Nats’ pledge on Motorplex

The WA Nationals will pledge to fully fund the development of the proposed Great Southern Motorplex in Albany on Saturday.

The Albany Advertiser can reveal WA Nationals leader Brendon Grylls will commit his party to building the multi-motorsport complex on the proviso local candidate Robbie Sutton is successful in his bid for the seat of Albany in the March State election.

While no dollar amount has been disclosed, Mr Sutton said it was a “substantial amount” and “enough to secure the site and develop the facility”.

The proposed motorplex is the biggest election promise made in Albany so far in the 2017 campaign.

The facility is set to include motocross, drag racing, circuit racing, motorcycle racing, advanced driver training, and four-wheel-drive training, with land set aside for speedway and go-karts if required in the future.

Mr Sutton said the project began as a proposal to build a motocross facility close to Albany after the closure of the Miniup Park track in Robinson.

“We’ve got world-class riders down here and nowhere for them to train or practise,” he said.

Veteran WA motor sport identity Kim Ledger, who owns part of the land the proposed complex on which the land is to be built, will be involved in the design and running of the facility along with John Clarke, who has been part of the development of a similar Motorplex in South Australia.

Albany has become a popular motorsport destination, hosting the annual vintage motorcycle hill climb and Albany Classic around the houses, and for the first time will host Racewars at Albany Airport in March.