Speedway set to face big move

Broome Speedway will have to move from its current location just out of town because of residential expansion and noise generated from the site.

Shire of Broome president Graeme Campbell said the growing population and encroaching housing development would eventually present serious issues.

He said the speedway already had motocross facilities and go cart racing would be starting soon.

Mr Campbell said the idea was to build a motorplex catering for the existing motor sports and other activities, like V8 and motorcycle racing.

One of the areas currently being explored is off Cape Leveque Road.

“We are looking at a motorplex facility that encompasses a lot more than the speedway and motocross,” Mr Campbell said.

“The speedway and the motocross have been very successful but the fear we have if we do not plan long-term the growth of the speedway will be inhibited because of noise factors.”

Mr Campbell said any alternative site would be required to meet all environmental, cultural, heritage and land clearing requirements.

“No-one can say ‘yes, we going to put it here’ because there is a process to go through,” he said.

“But for us to sit on our hands in regard to long term planning would be wrong.”

Mr Campbell said another issue was a dramatic increase in the number of quad bikes and trail bikes in the area, accessing significant heritage and environmental areas, particularly at Buckley Plains and towards Hidden Valley.

“When talking to these people who are in areas they ask ‘where is there an area for us’,” he said.

“The answer (is) there really isn’t apart from the motocross area at the speedway, which is a limited facility.”

Mr Campbell said ratepayers would not pick up the cost of a new complex and the council was investigating with government to see how it could be funded.

“We also need to investigate what the current site can be used for, which would be pretty limited given its proximity to the Dampier Creek conservation areas giving rise to issues such as drainage,” he said.

Mr Campbell said the search for new premises was being done “harmoniously” with speedway officials.

Broome Speedway Club president Mark Dunne said that the change of venue could have implications on the number of followers and potential revenue generated by the sport.

“We have set up a sub-committee to work with the shire to plan where a new track can be set up so speedway can survive in Broome,” he said.

“However, with one of the proposed new sites an extra 17-18 minutes drive out of town it could compromise the tourist following that we rely on each year.”