Lakeside Raceway IS GO!! (Merged x1)

[lakesideguy]

Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts' sources confirm that at least three of the seven organisations invited by the Pine Rivers Shire Council to manage Lakeside International Raceway have declined to tender for the business. It is understood that those who decided not to submit business proposals were not strong supporters of amatuer motorsport.

"We know the organisations that have made submissions have taken it very seriously and conducted themselves in a professional manner. We can only hope the Council will see fit to reciprocate in kind and finally deliver a return for ratepayers", said LMRE president Ian Milton.

A 20 year lease has reportedly been offered by the Council in exchange for limited track days at the former Australian Grand Prix circuit. It is not yet known if other restrictions will be applied to motorsport operations.

The historic track has suffered vandalism and neglect since the Pine River Shire Council purchase in 2001. Applicants are anticipating a need to invest in the facility's infrastructure and are confident of cooperation from motorsport's governing bodies to re-license the track.

The deadline for submissions was Friday, 26 May and tenderers are expecting a decision as early as mid-July 2006.

Ian Milton stated, "I'm pleased to see efforts heading in the right direction, but I still harbour concerns that the tender process is but a cynical ploy by Council to satisfy their obligations under the heritage deal!"

Additionally, the PRSC has been busy over the past few weeks demolishing the old office and barn, along with old toilet blocks.

However, essential motorsport items such as the racing surface and guard rails are protected for another four years by the deal with the Queensland Heritage Council that resulted in the removal of the heritage listing.

More info available at www.lakesideraceway.com.


Scott
Publicity Officer
Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts, Inc.

[DAVID PATERSON]

Since the above post was made, all sorts of people are going around swearing to things that are just not true. People are suggesting that one party or another has won the tender, has done heaps of work and is ready to start running events.

I just couldn't believe that all of this would take place with any announcement being made, so I rang my local councilor and the president of LMRE. They both said the same thing.

Of the 11 EOIs received, 7 were invited to submit a tender. 3 of those have since withdrawn, leaving just 4 hats in the ring.

PCYC, Total Driver, MA & John Tetley are the final four. No decision has been made, but council say it is just weeks away. Of course, no work has been commenced by any tenderer.

[mountainstar]

I hope the long term future of the track can be secured. I haven't been able to see it in person, but I've seen video of races there and it looks like a great track to race on.

[Aquarius]

I hope someone takes up the option and give the Queensalders another track.

[RotorFan]

You mean give it *back*?

I hope it all goes well and we can one day see races held there again

[GTRMagic]

Meantime whispers from the Gold Coast powder room have suggested that that there are four bidders remaining in the Lakeside management rights tender.

- One bidder has only offered to run non-motorised sports such as bicycles/triathlons and other similar recreational activites

- One bidder has only offered to do "Advanced Driver Training" for cars only

- One bidder has only proposed to do motorcycle rider training/road licence endorsement. (think of a HART-type arrangement)

- While one bidder has proposed to do all the above, as well as run a limited number of motor racing meetings for both cars and bikes each year.

The powder room has no clue who will win this tender, but suffice to say the combined operations of running the circuit more regularly shall likely increase the income to both the potential operator of Lakeside... so the management rights fees can be steeper....

[cavvy]

Originally Posted by DAVID PATERSON

Of the 11 EOIs received, 7 were invited to submit a tender. 3 of those have since withdrawn, leaving just 4 hats in the ring.

PCYC, Total Driver, MA & John Tetley are the final four. No decision has been made, but council say it is just weeks away. Of course, no work has been commenced by any tenderer.

Its been many years since I last enjoyed Lakeside - can someone let us infidels from down south know who these four groups are & tie them into GTRs post of the plans of each.

[Aquarius]

And believe it or not, I don't think Benalla Auto Club has a bid, they are linked to many things, blamed for many more, but I think this is not one of their focus's at the moment, but that Mick Ronke, well, you never know!!!

[DAVID PATERSON]

Originally Posted by cavvy

Its been many years since I last enjoyed Lakeside - can someone let us infidels from down south know who these four groups are & tie them into GTRs post of the plans of each.

PCYC is the Police Citizens Youth Club.

Total Driver is an advanced driver training school.

MA is Motorcycling Australia.

John Tetley is the sole owner of Qld Raceway.

[Kerri]

I had a conversation with someone up there on the weekend who confirmed there are 3, I was told the bottom one may not be on the list anymore, but don't shoot me if I misunderstood what I was told.

[scoupe]

Any update on this ???

[spook]

From today's Courier-Mail -"the application from Motorcycling Australia has been rejected by Pine Rivers Council".

And then there were three.

[Sultan]

The bid from QR has apprently gone quiet....

[scoupe]

Originally Posted by Sultan

The bid from QR has apprently gone quiet....

Would not that be some sort of conflict anyway.
Leases one site from Ipswich city council and leases the other site from Pine rivers council

[scoupe]

Well it is mid september and I thought that was when the announcement was to be made ???

Anyone heard anything

[spook]

I believe there are still 2 proposals on the table - PRSC yet to make a decision - should be soon though !.

I did notice that PRSC have thrown their support behind the Suncoast Classic Rally to be run in July 2007. A very supportive move from a previous anti-motorsport attitude. Maybe some laps at Lakeside are part of the rally tests, but the council minute only mention "roads in the shire".

We just need to be patient, while PRSC make the best decision they can.

[Bimmerhead]

waiting for a decision that favours motorsport. Local development has got so close that I don't think Council will take the risk of re-opening it to anything that makes more noise than the occassional protest from tortured tyres.

[scoupe]

I think all the planets are aligned next week

[FalconEL]

Originally Posted by scoupe

I think all the planets are aligned next week

Obviously you know something we don't scoupe, do you work for the PRSC, or one of the tendering parties??

Care to divulge??

[scoupe]

Know nothing ... it is just the last meeting of the councils planning commitee in september. TUE 26 Strategic & Planning

http://www.pinerivers.qld.gov.au/c/p...da&did=1151240


Way back in the dark ages they said the answer would be by the end of September

[scoupe]

Originally Posted by spook

I believe there are still 2 proposals on the table - PRSC yet to make a decision - should be soon though !.

I did notice that PRSC have thrown their support behind the Suncoast Classic Rally to be run in July 2007. A very supportive move from a previous anti-motorsport attitude. Maybe some laps at Lakeside are part of the rally tests, but the council minute only mention "roads in the shire".

We just need to be patient, while PRSC make the best decision they can.

Any News yet Spook

[GTRMagic]

Whispers from the powder room in SE Qld have suggested that there has been a result in this long running tender process.

The powderites have suggested that an entity associated with Mr Tetley (of Queensland Raceway fame..) has secured the rights to redevelop and operate the Lakeside Raceway complex.

A virtual monopoly in Queensland motorsport circuits I would have thought...

Presuming any of this actually happened

[scoupe]

http://www.pinerivers.qld.gov.au



Queensland Raceway wins Lakeside Tender



Pine Rivers Council Chief Executive Officer Ray Burton announced today that Council had approved as the preferred submitter, Queensland Raceway Pty Ltd for the re-development and management of the Lakeside International Raceway facility at Kurwongbah.

Mr Burton said the final outcome was a difficult decision as there were environmental considerations and a high standard of submission proposals from the three short-listed submitters, which also included Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association and Total Driver Pty Ltd.

"The successful submission by Queensland Raceway Pty Ltd will begin a new era at Lakeside,'' he said.

"The facility's name will change slightly from Lakeside International Raceway to Lakeside Park in keeping with the 'green environment' of the site.''

Mr Burton said Queensland Raceway's re-development would address the environmental impact of motorized sport, which also includes noise levels, heritage obligations, and a re-vegetation strategy.

"Council is negotiating a management agreement and contract with Queensland Raceway which will include the times of operation," he said.

"Queensland Raceway will also preserve the park's flora, fauna and vista for the enjoyment of current and future generations, as it is developed into a revitalised venue and successful business operation.

"This organisation will liaise and consult with the Council's environment officers and Pine Water to ensure the preservation of the physical environs including air, water and soil.''

Mr Burton said Queensland Raceway had a history of success in the motor racing industry having transformed Ipswich City Council's racing facility into a tourist asset which attracts 120,000 people each year, however the V-8 cars will not be returning to Lakeside.

He said Lakeside Park was expected to be open for business in early 2007.

Queensland Raceway's winning submission includes a range of driver and motorcycle training activities, milestone and historic racing events, displays and non-motorised recreational activities.

"They will manage this venue as a 'boutique facility,' providing activities complementary to those at their Willowbank venue,'' he said.

Mr Burton said one outstanding feature of the Queensland Raceway's submission was their ability to include Not-for-profit organisations as part of their program development, and future site advisory committee.

"Lakeside will be a shared resource benefiting a wide range of clubs, sporting groups and other organisations that need somewhere to meet for outdoor activities."

He said the 40-year-old icon at Kurwongbah had a place in the heart of most racing enthusiasts, as it had bred some great motor racing legends.

These legends have included: Peter Brock, who recently passed away doing what he love most - car racing, Dick Johnson, Tony Longhurst, Sir Jack Brabham, Alan Jones, Tony Longhurst and Norm Beechy.

"Queensland Raceway intends to restore the 'heritage' feel to Lakeside in keeping with its strong roots as an icon from yesteryear," he said.

The specific Council resolutions concerning Lakeside from Council's General Meeting of 25 September 2006 are as follows:

1. That the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations 1, 2 and 3 be adopted.

2. That submitter 1, Queensland Raceway, is the preferred submitter and Council intends to negotiate a management agreement and/or enterprise agreement with this submitter.

3. That other submitters be advised their submissions have been unsuccessful at this stage and they be thanked for their interest.

4. Council resolves that Bennet and Philp Solicitors be appointed to prepare the necessary documentation and that it is satisfied that the provision of these legal services are of such a specialised or confidential nature that it would be impractical or disadvantageous to Council to invite tenders or quotations.

5. That the Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Council working group, the Director Strategic and Development and the Manager Legal Services / Shire Solicitor, undertake contract negotiations with the preferred submitter.

6. Council note that this matter will be further reported to the Co-ordination Committee upon the satisfactory negotiations for the management agreement and/or enterprise agreement.

7. That Queensland Raceway be requested to consider how PCYC programs could be accommodated.

8. That the PCYC be advised Council is progressing with Queensland Raceway as preferred operator and that Queensland Raceway will be requested to review how PCYC programs could be accommodated.

9. That the working group hold discussions with Queensland Raceway with a view to investigating other opportunities to work with community organisations to the mutual benefit of the residents of Pine Rivers Shire

[mctshirt]

Originally Posted by scoupe

http://www.pinerivers.qld.gov.au



Queensland Raceway wins Lakeside Tender




Mr Burton said Queensland Raceway had a history of success in the motor racing industry having transformed Ipswich City Council's racing facility into a tourist asset which attracts 120,000 people each year, however the V-8 cars will not be returning to Lakeside.

Now that sucks...one of Australias finest tracks and no V8s is like bacon without eggs. Still good news Lakeside will at least live to see more racing! Chris Amon won the AGP there and I believe Mick Doohan said if you can be quick at Lakeside you can race anywhere in the world (or something along those lines)

[M-Kart]

I Can't beleive some people, move near a racetrack, then complain about noise........... It sucks that V8's wont be back - almost a stupid move on the Behalf of Pine Rivers - whilst V8s certainly are not the be all and end all of motorsport in Australia, the economical advantages, even of just a Development round there would be huge on the area. (that 120,000 people a year at QR, a large portion of that comes over the 3days at the V8's.

Still, I'm pleased its back, and I cant wait to get up there for a club meeting. I get the Idea it's gonna be run at a level like Morgan Park am I right? a round or 2 of the 2007 Qld state series would be great to attend - back at the first racetrack i went to! It's been a long 10 years since I was last there for a race (1997 V8 & Supertouring rounds). Bring on Lakeside (International Raceway) Park!!