Queensland Raceway wins Lakeside Tender
Pine Rivers Council Chief Executive Officer Ray Burton announced today that Council had approved as the preferred submitter, Queensland Raceway Pty Ltd for the re-development and management of the Lakeside International Raceway facility at Kurwongbah.
Mr Burton said the final outcome was a difficult decision as there were environmental considerations and a high standard of submission proposals from the three short-listed submitters, which also included Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association and Total Driver Pty Ltd.
"The successful submission by Queensland Raceway Pty Ltd will begin a new era at Lakeside,'' he said.
"The facility's name will change slightly from Lakeside International Raceway to Lakeside Park in keeping with the 'green environment' of the site.''
Mr Burton said Queensland Raceway's re-development would address the environmental impact of motorized sport, which also includes noise levels, heritage obligations, and a re-vegetation strategy.
"Council is negotiating a management agreement and contract with Queensland Raceway which will include the times of operation," he said.
"Queensland Raceway will also preserve the park's flora, fauna and vista for the enjoyment of current and future generations, as it is developed into a revitalised venue and successful business operation.
"This organisation will liaise and consult with the Council's environment officers and Pine Water to ensure the preservation of the physical environs including air, water and soil.''
Mr Burton said Queensland Raceway had a history of success in the motor racing industry having transformed Ipswich City Council's racing facility into a tourist asset which attracts 120,000 people each year, however the V-8 cars will not be returning to Lakeside.
He said Lakeside Park was expected to be open for business in early 2007.
Queensland Raceway's winning submission includes a range of driver and motorcycle training activities, milestone and historic racing events, displays and non-motorised recreational activities.
"They will manage this venue as a 'boutique facility,' providing activities complementary to those at their Willowbank venue,'' he said.
Mr Burton said one outstanding feature of the Queensland Raceway's submission was their ability to include Not-for-profit organisations as part of their program development, and future site advisory committee.
"Lakeside will be a shared resource benefiting a wide range of clubs, sporting groups and other organisations that need somewhere to meet for outdoor activities."
He said the 40-year-old icon at Kurwongbah had a place in the heart of most racing enthusiasts, as it had bred some great motor racing legends.
These legends have included: Peter Brock, who recently passed away doing what he love most - car racing, D!ck Johnson, Tony Longhurst, Sir Jack Brabham, Alan Jones, Tony Longhurst and Norm Beechy.
"Queensland Raceway intends to restore the 'heritage' feel to Lakeside in keeping with its strong roots as an icon from yesteryear," he said.
The specific Council resolutions concerning Lakeside from Council's General Meeting of 25 September 2006 are as follows:
1. That the Chief Executive Officer?s recommendations 1, 2 and 3 be adopted.
2. That submitter 1, Queensland Raceway, is the preferred submitter and Council intends to negotiate a management agreement and/or enterprise agreement with this submitter.
3. That other submitters be advised their submissions have been unsuccessful at this stage and they be thanked for their interest.
4. Council resolves that Bennet and Philp Solicitors be appointed to prepare the necessary documentation and that it is satisfied that the provision of these legal services are of such a specialised or confidential nature that it would be impractical or disadvantageous to Council to invite tenders or quotations.
5. That the Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Council working group, the Director Strategic and Development and the Manager Legal Services / Shire Solicitor, undertake contract negotiations with the preferred submitter.
6. Council note that this matter will be further reported to the Co-ordination Committee upon the satisfactory negotiations for the management agreement and/or enterprise agreement.
7. That Queensland Raceway be requested to consider how PCYC programs could be accommodated.
8. That the PCYC be advised Council is progressing with Queensland Raceway as preferred operator and that Queensland Raceway will be requested to review how PCYC programs could be accommodated.
9. That the working group hold discussions with Queensland Raceway with a view to investigating other opportunities to work with community organisations to the mutual benefit of the residents of Pine Rivers Shire.
http://www.prsc.qld.gov.au/c/prsc?a=da& ... 1159320011