Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts, Inc. met with members
of the Pine Rivers Shire Council's Strategic Town Planning department for
one hour on Tuesday, 6 May 2003 to discuss the future of Lakeside
International Raceway. Full
permanent heritage was granted
by the Queensland State Government on 29
April, 2003.
President of the Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts, Inc.,
Ian Milton, said this about the meeting:
"I would have to
describe the meeting as a good exchange of ideas. It was time well spent
as it gave the Council an opportunity to learn about us and remove some
misunderstandings regarding who we are, our objectives and motor racing in
general."
The PRSC asked questions
and expressed concerns about the return of the V8Supercar category and truck
racing to the circuit, but Mr. Milton was able to clarify that the club was
not seeking to promote either category and that,
"As an organisation, our
charter is not to promote a round of the V8Supercars or seek management of
the facility, but to ensure that club level motor racing returns to Lakeside
as soon as possible."
Mr. Milton expanded,
"If another party or
group was to come along with a proposal that ensures the long term
viability and operation of Lakeside as a club level circuit, and includes
motorcycles, cars and superkarts, then we
would be more than happy to support their efforts. And in addition, any
proposal for the future operation of the facility should continue
Lakeside's tradition of including the wider community wherever possible."
During the meeting,
Pine Rivers Shire Mayor, Mrs. Yvonne Chapman indicated that the Council
would revisit the wording in any future Expression of Interest to manage the
property to include motor racing.
The PRSC has not yet
recieved written notification from the Queensland Heritage Council
and requested that the two groups meet again in 3 to 4 weeks, once
they [PRSC] have had a chance to
understand their new responsibilities according to the legislation. The PRSC
has 30 days in which to lodge an appeal.
Pine River Shire Council
members present at the meeting:
Yvonne Chapman (Mayor)
Bryan Galvin (Deputy
Mayor)
Ray Burton (Chief
Executive Officer)
Yvonne Barlowe
Mike Charlton
Bob Miller
Craig McConnell
David Dwyer
Peter Burtess
Andy Opanowycz
