Geelong Motorcycle Complex Still Needs Local Government Support!
Back in May 2009, the State Member for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield announced that $1 million has been set aside by the Victorian State Government to help retain Geelong’s McAdam Park as a dedicated motorcycling facility.
However, as anticipated, the story doesn't end there. Without a reasonable committment from local government to get behind local business and tourism, the road to keeping McAdam Park fully functional will be a rocky one at best.
The following Media Statement and situation update was provided by Peter Lindeman (Chairman - Barwon Recreational Motorcycling Council) and was authored by Peter Whelan (Dealer Principle - Road & River Motor Cycles) and Maurice Fisher (Dealer Principle - Mototech) who together have called on the Geelong City Council to help save McAdam Park, Barrabool.
Motorcycle sales have set record after record in the past decade, and although sales slightly softened at the start of the year, they are expected to continue strongly in the later half of 2009.
Official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 134,112 motorcycles and off-road vehicles were sold last year [2008] - an increase of 3.2 per cent (4,146 units) over the previous record set in 2007.
Sales of ATVs increased to 19,990 units while sales of off-road motorcycles hit 49,411 units.
The off-road market was very competitive in 2008 with Moto Cross the most popular segment (14,410 sales) ahead of Mini bikes (14,129) and Enduro (14,124).
The agricultural segment was the most popular amongst ATV sales, and accounted for 73 per cent of that market (14,587 sales).
With the global financial crisis biting in 2009 people are still turning to off-road motorcycles and ATVs for competition and recreation.
Off-road riding is a fantastic way for families to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.
Some families can spend well in excess of $30,000 a year on new bikes and gear for mum and dad and the kids. This is a significant investment by families in the sport and our businesses.
As motorcycle retailers, our living is made by sales and servicing of these machines, but we are also heavily dependent on there being local quality venues for riders.
Unfortunately following the City of Greater Geelong decision to shutdown the Breakwater circuit (home of the Geelong Moto Cross Club) a number of years ago, there is now only one facility left.
That facility, is the world class McAdam Park at Barrabool, 15 minutes from Geelong and home now to both the Geelong Moto Cross Club and Sporting Motor Cycle Club.
Both clubs are currently fighting to save the circuit and have so far secured well over $1m.
However the fight to secure the facility is ongoing and we expect City of Greater Geelong, industry players and the local Geelong and Surf Coast business communities to come onboard and help save this iconic venue.
The loss of this venue would be significant. not only to our business, but also local tourism and small business operators who reap the benefits of having more than 100,000 people attend events at McAdam Park each year.
These events include local, state, national and international competitions.
Without McAdam Park which attracts tens of thousands of riders each year who require new bikes, bike servicing, parts, clothing, gloves, boots and other safety apparel from our store, our business would be under pressure.
Losing McAdam Park could cause considerable loss of income to our business and the wider Geelong business community particularly those that benefit from tourism.
Financially supporting and saving the world class McAdam Park is just another way that all levels of government can ensure local jobs are secured in the motorcycling, tourism and small business sectors and the financial benefits of such a facility remain in Geelong.
Contacts:
Peter Whelan: 5222 1826
Maurice Fisher: 5229 9990
090818
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