$5 Million Lost Through ACT Government Incompetence - More Bruce Factor

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism

Media Statement - 9 November 2000

Labor Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Berry has condemned the ACT Government over its failure to secure the Canberra International Dragway for the Territory and the subsequent loss of $5 million.

Mr Berry's statement follows the appearance of the Minister for Urban Services before the Planning and Urban Services Committee during examination of agency annual reports.

According to the Supreme Court the failure of the Minister for Urban Services to act on the matter meant that the Canberra International Dragway was unable to secure a ten year lease option which has cost the ACT $5million in lost tourism and events revenue over the last two years.

Smyth's failure to revisit this issue continues to cost the Territory millions.

The dragway attracted over 18000 interstate visitors a year and provided flow on revenue to a number of ACT businesses all of which has evaporated because of the incompetence of the ACT Government.

Over and over again the Territory is confronted with the 'Bruce factor' when the lid is levered off ACT Government performance on tourism and events.

"Here is an event which has performed well without any of the massive subsidies which have been handed on a plate to ACT Government favourites like Bruce Stadium and the V8 car race. Perhaps there weren't enough photo opportunities and free publicity for ACT Government Ministers to guarantee its future.

"The big losers are not only the tens of thousands of Canberrans who have an interest in on-going community motor sport, but also those associated tourism and other businesses who will no longer see the 18,000 visitors who would have come to Canberra as spectators and participants in the sport," Mr Berry concluded.