The Newcastle V8 Supercars race might only be eight months away, but there could be some late changes made to the street circuit.
Newcastle councillors voted last night to push for the route to be run along Shortland Esplanade between Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Ocean Baths instead of running it through the city's historic East End after complaints from residents.
Councillors believe if all parties agree to the change, the $2-million extra cost could be shared between Council, Destination NSW and Supercars Australia.
However, council's Acting Interim Chief Executive, Frank Cordingley told last night's council meeting it wasn't feasible to change the route just eight months out from the race, saying the planning alone would take three months and the construction period would take even longer.
Councillor Brad Luke today agreed with this appraisal, saying "If we change the location of the track now...then it could not be done for this year.
"Newcastle has a history of constantly throwing up little hurdles that end up killing off events. This will be one of the greatest events held in Newcastle and we need to get behind it...rather than putting up these little hurdles and blaming the state government for them."
Cr Luke expressed his disapproval at councillors who "hijacked" last night's meeting by proposing track route changes amidst discussions about using state government and event organiser funding to double as cost-effective improvements to Newcastle roads.
State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, has responded to the $8.8 million Supercars announcement by questioning how Council have found the money for the event whilst denying funding to improve flood-prone infrastructure in the city's inner suburbs.
It is understood that community consultation in conjunction with advice from Destination NSW and Supercars Australia will be used to decide upon the final track location.
 |
| Newcastle City Council's Acting Interim Chief Executive, Frank Cordingley. |
