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Wednesday, 13 May 1981
Page: 2369

(Question No. 591)


Mr Holding asked the Minister for the Capital Territory, upon notice, on 25 February 1981:

(1) Has his attention been drawn to the article headed 'Proposed racing circuit poses environmental problems' in the 'Bogong', the journal of the Canberra and South East Region Environment Centre, Volume 2, No. 1, February-March 1981.

(2) Is there any substance to the allegations in that article, that (a) the motor racing circuit at Warwick Farm, NSW, was recently closed; if so, when was it closed and did that closure follow nearby residents' protest about noise: (b) a syndicate of 4 persons approached the Government, 2 years ago with the proposal for a world class racing circuit in Canberra and (c) the Government has committed approximately $2.5 million for land acquisition and infrastructure works for the project; if so, in which Budget was this allocation made and what is the relevant appropriation line number or numbers.


Mr Hodgman —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

I am informed by my Department that:

(1) Yes-it represents one facet of opinion on the possible development of an international motor racing circuit in the Australian Capital Territory.

(2) (a) Following recommendations on the unsafe conditions at the track by the NSW Police Department the licence (under the 'Speedway Racing (Public Safety) Act 1957') which expired on 13.12.73, was not renewed by the NSW Chief Secretary's Department.

I understand a proposal in 1973 to build a short circuit track (approximately 1 mile) at a cost of $50,000 was abandoned as it was not in the interest of horse racing and local community groups had protested about likely noise pollution.

(b) Yes-it is true that a group representing motor racing clubs in the Australian Capital Territory approached the Government two years ago with a proposal for the construction of an international standard (Formula 1) motor racing circuit in the ACT.

(c) No-the matter is still under consideration.