A bid to save Sandown Raceway through inclusion on the National Heritage List has been launched by Victorian Senator Ricky Muir.
The Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party member announced the campaign in the lead-up to Saturday’s federal election.
Sandown’s days as a horse and car racing facility appear numbered, with owners the Melbourne Racing Club expected to sell the venue for housing development within the next three years.
Submitting a redevelopment proposal to government last year, the MRC has so far confirmed only that the future of its venue is under review.
Supercars and the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport have both vowed to lobby hard against its closure.
The former’s contract for the Sandown 500 is yet to be extended beyond the end of this year’s event.
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Opened in 1962, Sandown has hosted the ATCC/Supercars Championship more times than any other circuit with 46 appearances.
Muir believes that the venue meets the criteria for a place on the heritage list, which already includes the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Flemington Racecourse.
“Nobody in the motorsport community wants to see a future Prime Minister stand here and launch ‘Sandown Raceway town’, as we saw with Malcolm Turnbull at Oran Park last week,” said Muir.
“But this isn’t just a venue for the motorsport community – Sandown Raceway is an important part of Australia’s heritage that should be protected.
“The heritage listing of sporting venues is not that common in Australia, and I have some awareness of the unsuccessful moves to save another venue not that far from here – Waverley Park.
“Sandown Raceway is unique and it should be protected. I am making this call as the community cannot wait a day longer if this venue is to be saved from becoming a housing estate.
“There have been varying reports, but it is pretty clear to me that the owners of this land have future plans that don’t involve motor racing.
“Many have thrown their hands in the air and said “it’s too late already”, but as I have done with everything I have considered during my time as a Senator, I have looked at the facts.
“And I believe that Sandown Raceway meets the criteria to be placed on the National Heritage List, and so it should be.”
Citing the noise restrictions that limit the number of days that Sandown can be used as a motorsport venue each year, Muir added that he supports calls for a new motorsport hub within reach of Melbourne.
The Ballarat City Council continues to assess a proposal for a multi-purpose motorsport venue in its area following over two years of planning.
“I support calls by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport for the establishment of a new motor racing venue somewhere on the outskirts of Melbourne,” he added.
“Motorsport is also a significant contributor to the economy, and it is appropriate that government invest in a new facility, given the significant amounts spent on so many different sports.
“There is clearly a need for a new multi-purpose venue somewhere within easy reach of Melbourne.
“A place where not only major events such as Supercars would be held, but where there was also affordable access for members of the public to drive and ride cars and motorcycles in a safe and controlled environment.”
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