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Lindsay revs up V8s

By Nicholas Stanton,

Peter Lindsay went behind the scenes at the Gold Coast Indy yesterday to get an insight into the benefits of bringing a V8 race event to Townsville.

Mr Lindsay has been asked to secure $10 million of Federal Government funding to enable a V8 Supercar event to be held in Townsville.

“I’ve come away convinced of the absolute importance of getting the V8 Supercars to Townsville,” Mr Lindsay said.

“If I can get the $10 million contribution from the Federal Government, we will secure a major upgrade of the Reid Park area and new community infrastructure, which will be used all year round.”

“We already have national sporting teams, but while the Cowboys, Crocs and Townsville Fire has an impact Australia wide, V8s will take Townsville world wide. No other sporting event can deliver that coverage,” Mr Lindsay said.

“As our city has grown and matured, we now have the opportunity to secure a premium sporting event. A V8 event would be Townsville’s branding to the rest of Australia and throughout Asia, Europe and North America.”

“Yesterday I met with Australian motor racing legend Dick Johnson, who has been a long time advocate for V8s in Townsville. I asked if he would be an ambassador for Townsville V8s, and he readily agreed,” Mr Lindsay said.

“Yesterday, I also met with business and tourism leaders, race officials and competitors, spectators and residence.

“I sort answers to concerns being raised in our community. Many people have said V8s should be run on a purpose built track out of the city. This is not possible, because the State Government money is conditional on using a street circuit.

“More over, experience has shown that out of town tracks have lower patronages, less atmosphere and run at a loss.

“I also asked about noise and environmental issues. But, because V8 rules regulate the maximum noise generated, race organisers on the Gold Coast have not had a single noise complaint this year.

“V8 events are run by an exceptional professional organisation, which runs a carbon offset program to meet its responsibility to the environment.

“The scale of running such an event is staggering, with 400 security control staff, 500 volunteer marshals and 1100 grounds volunteers, behind the scenes.

“A V8 event is not just a car race, it’s a family event with all day entertainment, and a great atmosphere.

“I am convinced that I must do everything possible to get V8 Supercars to Townsville.”

Users' Comments

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Big boys...

By: anne_elk (Registered ) on 23-10-2007 22:55

and their big toys...
*sigh.
Let's all sit around and watch big resourse munching chunks of metal chase each around all day.
What fun.
Time for some "grown up" leadership mefinx.

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Benefits for Townsville

By: NickStanton (Registered ) on 24-10-2007 10:51

Hosting a v8 supercars event in townsville will bring many benefits to the city and to the region.
1) The economic benefits directly from the event will be significant, people will travel from Cairns, Charters Towers, and many other places to attend. While here they will patronise local businesses, stay at hotels, eat in resteraunts etc etc.
2) The event will bring Townsville international attention, it will be a showcase of the region, and a brilliant form of advertising.
3) It will allow fans of this popular sport who have previously been unable to make the expensive trip to the nearest events in South East QLD and Darwin, to finally experience what they love.
Anne, I think it is very petty of you to attack a local member for working very hard to secure something for his region which eill be so beneficial, simply because you don't like the sport. The V8 supercar competition is working in co-operation with "Future Climate Australia" to completely offset their emmissions. As a part of this they will be planting 15,000 trees in Australia and New Zealand in 2007 alone. The V8 supercars advocate a carbon trading message to fans, work with schools to promote climate change messages and donate carbon calculators to the schools, donate money to green initiatives, and run on an ethanol-blend fuel. At the end of the day the planet will be better off than if the competition didn't exist. Peter Lindsay is responsibly fighting to ensure townsville gets what is good for townsville, and i think rather than being a clone of the ALP, seemingly incapable of independant thought (from my correspondance with him) like George Colbran, Lindsay is the member for Herbert first, and a party politician second.

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Colbran seals the deal

By: wil (Registered ) on 25-10-2007 01:15

You've hit the nail right on the head there Nicholas. George Colbran has understood this since the idea was first floated. That's why he convinced Kevin Rudd to put the money up. Peter Lindsay sniffed the air and realised once again he was out of touch with the community and made a dramatic back-flip following his junket to Indy on the weekend. Similar to his flip-flop on nuclear power...Lindsay will do and say anything to get re-elected.

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Out of touch....

By: NickStanton (Registered ) on 25-10-2007 08:06

Gee I've Heard George say that before. Actually i believe on one occasion it was about the Prime Minister...Yeah that's right, when he tipped Manly to beat the cowboys and Melbourne the grand final. Obviously the PM has no idea what's going on...
I'm Curious Joel, how can you be an objective citizen journalist when you work for a candidate's campaign?

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Don't hold your breath on Lindsey

By: Bannerman (Registered ) on 25-10-2007 08:12

Either way, it seems that Townsville will reap the benefits of the Supercar circus coming to town. Although, given Lindsey's past performances, I wouldn't bet money on his living up to his change of heart if the conservatives get back.

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