STATE Member for Mirani, Stephen Andrew, is backing a proposal to build a multi-motorsport venue, including a “drift pad” at the Palmyra Dragway to help get illegal hooning off the local streets.
YOU CAN SIGN THE PETITION BELOW
“I think there needs to be a little more carrot and a little less stick,” Mr Andrew said. “The State government is spending a lot of money on policing and cracking down on hoons so I’d like to see some of that funding go towards something more constructive.”
To lend more weight to his push, he is seeking help with a petition, both online and hard-copy version, that people can sign to show their support for the project. “The more support we can demonstrate for this project, the more likely we are of securing the $280,000 funding required through whatever means possible,” Mr Andrew said.
The Palmyra Drag Racing Club wants to upgrade the eastern safety wall at Palmyra Dragway to ensure it meets all safety requirements to continue to hold drag racing events. But another major upgrade for the facility is the sealed area at the southern end, with plans to build 9000 sqm of multi-use bitumen.
Mr Andrew said the project would provide an area for local motorsport clubs to run motorsport events as well as advanced driver training. “This project would give motorsport enthusiasts in the region a safe and controlled place to have competitions or come-and-try days,” he said.
Mr Andrew said one of the great advantages of building a drift pad at the venue would be getting those kinds of activities off the local roads. “I have been contacted many times by families upset by illegal hooning in their suburban street in the middle of the night. No one should have put up with screeching tyres at 2am on a regular basis, especially when you have small children trying to sleep,” he said. “Building a dedicated facility in a safe environment away from the suburbs should help alleviate that problem so I’m hoping to see support from not only those who want to use the facility but locals who want to get more sleep.”