TIMMIS Speedway has been promised more than enough money to fund vital upgrades, and resume racing, if the Coalition is successful at the November state election.
The Liberal and nationals parties announced on Thursday that they would provide $675,000 towards a major facility upgrade of Timmis Speedway. This follows the suspension of racing in July, when the lighting, electricity and fencing were deemed obsolete by Speedway Victoria.
The election promise would provide the $495,000 needed for the required upgrades, as well as extra for additional improvements to the venue, as laid out in the club’s masterplan.
Timmis Speedway project co-ordinator Jason Waters said the Mildura Speedway Drivers club was “blown away” by the announcement.
“(The funding) would be so beneficial for the club,” he said.
“Hopefully if all goes to plan and we get the money through, we will be racing by Easter.”
The club had recently applied for the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund and were hoping to have a decision soon.
Liberal candidate for Mildura Paul Matheson said the Coalition was concerned that “not much was getting done” in regard to the grant, and therefore, decided to make the election commitment.
He said the upgrade was important to bring thousands of competitors and fans back to Mildura once again, stating it was “absolutely devastating” that the club had to suspend racing.
“Delivering these upgrades will mean Timmis Speedway will become one of three five-star safety rated tracks in Australia, and inject millions of dollars into the local economy,” he said.
Timmis Speedway usually holds eight meetings and hosts more than 15,000 fans each year, welcoming an average of 1800 competitors and spectators at each event.
Mildura local and Australian Junior Sedan Champion Carter Metcalfe, who has been racing at Timmis Speedway since he was 12, said the announcement was great news for the future of the track.
He said the upgrades would create a better venue for everyone.
“It is a bit sad (that racing has been suspended) but it is good because we can upgrade the track so it gets better for everyone,” he said.
“It is going to be really good when it is back up because everyone is going to enjoy it more. There will be a lot more people here.”
Ms Benham said it was important to invest in motorsport in Mildura as it had amazing returns for the economy.
“Locals know how important motorsport is in this area, it brings in so much money into the local economy,” she said.
“Easter alone is worth millions of dollars.”
At the venue for the announcement, leader of the Liberal Party Matthew Guy said Timmis Speedway was one of Mildura’s “hidden gems”.
“Mildura has such a strong connection to motorsport, and this investment will only make it stronger,” he said.
Mr Guy said if elected the funding would be announced very quickly to ensure racing could recommence as soon as possible.
Mr Waters said now the Coalition had made an election promise, he hoped Labour might do the same.
“We have got so many other upgrades around the facility we want to do, and that money would go a long way,” he said.
