During a hastily convened media conference this morning, the New South Wales Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mr. John Watkins stated that the NSW Government had taken the first step in approving a privately funded drag racing facility at Eastern Creek Raceway. It was also announced that the State Cabinet had given in-principle approval to a revised lease for the property, and the development of a large-scale business park on the site.

Officials of the Australian National Drag Racing Association were surprised only because they were not invited to the media conference. The news itself was nothing new, as similar undertakings were given to the drag racing industry in January this year. "As far as we were aware, the business park development had been on the schedule for some time." commented ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton.

"We aren't against the parallel straight concept but there are still questions about access, management and spectator facilities that need to be answered. We were not told that the government study into the viability of the project had been completed and we haven't seen the results. The statement that the Department of Public Works and Services has now been given the go-ahead to begin negotiations on the proposal with the Australian Racing Drivers Club is interesting." he went on to say. "That was supposed to be happening from December last year."

A statement released by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation today said that subject to these negotiations, tenders could be called early next year. "If that's the position, more than a whole year will have been wasted." said NSW ANDRA Director Geoff Crisp. "This morning's announcement was very hasty and given its content I can't understand why it was necessary."

For further information contact:
Tony Thornton (08) 8271-5355 or Geoff Crisp (0414) 254-135

from ANDRA Online July 29, 2000 © ANDRA Online 2000