Have your say on new strategy to drive growth in motorsport
Published on 24 November 2023
Sunraysia’s first ever all-encompassing strategy to grow motorsport in our region has been released for public comment.
The draft Mildura Regional Motorsport Strategy proposes a new approach to driving growth in motorsport by building the capacity of local clubs.
Mildura Mayor Liam Wood said this would empower clubs to grow their membership bases, improve their facilities and host major events more often.
“This new approach will not only benefit local clubs, ensuring their future growth, but build on the massive contribution motorsport already makes to our local economy,” Cr Wood said.
Work on the draft strategy has been underway since March this year, including:
- About 40 one-on-one interviews with local motorsport club representatives, competitors and national motorsport bodies
- Site visits to all local motorsport venues
- Attendance at numerous local major motorsport events
- Post-event participant surveys
- Club facility audits
- Community focus sessions
- Development of strategic plans for local motorsport clubs
- Appointment of a Council-funded Project Delivery Officer, providing a direct link between clubs and Council.
This comprehensive pool of information has been used to produce the draft strategy, which is now available for public comment at https://bit.ly/MotorsportStrategy . Feedback can be provided until Wednesday, 6 December.
One of the key actions that has already been identified and implemented is the formation of a Regional Motorsport Alliance.
The Alliance is chaired by the Mildura Mayor and comprises key local motorsport club and industry representatives, including international solo speedway star Leigh Adams.
“No-one knows motorsport better than the local clubs that have been responsible for our region’s enviable reputation as a breeding ground for motorsport champions and events,” Cr Wood said.
“It only makes sense to draw on their passion and experience as we work together to take motorsport to the next level in our region.
“Having someone with Leigh Adams’ profile and wealth of experience at national and international level is a massive coup.”
Leigh Adams was born and raised in Sunraysia and is one of Australia’s most successful motorsport exports, enjoying a successful international career spanning more than two decades.
A 10-time national solo speedway champion, Under 21 World Champion and former World Number 2 among a host accolades, Leigh said he was looking forward to playing a role growing motorsport in the region.
“We already have a great foundation in our region in terms of motorsport success and this strategy will help us build on that,” Leigh said.
“A major opportunity I see is growing junior membership across all clubs.
“At the end of the day, our juniors are the future of our sport and this strategy, and the club-specific strategic plans, will help identify how we can go about doing this.”
The draft Mildura Regional Motorsport Strategy is largely funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria.
ENDS