Thursday, 2 April 2026

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (19:11): (2481) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Community Sport. The action that I seek is for the minister to provide funding in the 2026–27 state budget for safety improvements to the Daylesford Speedway track. Daylesford Speedway has a long history, having been established in the 1950s by two ex-soldiers after they returned from World War II. The Daylesford Speedway Drivers Association is now a not-for-profit group that has leased a 7-hectare plot within The Basin recreation reserve since 1987. Racing at the Speedway has enjoyed continued popularity with locals and racing fans from all over Victoria. When Hepburn Shire Council was considering renewing the lease in 2022 they carried out community consultation, which attracted 354 submissions; almost 90 per cent of them were in favour of renewing the lease. This shows that the event has widespread community support and there is an appreciation for the benefit to the visitor economy that the event brings to the area.

Racing is fast and fun, offering entertainment to the whole family, who spend big over race weekends on accommodation, food and drinks and local attractions. High speed makes racing exciting, but it also makes it dangerous. In 2023 Stephen Douglas was tragically killed when his car went over an embankment and rolled because there was no safety wall. Daylesford Speedway was closed for over a year afterwards, and the association is now committed to making safety improvements to secure the future of racing at the site. Specifically Daylesford Speedway is seeking funding to build an infield wall, outer concrete wall and new infield catch fences, all to improve track safety for drivers and spectators. They also plan to upgrade computer and signage technology, toilet amenities and road infrastructure in and out of the track and provide grandstand seating for fans. These upgrades are estimated to cost a few hundred thousand dollars and will result in a safer track, which offers an improved race day experience for fans. This will draw larger crowds and make a big contribution to the local economy as well as supporting Daylesford RSL, which partners with the speedway.

In 2024 I sponsored a petition to the Legislative Council that asked the government to upgrade Daylesford Speedway and install a safety wall, fencing, drainage, a mobile tower and a solar farm. In response to the petition the Minister for Community Sport claimed that she was proud of the government’s investment in motorsport venues but then passed the buck for facility upgrades to Hepburn Shire Council. Race organisers hope to start a new 305 sprint car series, and improving safety at the speedway is a crucial part of their expansion plans. I urge the minister to invest in motorsport in regional Victoria and fund these vital safety upgrades at Daylesford Speedway.