Queensland’s Ipswich City Council wants to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bathurst as part of its endeavours to develop its own motor sport precinct which includes Willowbank Raceway.

According to a media statement issued by Ipswich City Council, the establishment of a management company and the signing of a formal agreement with Bathurst Regional Council will help drive the redevelopment of the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct.

Ipswich City Council is working to recruit a general manager for Ipswich Motorsport Precinct Pty Ltd, the company that will implement the master plan and control operations at the Willowbank

facility. It is hoped a MoU with Bathurst will facilitate co-operation and promote the sharing of successful motor sport initiatives between the two councils.

City Management, Finance and Community Engagement Committee chairman at Ipswich, Cr Paul Tully said motorsport was a major economic driver for the region.

He said forming a company and signing the MoU would help progress the facility and transform it into Queensland’s leading motor sport precinct.

Bathurst mayor Gary Rush confirmed yesterday that he had received a request from Ipswich to sign the MoU.

“It’s something we as a council will discuss and consider,” he said.

“We do already have a MoU with Ipswich City Council in a general sense. A bit like two sister cities. This would take that a step further to focus on motor sport opportunities that are of great importance to both organisations.

“And obviously with Velocity Park at Mount Panorama, there could be synergies that could be shared between Bathurst and Ipswich.”