New race track proposed for Melbourne’s south-east

Pakenham, just south-east of Melbourne, could become the newest host to a racetrack in Australia if a new proposal gets off the ground.

If given the ‘green light’ by the local council, the Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Complex will join the growing list of racetracks being developed in Australia.

With plans for a main racing circuit plus a skid pan, kart track, and even a clay shooting range for firearms, the complex would be able to host a variety of events.

A spokesperson for the proposal tells MOTOR that if any changes were made to the plan, it’d be the addition of more facilities rather than the removal of those initially planned.

“This complex will be designed to host local, state, national and international events – for all sporting disciplines facilitated within the complex.

“Specific events will be released at a later date once the final master plan for the complex is established.”

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Apex Circuit Design is behind the planned circuit layout, a 3.7km track with apparent elevation for an overpass across a service road.

Apex’s resume includes Sydney Motorsport Park and the Seppang International Circuit, as well as some Rallycross tracks and street cicuits. It’s also behind a long-running proposal for a motorsport park at Avalon, Victoria.

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“Our track layout design will be finalised by our automotive design consultants Apex Circuit Design, so the final track layout will be put through their simulation programs, designed to FIA Grade 2 and FIM Grade B and have multiple configurations available,” the Cardinia proposal spokesperson tells MOTOR.

As the name suggests, the complex is intended as both a motorsport precinct and a driver training centre, with the split expected to be about 50:50.

“Honestly it’s going to be almost an even split between both as they are both are very important focuses for the complex.

“Our vision is to have the motor race track operating for race days and events simultaneously while the drift pan, classrooms and pit facilities are being utilised for educational training.

“The chance to facilitate a complex such as this is an exciting and unique opportunity, and we are very passionate about creating a world class facility which will not only enable further sporting and educational opportunities for people in the local and wider community, but will also benefit the local economy with an increase in job opportunities, infrastructure and tourism.”

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As with any motorsport facility, however, a few concerns have been raised regarding the potential for noise complaints to end or limit the track’s development.

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The spokesperson, however, has confirmed that the developers are well aware and cautious of the matter.

“Acoustic reports have already been conducted on the site, with findings showing that noise will be within the required normal dBA levels for surrounding housing estates.

“In addition the facility design will also include noise control features to ensure noise is within the required levels.

“Future growth in the immediate surrounding properties is predicted to be only industrial or rural for the areas currently zoned as green wedge, due to the new bypass being constructed in the near future next to the site.”

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The next step before the proposal can be green-lit is the decision made by the Cardinia Shire Council, before which support from the public can be submitted for consideration.

“The Cardinia Shire Council is currently accepting submissions of feedback regarding their intended plans to support the development of the site into a motor recreation and education complex.

“Submissions close on the 28th of June, and from there they will then meet in July to decide if they give the green light for the complex.

“So we are currently trying to gather as many submissions of positive support to ensure this exciting new complex will get the green light of approval.”

Submissions of support for the project can be hand delivered to the Council’s Office at 20 Siding Avenue, Officer, Victoria, or posted to Cardinia Shire Council, PO BOX 7, Pakenham, VIC, 3810.

Online submissions of support are also accepted via a very short online form, accessible here.