Brisbane, Queensland – To the disappointment of Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts, the Queensland State Government's Heritage Council did not defend the heritage listing of Lakeside International Raceway in court and has done a deal behind closed doors with the Pine Rivers Shire Council to remove the world famous circuit from the register.

 

The PRSC press release stated, "As part of the arrangement, [PRSC] Council has agreed not to remove the track, control tower or pedestrian bridge for a period of five years." It did not say why the PRSC's case was so compelling, nor did it offer any explanation to the State Government's decision not to defend the appeal.

 

"Now Heritage Listing will be removed, Council will be able to revert to its previous decision to call for Expressions of Interest for the future use of the site for motor sports and other community activities", said Mayor Yvonne Chapman.

 

LMRE president Ian Milton said,

"While I want to reserve my judgements until I see the details, this deal does nothing to assure me that the Council is not working, as we speak, to remove the rare zoning attached to Lakeside, which is critical to its operation as a motor racing facility.

 

"Whilst it's encouraging they're not permitted to bulldoze the track, bridge and control tower for five years, those structures are worthless to our sport without the vital zoning and the heritage listing was protecting that zoning."

LMRE is not seeking the future ownership or management of Lakeside, but is prepared to assist any group making an Expression of Interest application that includes club-level motorsport and all other community groups.

 

"Lakeside is still here and we will continue to fight to re-open Lakeside as a venue for our sport and a practical solution to the hooning problem on the northside", emphasized Mr Milton.

 

 

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