Description: DECAMAG was formed in 2006, in response to recognition that existing motor sport facilities in the region were beginning to come under pressure from urban encroachment, and that future facilities would need to be established with a focus on addressing noise and other environmental considerations that are an inherent part of the sport.
Rather than wait until there are no facilities left, DECAMAG is actively lobbied with the objective of the establishment of a dedicated motorsport precinct, that will enable all forms of motor sport to be conducted in the region for the forseeable future.
It quickly became apparent to DECAMAG that while the establishment of the motor sport precinct would be a primary objective, a Driver Training Facility to assist in the education of learner drivers, as well as offering Advanced and Defensive Driving for our more experienced road users, would benefit the region and the economic development.
Interestingly, members of our local Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade services and other professional Drivers currently receive advanced driver training in Brisbane at a huge cost.
The Townsville 400 Supercars event has ably demonstrated that motor sport events will not only attract significant numbers of interstate visitors to our city on an annual basis. Many local residents regularly traveling nationwide to participate in Motorsport events, either as a spectator or competitor. A facility such as that envisioned by DECAMAG, coupled with professionally conducted motor sport events, will without doubt attract regular tourists and enthusiasts to North Queensland, with the associated economic benefits that such tourism brings.
The Federal Government has committed $12M in two grants to get the project started. The State Government has contributed $10M in direct funding and $5million to upgrade surrounding road infrastructure vital to the success of the precinct. The first piece of infrastructure is a facility for all levels of driver education. This is been used to build a 2.5Ha Vehicle Testing and Diver Training Pad (the LVMA), a 2.75km race circuit, soon to be followed by a drag strip, and eventually a speedway.
The objective of this precinct is to produce a secure environment for all forms of motor sport, driver education programs and other motoring related events. This complex will primarily be utilised for competitive, recreational and learning purposes, in addition to extending the facility to the tourism and events sector for local and regional events and attractions.
