Motorcycling NSW is bankrolling the development in the Shoalhaven region on the south coast which is now in the submission phase, with the organisation having every confidence they will be given the go ahead.

The master plan for the complex has two distinct areas, one containing a sealed road circuit for car, bike and go kart racing and riding/driver training, and the other with off-road precincts for motocross, endurance dirt track and junior riding areas.

Motorcycling NSW general manager Daniel Gatt said the Shoalhaven was chosen after an exhaustive state-wide search for a regional centre, including Bathurst, to address the acute shortage of motorsport facilities in NSW.

“It will be designed for the two tiers of motorsport that often miss out on appropriate facilities – national titles and club level activity – rather than aiming to take international or major competition from the established venues.”

Shoalhaven City Council mayor Joanna Gash told the Western Advocate  the economic benefits would be enormous for their region.

“We don’t have anything like this,” she said. “It’s a first for us. Any development like this has to be good for any city. We have a great location for the development because there was an old track there before and it’s being extended.

“The development application has come in and we are just waiting for it to be approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel because it comes in over $5 million.”

Staunch supporter of a dedicated motorcycle track for Mount Panorama Robert Taylor said Shoalhaven City Council hadn’t beaten Bathurst to the punch by getting this development off the ground.

“The complex near Nowra is not going to be the international-standard circuit like the one we believe could be built at Mount Panorama, so they haven’t really stolen our thunder,” he said. 

“However, it should be noted that Motorcycling NSW have received full and total support and cooperation from Shoalhaven City Council. They have bent over backwards to see this happen.

“We believe a second circuit for Bathurst is viable but our council needs to stop dragging the chain and get things moving.”

“Forget Nowra, it’s not going to be up to the standard of what’s needed here. I can tell you now, if we get this second track at Mount Panorama they will come in droves to use it.

“If you grab a map of NSW and poinpoint Bathurst, it’s geographically perfectly located as a central venue for Newcastle down to sydney and Wollongong.”

Mr Gatt noted the Shoalhaven Mayor was a strong supporter of the development as she understands the many benefits that the complex will bring to her region - from jobs to tourists to promotional opportunities for vehicle launches, expos, and corporate days and as a venue for filming motoring commercials.

“Council understands that this complex will pump tens of millions of dollars a year into the Shoalhaven economy,” he said.

Shoalhaven Tourism Board has also publicly supported the project, describing it as a huge asset for the region that will attract visitors throughout the years.

Mr Gatt said the council expects the project to generate 23 full time jobs during construction and a further 43 flow- on jobs as a result of the development

“It also expects the complex will generate $20-$30 million annually for the region’s economy,” he said.