Source: Supplied.

Ipswich City Council has released a first glimpse at its planned redevelopment to take place at Ipswich Motorsport Precinct, including a significant circuit extension to Queensland Raceway.

The additional sector will add seven corners to the current 3.21km six-turn layout introduced in 1999, which will remain an option for events to continue using into the future.

High profile motorsport administrator Damien White has been announced as general manager of the project, yet to have government funding signed off upon, currently leading the first phase of the immense investment.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said as general manager White would progress the beginning of the $52.3 million Ipswich Motorsport Precinct masterplan, while overseeing day-to-day operations of the facility at Willowbank.

“Our vision is to cement Ipswich’s reputation as Queensland’s leading motorsport destination with financial support from the Queensland and Australian governments,” Cr Pisasale said.

“Damien will progress the development based on a comprehensive financially sound masterplan that proposes major upgrades to the existing race circuit, drag strip and go-kart facility as well as new supporting infrastructure.

“Plans also permit development of a speedway stadium, motocross circuit, three-star hotel and opportunities for motorsport related retail and industry. Motorsport already plays an important role in the Ipswich economy with about 250,000 visitors to the precinct every year for a wide range of events and experiences.”

Deputy Mayor Paul Tully said the precinct’s location at Willowbank meant it was the ideal spot to develop the state’s premier motorsport precinct with untapped development potential for leisure, commercial and industrial use.

“The precinct has the unique advantage of being established within a buffer zone away from high density residential areas and is well positioned to major freight transport links,” Cr Tully commented.

“Redeveloping the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct will bring significant economic benefits to Ipswich and create up to 200 construction jobs for the local community. It is anticipated to generate more than $138 million of benefits per annum. When fully developed we can expect the total investment at the precinct to exceed $220 million.

“Motorsport is growing and is the fourth most watched sport in Australia. The board of Ipswich Motorsport Precinct Pty Ltd is confident Damien will take the precinct to the much-needed next level to boost not just the local motorsport industry, but also tourism and retail operators.”

White said he was looking forward to the challenge of spearheading the development: “I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct. As soon as I saw the plans for the precinct I was blown away. This is not just about making minor tweaks to the current facilities, it is about repositioning Ipswich as the motorsport capital of Australia.

“The plans for Ipswich Motorsport Precinct will bring significant social and economic benefits to Ipswich by tapping into an industry with 20 percent of its Australia-wide activity in Queensland. I look forward to helping make this vision a reality.”

White joins the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct well-credentialed, having previously held key roles with V8 Supercars and the state-of-the-art South Australia Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend.