A long-running motocross club is in limbo after holding its last event on its renowned home track, which is destined to make way for development.
The Suncoast Junior Motorcycle Club’s lease is set to run out on December 31, and its world-class Coolum Pines venue will be ripped up for an expansion of the Coolum Eco Industrial Park.
The club has spent months trying to find a new home and there has been a last-ditch effort to stay at the location – with the backing of a wealthy benefactor – but it now seems members will be ‘homeless’ within weeks.
Club president Matt Holiday said reality had dawned on the local motocross community during the final session at the track on Sunday.
“It didn’t sink in until the riders were doing their last lap,” he said.
“A lot of parents now realise how big a loss it’s going to be … everyone is sort of at a low now.”
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He said the demolition of the track, which produced world champion Jett Lawrence, would be a significant blow to the state motocross scene.
“For many of the kids, this is their life,” he said.
“It (the future of Queensland motocross) is looking bleak.
“It’s getting more and more difficult for the sport. I’m not sure what direction it’s going to head in.”
Mr Holiday said club members and riders were struggling to find another place to pursue their passion.
Club officials are trying to reach a deal with landowners and the state government to use a site at Coochin Creek, but there has been little progress for months.
“Nothing’s changed. We’re still trying to get the premier and deputy premier to coordinate all the departments to talk to each other and get it happening,” Mr Holliday said.
There was also a last-ditch bid to stay at their current location.
Mr Holiday said lubricants company Penrite Oil stepped in with an offer to buy the land, or part of it.
“They offered to purchase it, at whatever cost, for the club to stay there,” he said.
“But it’s not going to happen.”
The state government told Sunshine Coast News there were “no options” for the club and the track to remain there.
A spokesperson for the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning said the land was crucial for business.
“The Coolum Eco Industrial Park (CEIP) is being developed to support economic growth and create new jobs for Coolum and surrounding communities,” they said.
“Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has leased part of Lot 904, an area that adjoins Stage 1 of CEIP, to Suncoast Junior Motorcycle Club for many years.
“The club’s current lease expires on December 31 and there are no options to extend beyond this date.”
They said the club had known for years that its time there would expire.
“EDQ has always planned to develop the land to support further industrial development at the CEIP and has active development approvals for this purpose,” they said.
“The motorcycle club has long been aware of the lease’s end date and EDQ has met with the club on multiple occasions to discuss this.
“The first stage of CEIP is now sold out.
“EDQ is undertaking detailed design work and some preliminary earthworks have commenced.
“Once completed, this second stage will deliver about 36.5 hectares of serviced industrial land for sale, unlocking new economic opportunities for the region.”
State Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said there were unsuccessful attempts to re-home the club.
“The exponential growth of our population has put further pressure on the demand for suitable land for residential, commercial and industrial purposes,” he said.
“I’ve been in regular contact with the club since 2017 and have been urging the state government to help council in its efforts to find more suitable land.
“Governments need to work together to plan for this growth and accommodate sports like motocross.”
When Penrite Oil offered to buy the land, Mr Purdie contacted council to see if that was possible.
“(But) they advised in writing there was no appetite to rezone the land, due to the high demand for the land for support industrial development,” he said.
Council told Sunshine Coast News the club and state government were best placed to comment.
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