THE lobbying for a second circuit at Mount Panorama has moved into overdrive.
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Federal Member for Calare John Cobb has met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at Parliament House to discuss Bathurst’s $50 million vision for what is being called Velocity Park.
Velocity Park would include the second track plus a commercial and industrial precinct that, it is hoped, would attract businesses and industries – particularly those associated with the motoring industry – to relocate to Bathurst.
Velocity Park is part of Bathurst Regional Council’s masterplan to ensure Mount Panorama remains the premier motor racing precinct in Australia.
Mr Cobb and Bathurst mayor Gary Rush agreed on the need for the prime minister to be aware of the current plans for Velocity Park and the growth it will generate.
Mr Cobb and Cr Rush put the plans to cabinet secretary Arthur Sinodinos and treasurer Scott Morrison in Canberra in February.
During that visit, Cr Rush said council’s commitment to a second track and Velocity Park was demonstrated by its extensive land acquisitions in the area.
The sporting infrastructure already in place in that precinct – including the new harness racing complex and the Bathurst Bike Park – was also mentioned.
Mr Cobb said Velocity Park represents the next step forward for Mount Panorama to build on Bathurst’s already world-class motorsport reputation.
“People come from across the globe to witness the magic of Mount Panorama, with the Bathurst 1000, the 12 Hour and the 6 Hour,” he said.
Mr Cobb and Cr Rush recently hosted Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash in Bathurst to mark a $6.2 million infrastructure upgrade to Mount Panorama that was funded by the Australian Government and Bathurst Regional Council.
Mr Cobb said Minister Nash attended a meeting with Bathurst Regional Council following the opening of the track upgrades to discuss the plans for Velocity Park and was excited about an investment in the region’s future.
“Bathurst Regional Council have been working very hard at gaining support from all levels of government and I look forward to continue working towards a positive outcome for Bathurst at a Federal Government level,” Mr Cobb said.
Cr Rush said council was appreciative of Mr Cobb’s assistance in discussing council’s plans for Velocity Park and the associated second circuit with the prime minister.
“For council to be successful in its bid to make Velocity Park a reality we need the support of the Federal and State governments for what will be a partnership project,” he said.
“Council is committed to investment in productive infrastructure to ensure continued economic growth and the development of Velocity Park is an integral part of this.”