During a meeting of Swan Hill Rural City Council held on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, Council agreed to bring forward a comprehensive report for discussion at the September 2024 meeting.
Cr Bill Moar moved a Notice of Motion to seek a report that considers leasing the former drag strip to an interested consortium. Council has been approached by a number of possible interested users of the site as a result of media regarding the decision of Council in December 2023 to close the facility.
Mayor, Cr Stuart King, indicated that the upcoming report would collate existing documentation and any additional information which will allow Council to determine the potential to re-open the former drag strip site. This evaluation will consider a proposed 3-year lease agreement with the Skid City consortium, whose interest in the site is supported by the local Swan Hill Drag Racing Club Inc.
Cr King explained that a proposed lease would stipulate that access to, and usage of the facility be restricted to sanctioned events only, while also allowing access to common areas shared with all Motorplex users.
“This decision will allow Council to consider alternative uses for the drag strip site and enhance functionality, at no additional cost to ratepayers,” he said.
The report will be presented to Council at the scheduled September meeting.