Site’s right for motor sports

By Melissa Meehan
Driver education for the youth of Pakenham will be the main focus of a motorsports facility earmarked for Pakenham.
The Cardinia Shire Council will ask state Planning Minister Justin Madden to prepare an amendment to the Cardinia Planning Scheme to allow a motor recreation and education park on council-owned land at 335 McGregor Road, Pakenham.
Mayor Cr Graeme Legge said council had been investigating the possibility of a motor recreation and education park in the local area for a number of years.
“There is strong support in the community for such a facility,” Cr Legge said.
“The issue has always been about finding the right location and now we believe we have it.
“The 50 hectare site in McGregor Road is far enough away from residential areas to address issues relating to noise, yet close enough to ensure it will have positive economic and social flow-on benefits to the local community.”
Councillor Collin Ross said the council had been working towards finding a site since 1998.
He said in previous years a site near Bald Hill Road was proposed, but he believed McGregor Road would be a much better fit.
“This is the perfect setting for something like this,” Cr Ross said.
“It’s in an area touted as a commercial hub with freeways on either side, that will stop all noise issues – it’s a perfect fit.”
He said the facility would be used by the Pakenham Auto Club and Kooweerup and District Motorcycle Club and could include go karting, driver education and other motoring activities.
A feasibility study undertaken last year determined that development of a regional motor sports facility was viable in Cardinia Shire.