Mr LUGG - 1999-06-03
The Chief Minister was one of 35 000 spectators at Hidden Valley last year for the Territory round of the Shell Championship Series featuring the V8 SuperCars. Can the Chief Minister inform the Assembly of the work government has undertaken on Hidden Valley to ensure this year’s race builds on the astounding success of last year’s event?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the honourable member for his question. It’s an exciting weekend that’s coming up. I’m greeting the V8 SuperCar convoy at the Knuckey Street end of the Mall this afternoon, and I’m particularly excited to be going for a hot lap tomorrow with Dick Johnson in his car. That’s going to be a thrilling experience to which I’m particularly looking forward to. I’ve gone pretty fast in some armoured vehicles over my lifetime, but I doubt that an M1A2 Abrams can do the work that Dick Johnson can do getting around that lap tomorrow.
In response to the question, the Northern Territory government has spent $2m on the circuit, including 25 permanent pit garages to replace last year’s temporary tent-based version. There has been major work on resurfacing 60% of the track. It is now a consistent racing surface. Last year only the main straight was of the new surface, creating a tyre choice issue with various types of services making up the circuit.
To reduce dust, the track run-off areas have been grassed as have many spectator areas. Dust was an issue for the vision of drivers travelling at several hundred kilometres per hour, and obviously spectators as well. The rear paddock area used by the support race teams has also been sealed and more power and electrical outlets have been installed which will benefit running the catering on the day. There has been more toilets installed for spectators, and 2 big screens will relay the action from other parts of the track.
One of the other aims is to make this more of an event for Territorians than a race. I would like to place on record my congratulations to the wide range of businesses which have embraced the event, staged functions and also taken corporate marquees over this racing weekend, for example, the Carlton Hotel SuperCar V8, and the various pubs and small businesses that have gotten behind the lunch and gotten behind the race.
Yesterday, Dick Johnson addressed the Darwin Press Club lunch and other drivers have been on a promotional job over the last few days. All of those efforts build the sort of atmosphere that we want for this event and we as a government are particularly indebted to those efforts. It also encourages visitors to arrive early or stay longer, therefore providing increased economic spin offs for a greater range of businesses.
Can I just say, as again with last year, free buses will operate this year, but there will still be plenty of parking at Hidden Valley. But for those who want to have a beer on the day, or a few beers, the advice is to catch the bus. Its going to be a great event. I certainly congratulate our Major Events and Hidden Valley Promotions for their excellent efforts in preparing the venue this year, and can I say to Territorians let’s get out there over the weekend. You’ll have a great day.
Members: Hear, hear!
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the honourable member for his question. It’s an exciting weekend that’s coming up. I’m greeting the V8 SuperCar convoy at the Knuckey Street end of the Mall this afternoon, and I’m particularly excited to be going for a hot lap tomorrow with Dick Johnson in his car. That’s going to be a thrilling experience to which I’m particularly looking forward to. I’ve gone pretty fast in some armoured vehicles over my lifetime, but I doubt that an M1A2 Abrams can do the work that Dick Johnson can do getting around that lap tomorrow.
In response to the question, the Northern Territory government has spent $2m on the circuit, including 25 permanent pit garages to replace last year’s temporary tent-based version. There has been major work on resurfacing 60% of the track. It is now a consistent racing surface. Last year only the main straight was of the new surface, creating a tyre choice issue with various types of services making up the circuit.
To reduce dust, the track run-off areas have been grassed as have many spectator areas. Dust was an issue for the vision of drivers travelling at several hundred kilometres per hour, and obviously spectators as well. The rear paddock area used by the support race teams has also been sealed and more power and electrical outlets have been installed which will benefit running the catering on the day. There has been more toilets installed for spectators, and 2 big screens will relay the action from other parts of the track.
One of the other aims is to make this more of an event for Territorians than a race. I would like to place on record my congratulations to the wide range of businesses which have embraced the event, staged functions and also taken corporate marquees over this racing weekend, for example, the Carlton Hotel SuperCar V8, and the various pubs and small businesses that have gotten behind the lunch and gotten behind the race.
Yesterday, Dick Johnson addressed the Darwin Press Club lunch and other drivers have been on a promotional job over the last few days. All of those efforts build the sort of atmosphere that we want for this event and we as a government are particularly indebted to those efforts. It also encourages visitors to arrive early or stay longer, therefore providing increased economic spin offs for a greater range of businesses.
Can I just say, as again with last year, free buses will operate this year, but there will still be plenty of parking at Hidden Valley. But for those who want to have a beer on the day, or a few beers, the advice is to catch the bus. Its going to be a great event. I certainly congratulate our Major Events and Hidden Valley Promotions for their excellent efforts in preparing the venue this year, and can I say to Territorians let’s get out there over the weekend. You’ll have a great day.
Members: Hear, hear!
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016