He said he was happy the state government had made a contribution, but that contribution could be bigger, considering the economic benefit a second circuit at Mount Panorama would bring to the state’s economy.

Mr Barilaro said while he had been to Bathurst a number of times, he had yet to attend a Bathurst 1000. 

“I am a mad V8 fan,” he said, adding that last year he went to NASCAR off his own bat to see how they do things there.

“That city bases its whole economy on motorsport,” he said. “We know what Bathurst stands for. It won’t take much to sell it. I would definitely like to see the state do more.

“I am always looking for opportunities to ensure towns continue to grow,” Mr Barilaro said. 

The minister said there were great opportunities available for Bathurst on the back of the V8s.

He said the creation of a second circuit could attract even more events such as the MotoGP. 

Mr Barilaro applauded council’s vision to foster industry on the back of motorsport at Mount Panorama. 

“That’s what we want to see, something that brings jobs to the region,” he said.

“I believe in creating opportunities that will give people a reason to move to places like Bathurst,” Mr Barilaro said.

He added that council had been leading the way in creating a motorsport precinct by ensuring land is available, not only for a second circuit, but the ancillary industry that could accompany it. 

“They have done a great job in setting themselves up for the future,” Mr Barilaro said. “I love the vision.”

While in Bathurst mayor Gary Rush also spoke to Mr Barilaro about whether the state government could do more to support the Evo Cities program.

“Bathurst and other communities are strong on Evo Cities and they are all pitching to see the state government putting money into Evo Cities,” the minister said.

“The key message here is there are great opportunities and we need to make sure we feed the economic drivers in regional centres and one of those drivers is tourism,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Tourism is fundamental to the regions.” 

Mayor Gary Rush said he had a very productive discussion with the minister.

He said he was pleased Mr Barilaro understood council’s desire for a second circuit as more than a race track, but an opportunity to develop related industry and attract new business to Bathurst, which will boost the local economy through the jobs created.

“Here we have a great opportunity to boost the visitor and local economy through the attraction of industry and therefore jobs growth,” Cr Rush said.