Willowbank Raceway has announced it will receive $11 million in Government funding for much needed upgrades to the facility.
Funding will come from the Australian Government Community Development Grants Program and was announced by Senator Paul Scarr.
“As a Senator based in the Ipswich region, I am delighted to announce this funding,” he said.
“I would like to pay tribute to the board, staff, volunteers and of course all participants that make the great Willowbank Raceway. It is really because of their effort that the Morrison Government is providing $11 million to the Willowbank Raceway upgrade.”
“The funding, through the Community Development Grants Program, will enable an exciting improvement to the facility – from upgrades to the track, lighting and carparking, through to new amenities and other building works. This funding will generate jobs and economic growth in our Ipswich region. It will attract thousands of people and world-class events.
The driving force behind securing the funding was Ipswich local Senator Pauline Hansen who was also on hand for the announcement.
“Willowbank is an Ipswich institution which has showcased the exciting sport of drag racing in a family-friendly environment for more than 30 years,” she said. “They’ve done it with very little in the way of public funding or support, and it’s been especially difficult for Willowbank to operate under pandemic lockdowns and restrictions. I’m glad I’ve been in a position to help Willowbank with this funding, which will make sure it remains the centre of Australian drag racing for many years to come while also offering the community a great facility for other events and purposes such as driver training.”
Tony Wedlock, President of Willowbank Raceway added, “Today’s announcement, is a huge step in the continued growth of Willowbank Raceway. The venue has a storied history, and as a racetrack, Willowbank Raceway means so much to a great deal of racers, volunteers and fans. We cannot thank enough, the Morrison Government, Senators Scarr and Senator Hansen for their direct involvement in making this grant happen.”
The grant itself will give a major boost to Queensland, with an anticipated $17.6 million going directly into the local Ipswich economy. The grant is anticipated to direct contribute to an additional 92 jobs during construction. Long term, an additional 35 jobs will be created directly within the city of Ipswich. Willowbank Raceway, is delighted to continue its tradition of contributing to the growth and development of the Ipswich Community.
With work to commence soon, along with the infrastructure upgrades improving the racing experience at the venue like the new racing surface, the grant improvements will boost the venues capacity to hold major entertainment events and trade shows over the coming years.
