The body behind a proposed new permanent racetrack facility 40km inland of Townsville is seeking $18.3 million of investment to complete the project.

Earlier this week the DriveIT NQ group received approval on its Development Application (DA) to construct a motorsport facility on a 306 hectare parcel of land in Calcium.

While funds are in place to begin a portion of the project, further investment is needed for the full venue to be realised.

“This is a very good news story for motorsport fans in Townsville,” said Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill of the DA’s approval.

“The region really needs a facility like this – we don’t have anything like this and DriveIT NQ have worked hard to get to this point.”

Support has come from high places, including CAMS, which threw its support behind the plan in 2016, and more recently Townsville local and MotoGP racer Jack Miller.

The group hopes with DA approval funds can be secured to construct the race track, drag way, speedway, and associated infrastructure.

“This is a shovel ready project; all the preliminary work has been done,” said Pat Driscoll, chair of DriveIT NQ.

“What will it take to bring money and jobs to the north, and to Townsville?

“Fund this project and you will be funding jobs, tourism, and small business.

“If funds were available the facility could be completed within three years.”

The group was awarded a $5 million grant from the Federal Government in 2018 in order to build a large vehicle maneuvering area and support infrastructure.

With engineering design work close to completion, that construction is expected to begin shortly and be complete by March 2020.

While that area could be used for low-level motorsport, its primary function is for rollover recovery training for heavy vehicles.

It’s suggested the venue could also host driver training, a camp ground, and provide a venue for major events such as concerts and festivals.

Should it secure the funding, DriveIT NQ claims the circuit would inject $35million into the local economy annually, and create 90 jobs during construction.

Once operational the equivalent of 149 jobs are forecast, with the site delivering an estimated $8.8 million annually to Townsville’s tourism industry.