Motorcycling Australia (MA), together with assistance from the Victorian State Government, the City of Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast Shire, has acquired Barabool’s McAdam Park in what represents a landmark occurrence for Australian motorcycle sport.
McAdam Park, home to the Sporting Motorcycle Club (SMCC), is an iconic 300-acre venue which has been used for motorcycle sport since the early 1960s, but was in danger of being lost forever had the required $3.2 million not been raised by yesterday’s deadline.
SMCC joined forces with the Geelong Motorcycle Club - who were initially set to receive over $600,000 from the City of Greater Geelong in order to relocate to Avalon - but this money was instead redirected toward McAdam Park in order to develop it as a regional facility.
Together with guidance from the Barwon Recreational Motorcycling Council, the two clubs have since been lobbying to raise the required funds in order to save the facility, and the contribution being provided by MA will now ensure its long-term survival.
“Following a series of meetings involving the Minister for Sport, the Honourable James Merlino and the State Member for Barwon, Michael Crutchfield, it was clear that without a funding contribution from MA the property would be lost to motorcycle sport,” MA CEO David White said.
“I am extremely proud to announce that MA will be funding the project to the extent of approximately $1.1 million.”
At the announcement made this afternoon at McAdam Park, Mr. Merlino announced that the Victorian State Government will be contributing $1.2 million to the project.
“The land was used with the utmost cooperation and enthusiasm from the late Mr. Clive McAdam and with his passing, the family decided to relinquish the property,” White continued.
“Their selfless efforts to ensure it remained a motorcycle venue are gratefully acknowledged.”
White envisages a great future for motorcycle sport at McAdam Park and also anticipates significant use benefits to the broader community.
“MA will vigorously explore these opportunities,” White continued.
“Today is significant not only for motorcycle sport, but because it is a wonderful example of State Government, regional councils, a National Sporting Body, clubs and the general community working together to achieve an outcome which will not only see the saving of an iconic sporting venue, but ensure its future community use,” White concluded.