By BRAD PERRY
RIVERLANDERS have been given an insight into how the proposed Barmera drag strip may look following the submission of the Riverland Motor Sport Club’s development application this month.
Backed by the Berri Barmera Council, the motor sport club has released impressive plans which include a quarter mile concrete racing strip, burnout pad and top class clubrooms on land adjacent to the Riverland Field Days site.
Riverland Motor Sports Club president Denis Oates said a response to the development plans is expected by March or April.
“We are definitely getting closer all the time but it’s a long drawn out process,” he said.
Still searching for major avenues of funding, Mr Oates believes the cost of building the facility will be money well spent considering the potential financial return to the region.
“It will be the best money spinner in the Riverland,” he said.
“Once you get people over from interstate, it is not just them coming over on their own, they are bringing their families.
“We need a bit of good news in the Riverland.”
Stage one of the development will include a 1.6 kilometre long drag racing strip, concrete barriers, burnout and skid pads and an eight metre high spectator mound.
“The main thing is to get it started...the Riverland people will be surprised (as to how much money it brings to the region),” Mr Oates said.
The development application has the construction of clubrooms with catering and amenities facilities (which will also be used as a classroom for driver education), officials and time keeping box, as well as timing gear and staging lights as part of stage two.
The final stage plans for a second spectator mound, lighting to host night events and an acoustic wall.
While there are still a number of hurdles for the club, such as passing EPA and Native Vegetation Council requirements, Mr Oates is confident the application will be passed by the relevant authorities.
The application proposes that motorsport events such as the show ‘n’ shine could be held at the site and a three day national motorsport/drag racing event that predicted to bring big dollars to the region is also planned.
Seven years after an application and approval process for the drag strip was not finalised “due to matters being unresolved with the Riverland Field Days committee”, the
club feels as if it is finally making significant
progress.
