SYDNEY SPEEDWAY PLAN PROGRESSES

Sydney Speedway continues to take steps forward. Image: Supplied

The new Sydney Speedway has taken another step forward in its planning as the Environment Impact Statement was submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment today.

By HEATH McALPINE

Situated near Sydney Dragway and Sydney Motorsport Park, the replacement venue for Parramatta Speedway is aiming to start construction by the end of this year, depending on planning approvals.

Racing is set to begin at the circuit in the 2021-22 Speedway season.

The venue encompasses a 450m clay track featuring a 345m motorcycle speedway circuit within the infield. The design replicates the layout at Parramatta, while the motorcycle oval will be built to international specifications capable of hosting Speedway GPs, grassroots motorcycle speedway karting and vintage classes.

EIS submissions can be made directly to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment until September 16.

“We get to see the proposed plans at the same time as everyone else but are confident that this will be a world class facility,” said Speedway Australia chairman Guy Thompson.

“We appreciate the fact that Sydney Metro have liaised with us to ensure the venue is built to Speedway Australia’s five-star safety rating.”

“In terms of the final design this is a massive opportunity that the New South Wales government has given us as a sport and we should utilise the fact that they are fast tracking the planning process to help make the venue as good as it can be. It’s important that anyone with constructive feedback gets in touch with the government via the appropriate channels by the September 16 deadline”.

Sprintcar Control Council of Australia President Kathy Kelly also added her excitement in today’s development.

“While it’s sad to lose the history and atmosphere of the current venue, it’s great that Sprintcar racing in New South Wales will soon have a modern new home,” said Kelly.

“Sydney set the standard for Sprintcar racing in Australia when the current venue was built, and will do so again at Eastern Creek from next year. This is an exciting new era for our sport!”

A virtual information room showcasing the key aspects of the project, the EIS document and videos displaying the layout of the new complex and interviews with industry specialists can be found here: sydneymetro.info/speedwayvirtual

This announcement comes as Parramatta Speedway confirmed a delay to its season indefinitely, originally scheduled to take place on October 3.

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