Submissions show “concern” over plan

Opponents say Beachmere has “overwhelmingly rejected” plans for the new $20 million Moreton Motorsport Park (MMP).

No Moreton Motorsport Park claims submissions during the proposal’s public consultation “confirm what local residents have been saying”.

It says 7189 submissions were made during consultation for the MMP, being assessed through the State Government’s Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) process.

Corbet’s Group is applying to build and run motocross and speedway tracks, driver training, BMX track, pitting, seating, food and beverages on 24.8 hectares off Bloesch Rd.

Of the total submissions, 5050 (including a petition with 361 signatures) supported the MMP and 1753 (including a petition with 332 signatures) opposed it.

No Moreton Motorsport Park said 364 were unstated submissions and 22 classed as errors.

“With Beachmere's adult population estimated at around 4000, the 1753 objections represent close to half of the local adult population,” the opposition group says.

This demonstrates “an exceptional level of community participation and concern about the proposed development”, No Moreton Motorsport Park adds.

“Planning authorities place greater weight on submissions from residents located closest to the proposed development, particularly those living within the immediate impact area.

“People living within 3kms of the proposed speedway site carry the greatest weighting in the assessment process, followed by residents living within 5kms and then beyond.

“These are the people who would experience the most direct impacts from increased noise, traffic movements, environmental effects and changes to local amenity.

“As a result, submissions from residents who live and work in the affected area are of particular significance when determining if the proposal is appropriate for the location.”

No Moreton Motorsport Park says its campaign has never been about opposing motorsport.

"Many people in our community support motorsport and recognise its importance to enthusiasts,” the opposition group says.

“The issue has always been that Beachmere is not the right location for a speedway."

“People who live in and around Beachmere care deeply about protecting the character, amenity and future of their community and do not want a speedway in that location.”

No Moreton Motorsport Park also claims MIDs are designed to fast-track critical public infrastructure, not private applications such as the MMP.

Corbet’s Group’s development application will be decided by Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.

Projections for the MMP include 13 minor and 3 major annual speedway events attracting 1000 and 4000 spectators respectively and 26 minor and 3 major motocross meetings with 100 and 1000 spectators.

Fiscal modelling suggests MMP would inject $15 million annually into the local economy, creating hundreds of jobs in construction and more than 40 ongoing when open.