Community & Business
8 November, 2024
Raceway pushes for path to help youth
MAREEBA’S Springmount Raceway is hoping to convene the new State Government and Member for Cook David Kempton to back them in establishing a program for youth that seeks to “break the cycle”.
In 2022, the Federal Government provided $1.4 million in funding for “Project Overhaul” in Townsville and Mount Isa which was aimed at helping local youth at risk of committing crimes to break the cycle.
The program was able to provide them with experience as a race team mechanic, to learn mechanical skills as part of a real-life motorsport team, including dismantling and rebuilding a race car and kart.
With the LNP winning government and running on a platform of supporting intervention programs for at-risk youth, the Springmount Raceway is hoping to create a similar project for local youth.
With government support, the raceway believes it can provide a safe place for young people to learn about cars and become more responsible on the road, providing an opportunity for more young people to learn about cars, learn to drive safely, and learn how to undertake mechanical repairs and maintenance.
It is anticipated that the program will reduce youth crime, hooning and vehicle theft in the region.
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro, who has been involved with Springmount Raceway since it first opened in early 2016, says he has seen the impact of the motorsport facility on the local community.
“Springmount Raceway is key to our community, not only for our local businesses but also for the many families who have grown up at the track and continue to spend their weekends as a part of drag racing,” he said.
“With LNP winning the Queensland election, we hope to see government support for Springmount Raceway and our motorsport community so that we can improve the future of our youth in the region.”
Mr Kempton attended the final race meet of the 2024 season at Springmount Raceway to gain first-hand experience of drag racing in Far North Queensland.
Mr Kempton has been personally impacted by youth crime in the region and applauded the efforts of the Springmount Raceway community to provide a solution.
“By working with our youth, we will be able to turn around the lives of kids who are stealing cars and hooning dangerously on our streets,” he said.
The Springmount Raceway is a multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art drag racing facility. Each year, it attracts tens of thousands of competitors and spectators from throughout Australia and overseas.
