While the Drag Racing fans of Melbourne continue to agitate for a Championship level Drag Strip to serve Australia’s sporting capital. The Victorian State Government is providing $50,000 to look at the viability of developing Mildura and Swan Hill as elite centres for motor sport.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development, Jaala Pulford, announced the study last week.

“This study will look at options to develop dedicated local and regional motor sports facilities in Mildura and Swan Hill to grow the industry and provide new economic and social development opportunities in north west Victoria,” Ms Pulford said.

The project will explore development options on land at Chisholm Park which is situated 10 kilometres from Swan Hill and is already council-designated for motor sports.

Mildura has a number of well-established large motor sport clubs at multiple sites including speedway, motorcycles, go-carts, motocross, motorcycles, street stock and sprint cars, drag racing, off-road cars and four wheel drives.

It is envisaged that development of new motor sport facilities in Victoria’s North West will attract regional and national events boosting the reputation of the region as a base for motor sport and associated activities.

“The feasibility study will identify a niche industry in which the region has a competitive advantage whilst effectively seeking to diversify the industry base and boosting tourism events which north west Victoria is famous for,” Ms Pulford said.

Ms Pulford said the Government funding was being provided for the study to Mildura Rural City Council through the Government’s Planning for Change program which aims to manage growth, respond to a changing environment and enhance productive, sustainable, liveable communities in Provincial Victoria.

A project steering committee will oversee the project with representatives from Mildura and Swan Hill councils, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA).

Meanwhile the people of Melbourne wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wa…