PERTH is one step closer to hosting its own V8 Supercar Grand Prix event.
The Perth City Council, at its 26 October meeting, agreed to consider further the proposal from Kinhill Event Management, subject to a feasibility study addressing the impact of the event on the city.
Matters council wants considered include community consultation, environmental and traffic management, economic viability, the impact on neighbouring properties and safety and construction issues.
It is proposed the grand prix be held in early April 2001 on a street circuit including Riverside Drive, Langley Park and Terrace Road.
A similar supercar grand prix was held in Adelaide with the aim of drawing 50,000 spectators. The event sold out in the first week.
Perth already hosts the V8 supercars at Barbagallo Raceway in Wanneroo and plays host to Rally Australia on Langley Park, an event that has proved a major draw for the city.
Race organisers plan to have pontoons on the Swan River adjacent to the track to accommodate extra spectators.
Deputy Lord Mayor Michael Sutherland said the grand prix promised to be a new and exciting event for the city.
“This could draw up to 120,000 people to the city,” Mr Sutherland said.
Councillor Laurance Goodman said he hoped the results from the feasibility study were good.
“We need to do new things to give people new reasons to come to the city and enjoy themselves,” Mr Goodman said.
Councillor Noel Semmens said after the Future of Perth conference it was clear council needed to be more proactive in attracting events to the city.
