fpv_gtho
03-09-2004, 11:31 PM
Bathurst issues ultimatum
By Bob Jennings
Wednesday March 10 2004
The Bathurst City Council says it can't complete the work it has already started on upgrading the Mount Panorama motor racing circuit to international standards unless there is assistance from the Federal Government.
It says that after three years of discussions, it has asked for a final yes or no decision on whether the government will provide the $10 million required to complete the facilities.
The NSW government has already provided $10 million and the former pit, corporate and media buildings have been demolished. Construction has begun on the new facilities at the circuit, which is owned by the council.
According to the Bathurst Mayor, Ian Macintosh., "the situation is now critical" and that without Federal Government financial support, Australia would run the risk of losing major motor racing events such as the Bathurst 1000 and the Bathurst 24-hour touring car races.
"Recognised and revered worldwide, Mt Panorama has hosted motor racing events every year for over 50 years, without Federal Government financial support," said Mr Macintosh. "It generates at least 1200 jobs and contributes around $100 million annually to the Australian economy."
He claimed the annual Bathurst 1000 rated as one of Australia's top four television sporting events with around two million viewers.
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"The effect on the Australian tourist industry and the loss to Australian motor sport fans would be an enormous catastrophe for the local economy and would be almost impossible to replace," he said, pointing out that with new circuits being developed in China, Malaysia and Bahrain were capable of hosting events like the ones at Bathurst.
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is the government really that stupid theyre willing to risk losing such an icon, all when they can fix the quarrel by handing over 10 million? i mean they've probably pulled more out of the health system to supplement spending big on defense. post 9/11, which to be honest, i cant see where its being spent
By Bob Jennings
Wednesday March 10 2004
The Bathurst City Council says it can't complete the work it has already started on upgrading the Mount Panorama motor racing circuit to international standards unless there is assistance from the Federal Government.
It says that after three years of discussions, it has asked for a final yes or no decision on whether the government will provide the $10 million required to complete the facilities.
The NSW government has already provided $10 million and the former pit, corporate and media buildings have been demolished. Construction has begun on the new facilities at the circuit, which is owned by the council.
According to the Bathurst Mayor, Ian Macintosh., "the situation is now critical" and that without Federal Government financial support, Australia would run the risk of losing major motor racing events such as the Bathurst 1000 and the Bathurst 24-hour touring car races.
"Recognised and revered worldwide, Mt Panorama has hosted motor racing events every year for over 50 years, without Federal Government financial support," said Mr Macintosh. "It generates at least 1200 jobs and contributes around $100 million annually to the Australian economy."
He claimed the annual Bathurst 1000 rated as one of Australia's top four television sporting events with around two million viewers.
advertisement
advertisement
"The effect on the Australian tourist industry and the loss to Australian motor sport fans would be an enormous catastrophe for the local economy and would be almost impossible to replace," he said, pointing out that with new circuits being developed in China, Malaysia and Bahrain were capable of hosting events like the ones at Bathurst.
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is the government really that stupid theyre willing to risk losing such an icon, all when they can fix the quarrel by handing over 10 million? i mean they've probably pulled more out of the health system to supplement spending big on defense. post 9/11, which to be honest, i cant see where its being spent