Broadford secures half-million dollar upgrade

The Minister for Sport, the Damian Drum, and The Nationals candidate for Euroa, Ms Steph Ryan, the Liberals candidate for Euroa Mr Tony Schneider, along with Motorcycling Victoria’s CEO Wayne Holdsworth, and Mitchell Shire Mayor Rodney Parker, made the announcement yesterday (October 29) at Australia’s most comprehensive venue for motorcycle sport.

Motorcycling Victoria owns and maintains the SMSC, which is a multi-purpose venue that has motorcycle circuits suitable for road racing, motocross, supercross, speedway, dirt track, enduro and trials.

Steph Ryan said that Motorcycling Victoria has been seeking a commitment of $500,000 from the Coalition Government to support a $1.1 million upgrade. 

"This upgrade has the potential to turn the Broadford State Motorcycle Complex into the premier motorcycling facility in Australia," Ms Ryan said.

The upgrade, which is guaranteed irrespective of whoever wins next month’s state election, will include improvements to the entrance of the facility, a new car park, and a unique viewing area of the motocross track above the pits shed.

A new administrative building for MV, which will also house a museum and community centre with 360 degree views of the complex, is also being planned. 

"A development such as this will be a game-changer for this region," Ms Ryan added.

The complex currently attracts around 2000 visitors a month during winter, which grows to around 6000 visitors a month between October and May. It is hoped this upgrade could increase visitor rates by up to 40 per cent.

Broadford has hosted rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2001. 

Damian Drum, was likewise excited by what could be achieved at Broadford. "The relocation of Motorcycling Victoria to Broadford is a significant development for the sport, bringing administration to the SMSC for the first time and having operations and events running out of the same venue," he said.

Wayne Holdsworth, CEO of Motorcycling Victoria, said that today was a red letter day for motorcycle sport in Victoria.

Mr Holdsworth says the upgrade will provide a huge economic boost for the surrounding Broadford community, estimated to be worth $7 million.

"These upgrades will not only have huge benefits for the users of the complex, but it will also benefit the town of Broadford, the state of Victoria, and motorcycle sport in Australia," Mr Holdsworth said