Hoons forced onto streets as dragway threatened with closure
One of Victoria's few remaining drag strips could close forever unless the facility secures a new location and funding from the State Government.
Locals are calling on the Victorian Government to help relocate the Gippsland Motorplex – home of the Bairnsdale Dragway – after it was announced the lease for the motorsport facility would not be renewed at the end of 2024.
The Motorplex is located on the land of Bairnsdale Airport, with the drag strip being a former runway used to train pilots during World War II when it was originally an RAAF airbase.
Claiming to be one of the state's oldest motorsport tracks, it is one of only a handful of dragways left in Victoria – and the only one servicing East Gippsland residents.
Bairnsdale Airport is reportedly extending one of its runways, with the expansion to force the closure of the Motorplex, which is also home to an off-road track. Neighbours include the Bairnsdale Kart Club and Motorcross Track.
Speaking to Gippsland's WIN News, Acting Sergeant Cameron Manniche said since the facility re-opened in recent years "we've noticed a drop in the hoon behaviour around the streets – there's been a lot less complaints – which basically means this sort of facility is working".
According to Gippsland Motorplex management, they have the full support of local Highway Patrol officers.
Both management and users of the facility are calling for government support to find a new home for the Motorplex to keep hoon activity off the streets and give local enthusiasts a place to gather safely.
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