AVALON REV-UP: Airport precinct picked for new state home of motorsport

AVALON Airport is set to host Victoria’s proposed Home of Motorsport after the state government named it as the preferred home for the racing hub.

A purpose-built facility including tracks to host elite events has been earmarked for the airport precinct.

The new hub would cater for a range of motorsport disciplines including motorcycles, karts and drag racing for grassroots events up to top-level competition in an all-encompassing facility that has been roundly praised by sport administrators.

A 150-hectare plot and $1.6 million of government cash will be set aside to begin design and planning.

A Home of Victorian motorsport was a priority of a 10-year state infrastructure and participation strategy overview that peak bodies released earlier this month.

The report found that despite Victoria hosting some of the world’s biggest motorsport events in Formula 1 and MotoGP Grand Prix races, it suffered from “limited quality motorsport infrastructure” for its more than 28,800 participants, which limited the sport’s sustainability and growth.

It said a dedicated facility for the sport, run by the sport, would address these challenges.

Motorsport Australia chief executive Eugene Arocca welcomed the move to establish the motorsport home this week.

“Motorsport is very popular here in Victoria, however the state has been lagging behind due to a lack of accessible venues from the grassroots up to the professional level,” he said.

“A Home of Motorsport would solve this problem and will serve the Victorian motorsport community for many years to come.”

Motorcycling, karting and drag racing bodies also welcomed the announcement this week and all contributed to the recent strategic report.

The move is also a major boost for Avalon Airport. Chief executive officer Tony Brun welcomed the decision, which he said this week would complement its existing property precinct and international operations.

“We have been selected as the preferred site for the proposed home of motorsport in Victoria, a decision based on Motorsport Australia’s existing participation base, proximity to transport and logistics infrastructure, and the site’s potential for significant development.

“We have been the regular host for logistics for major motorsports use at our international airport and we look forward to welcoming more members of the motorsport community to our precinct.”

Planning and design will include how to best configure the track for a wide range of uses. Former Major Projects Victoria executive director Tim Bamford will be project director.

State government figures said the project would also deliver economic support to the Gelong region and Victoria.

“Motorsport is a great Victorian passion and pastime for many, and it also supports thousands of jobs and delivers significant economic benefits to our state,” Creative Industries Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.

“A Home of Motorsport at Avalon would inspire and encourage the development of up-and-coming drivers in their efforts to become household names like local heroes Oscar Piastri and Cameron Waters.”

Lara MP Ella George said she looked forward to the “major economic and sporting benefits [the precinct] will deliver to our local community.”