us with another proposal that we only put asphalt on parts of the course where there is high acceleration, and use a lower grade of surface on the other parts.
“That reduces the cost to $220,000.”
Cr Barry Green said he was seconding Cr Tessmann’s motion as chair of the Sports Portfolio.
“I agree the Industrial Estate is an ideal venue, and building this race track in Wondai will give the town another boost,” he said.
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said he also supported the motion.
“The people behind the Wondai Street Sprints put together Motors In Motion and know what they’re doing,” the Mayor said.
“Motor racing is a very popular sport because lots of people identify with it, and the biggest problem with motor racing events is traffic control.
“The Industrial Estate is a perfect venue because it’s just off a main highway in an enclosed area, and on a weekend there’s no traffic and plenty of room for parking.”
Cr Tessman’s motion was carried.
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Great result for the Wondai and South Burnett community. A “go” at last for the ‘Motors in Motion’ committee.
Congratulations Kevin, Malcolm and Dennis in persisting with your vision. Great outcome for the South Burnett over the long term.
Fantastic news! This will become one of the closest sprint race to me hear in Rockhampton! I can’t wait to compete at this event! I love the track layout as well! Top job guys!
Keen Racer!
Josh
Looking forward to competing at this new event and chatting to Mel & Josh again when they have set up their 5-star campsite again. When will the entries open and how will we know when to lodge an entry form?
Here is a link to the official website: http://sbmotorsinmotion.com/wondai-sprints
The link to the official website doesn’t work. When will the entries open ???
It looks like the organisers have removed their old web page about the event. Try this link: http://sbmotorsinmotion.com/ . They also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Burnett-Motors-in-Motion/113052615446538
Good move Council, your town will reap the rewards of this event! I’m from Brisbane and I plan on bringing my family to buy food maybe stay somewhere! Buy from as many local businesses as possible!
Credit where credit is due…. wonderful organisation led by Kevin. But this wouldn’t have happened without the great support from the previous Council who pumped $200,000 into the project due to savings in the Budget
Very good job Kevin, I want to have a go, try next year thanks. We need more tracks these days. Hope all goes well.