Source: Motorcycling Victoria.

The State Motorcycle Sports Complex has secured a major upgrade worth $550,000 from the State Government of Victoria, which will allow the facility to attract more riders and visitors and world-class motorcycling sporting events to Broadford.

Minister for Sport, the Hon. Damian Drum, and The Nationals candidate for Euroa, Ms Steph Ryan, the Liberals candidate for Euroa Tony Schneider, along with Motorcycling Victoria’s CEO Wayne Holdsworth, and Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Rodney Parker, made the announcement today 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, The Nationals candidate for the seat of Euroa, in which Broadford is located, 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 percent.

Broadford has hosted rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2001. Minister for Sport, 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,” Mr Drum said.

“The sport has an amazing and passionate group of followers, and they talk glowingly about this venue, and we are in no doubt, as part of the Government, that this is a great project that will serve this sport well.”

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

It was recently announced by MXGP organisers, Youthstream, that it is eyeing a return to Australia – potentially Broadford – for the 2016 season.