What the Tasmanian Liberals will do:

Provide $521,000 to further develop the drag racing sport in Tasmanian with associated benefits for road safety and tourism.

Drag racing is an internationally‐recognised and standardised sport. The Tasmanian Drag Racers Association (TDRA) currently operates from a leased facility at Powranna catering for more than 1,000 participants, including members of Tasmanian car clubs, and attracting thousands of spectators each year.

The support being offered will allow for the continuation of the sport, as well as providing a facility for multiple motor sports groups, and divert excessive speed and unacceptable driving behaviour from our streets and roads to a controlled and safe environment.

By upgrading its facilities to conform to group one requirements, the TDRA has the potential to bid for top tier events which attract up to 250 competitors and an average crew of about six people per competitor. Up to 3,000 spectators regularly follow the more popular classes Australia‐wide, offering significant tourist exposure and income for the State with an associated benefit to the economy through the provision of accommodation and meals, fuel and spare parts.

The funding will allow the club to purchase its currentlyleased facility. The club will also commit to upgrading the facility over coming years including the provision of about one kilometre of concrete barriers ($690,000), electrical work and track lighting ($800,000), track resurfacing ($220,0000) and the upgrading of toilet facilities ($50,000).

What the Liberals will do
A Hodgman Liberal Government will provide $521,000 (made up of a grant of $260,500 and a ten year interestfree loan of $260,500) to the TDRA for the purchase of its currently leased facility, subject to a feasibility study which supports the business case. The study will be conducted by the Department of Economic Development from existing resources.

Why this policy is needed
Drag racing is a fast growing sport nationally which also offers flow‐on benefits to Tasmania through increased tourism and visitation to the State. Supporting drag racing in a controlled environment also has additional benefits in allowing programs to be developed to ensure the continued development of the State’s road safety message in terms of safer and responsible driving.

Note: Grant of $260,500 and ten year interest‐free loan to the Association of $260,500 subject to a feasibility study.