Mr NATT - 2005-06-30
Further to the member for Nelson’s question, based on the number of semitrailer rigs rolling down Knuckey Street at lunch time, there is one thing in town that everyone is talking about – this weekend’s round of V8s at Hidden Valley. Can you please update the House on this event and what it means to the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, yes, it was wonderful at lunch time. Because it was school holidays, there were so many kids watching the convoy roll through the centre of town. I was pleased to be there and officially welcome them and give them the flag. All the tootings and cheerings from the crowd was great. Already, Territorians are lining up with their Holden and Ford shirts. It certainly reaches a peak of anticipation by the time Sunday arrives.
We are expecting about 40 000 people to attend this year over the three days of racing at Hidden Valley. Already, there has been a record number of corporate tickets sold – 5300 corporate tickets from tomorrow through to Sunday.
This is our eighth V8s, as I said in response to the member for Nelson’s question, and it has become a critical, important and much loved part of our social and sporting calendar. We are very proud to have secured V8s in Darwin until 2012.
Significantly, as Tourism Minister, there is barely a room left in Darwin. There probably is not a room left in Darwin, so this is a significant boost for tourism and our accommodation businesses, not to mention the catering, the restaurants, the hairdressers - everything else that goes with so many people coming into Darwin for a great event.
Overall, we estimate that the V8s are worth about $5m to the Darwin economy for the days that they are here, which is a significant boost for many of our small businesses. Not only is it good for business though, it is exciting for Territorians. I thank SKYCITY for their support. In their time in Darwin they have shown considerable support for community events and realise the benefits of sponsorship of events for SKYCITY.
As government, we are supporting the V8s through additional works at Hidden Valley. Over the next four years we will be able to improve and expand facilities there at a cost of approximately $3.8m. There will be eight additional pit garages which is, again, something that we need for the growth in the V8s. There will also be vital remedial works to other parts of the motor sports complex.
I hope everyone here has an opportunity to go to the V8s this weekend. After hosting the event seven times it has become a major event. Even for people who take no interest in motor sports the rest of the year, this weekend becomes one where people either adopt a Ford or a Holden position, and get in there and enjoy it.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, yes, it was wonderful at lunch time. Because it was school holidays, there were so many kids watching the convoy roll through the centre of town. I was pleased to be there and officially welcome them and give them the flag. All the tootings and cheerings from the crowd was great. Already, Territorians are lining up with their Holden and Ford shirts. It certainly reaches a peak of anticipation by the time Sunday arrives.
We are expecting about 40 000 people to attend this year over the three days of racing at Hidden Valley. Already, there has been a record number of corporate tickets sold – 5300 corporate tickets from tomorrow through to Sunday.
This is our eighth V8s, as I said in response to the member for Nelson’s question, and it has become a critical, important and much loved part of our social and sporting calendar. We are very proud to have secured V8s in Darwin until 2012.
Significantly, as Tourism Minister, there is barely a room left in Darwin. There probably is not a room left in Darwin, so this is a significant boost for tourism and our accommodation businesses, not to mention the catering, the restaurants, the hairdressers - everything else that goes with so many people coming into Darwin for a great event.
Overall, we estimate that the V8s are worth about $5m to the Darwin economy for the days that they are here, which is a significant boost for many of our small businesses. Not only is it good for business though, it is exciting for Territorians. I thank SKYCITY for their support. In their time in Darwin they have shown considerable support for community events and realise the benefits of sponsorship of events for SKYCITY.
As government, we are supporting the V8s through additional works at Hidden Valley. Over the next four years we will be able to improve and expand facilities there at a cost of approximately $3.8m. There will be eight additional pit garages which is, again, something that we need for the growth in the V8s. There will also be vital remedial works to other parts of the motor sports complex.
I hope everyone here has an opportunity to go to the V8s this weekend. After hosting the event seven times it has become a major event. Even for people who take no interest in motor sports the rest of the year, this weekend becomes one where people either adopt a Ford or a Holden position, and get in there and enjoy it.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016