Plans to further propel the motorsports industry in the region is underway following a meeting between key industry representatives last week.
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Representatives from Wakefield Park, Goulburn Motorcycle Club, Goulburn Speedway, Legend Cars Australia, Marulan Driver Training and relevant Goulburn Mulwaree Council staff attended the consultation.
Discussions, led primarily by consultant Steve Thompson, explored the industry on a national level and presented statistics aimed to leverage the sector for the region.
“We need to have the bigger picture before we go forward and Steve has identified that we have some unusual strengths in the area such as a diverse collection of facilities in one place,” economic development officer Debbie Rodden said.
“This is a strategic approach for the economic development and we will be rolling out this model for other industries in the future.”
Ms Rodden said evidence based research into the motorsports industry would help identify the strengths and sharpen the scope for upcoming events or projects.
Spanning close to two hours, Ms Rodden said the meeting was well received by all.
“Everyone’s got the same goal, to keep motorsports growing,” manager of Marulan Driver Training Garry Wilmington said.
“It’s absolutely instrumental being able to work with the council and make motorsport bigger in this region.”
Owner of Legend Cars Australia Sam Bouker said she made the move from Bungendore in an effort to increase promotion and business efficiency.
Considerations for the move included the proximity from Sydney and Canberra, access to freight and major highways.
“The meeting was very good. It was something I feel was needed: everyone from the industry on the same page,” Ms Bouker said.
“The willingness of the local council to promote local sports in the area is really, really good.
“Now we have an opportunity to have processes in place going forward.”
Operations manager of Wakefield Park Matt Baragwanath also acknowledged the council’s support, but admitted there was still work to do.
One option which may be adopted by the council includes uniting the motorsports representatives in a working party following the consultant’s presentation.
“I wouldn’t want to be on a group that goes nowhere,” Mr Baragwanath said. “There’s got to be some constructive measures put into place.”
Preliminary findings gathered suggest the average motorsporting participant is older, has a family and maintains a high income.
Ms Rodden said evidence also suggested those who plan to make a tree change move to areas visited before.
The Motorsports Industry Research discussion paper is expected to be completed in the following weeks.
The council plans to implement a similar strategic analysis on the transport and logistics industry next.