The publics chance to dictate Sandown future
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 23 May 2024
The future of the iconic Sandown Raceway is once again up for discussion with fans given the chance to have their say in the next month.
The Melbourne Racing Club is proposing significant changes to the historic horse and motor racing venue with the proposal seeking “to enable the redevelopment of the land for predominantly residential use including approximately 7,500 homes” which means the Sandown motor racing circuit would be no more.
Sandown is steeped in motor racing history, being opened in 1962, hosting events such as the Australian Grand Prix and Sandown 500, which will celebrate a 60th anniversary this September.
The traditional September enduro is one of the most treasured prizes in the Supercars season, with Peter Brock winning it nine times and Jamie Whincup enjoying a sixth last year.
It also held the pre F1 Australian Grand Prix in 1964, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1976 and 1978, when the likes of Sir Jack Brabham and Jim Clark were victorious.
A six-person Sandown Racecourse Advisory Committee has been appointed by the Minister for Planning to advise the Minister on all relevant matters associated with the proposed redevelopment of the Sandown Racecourse.
However, part of the process includes public consultation, with submissions open between Monday, May 20 to 23.59 Monday, June 24.
COMPLETE SANDOWN SUMBISSION HERE
When the window for public consultation closes, the Sandown Racecourse Advisory Committee will conduct a public hearing process, likely between August and October, while a directions hearing will take place on July 17.
One section of the information sheet about the proposed Sandown redevelopment did include the question will horse racing and motorsport continue at the site?
The following is the statement on the topic.
The current process is to consider the potential redevelopment of the land.
Any changes to horse racing or other existing uses such as motorsport will be subject to future decisions by Racing Victoria and Melbourne Racing Club members.
Information about the future of racing at the site can be found at mrc.racing.com/sandown-planning.
The future of Sandown has been an ongoing talking point over time, especially recent years.
Whilst the 500km race is celebrating 60th anniversary this year, Tailem Bend has been promised an enduro for 2025.
The Sandown Racecourse Advisory Committee consists of Kathy Mitchell AM (Chair), William O’Neil (Deputy Chair), Geoff Underwood (Deputy Chair), Noelene Duff PSM, Prof Rob Adams AM and Peter Edwards.
The 2024 Sandown 500 will be held on September 13-15.
Image: Peter Norton EPIC Sports Photography
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