Background
The BlackRock Motor Park is set to establish Lake Macquarie as home to Australia’s first recreation resort for motoring enthusiasts. With a $95 million investment, this world-leading project showcases adaptive reuse of mined land, demonstrating significant social and economic potential for the region. Currently in the commercial approval phase, the project will provide over 450 construction jobs and 229 ongoing roles once operational. Upon completion, BlackRock Motor Park will be capable of hosting events year-round, accommodating up to 500 visitors daily.
Key facilities include
- 5.3558 km driving circuit
- 100-seat restaurant
- 150-person function space
- 37 short-term accommodation units
- 64 member-dedicated units
- Private lodge with a gym, swimming pool, and 20 rooms
- 16 standalone cabins
- The project commenced in mid-2020, with an estimated construction period of 18-24 months.
Challenge
The BlackRock Motor Park is set in Wakefield, a small, close-knit former mining community. Understanding the concerns and expectations of the residents was vital for the project’s success. The project faced the dual challenges of navigating complex regulatory frameworks and fostering acceptance within the community.
Due to its scale and unique nature, BlackRock required thoughtful planning, early stakeholder engagement, and close collaboration between developers, local authorities, and community leaders.
Dantia’s Role in Supporting the Project
Dantia, Lake Macquarie’s economic development company, played a pivotal role in streamlining the approval and engagement processes, ensuring the project’s timely progress.
Economic Impact Analysis:
Dantia conducted an economic analysis to quantify and communicate the potential benefits of BlackRock Motor Park to the region. This data highlighted the project’s capacity to generate jobs, boost tourism, and attract investment, helping to establish early support from key stakeholders.
Strategic Introductions:
Dantia facilitated introductions between BlackRock and strategic planners at Lake Macquarie City Council. These early discussions enabled BlackRock to address critical environmental and social issues from the concept stage, aligning the project with the council’s long-term strategic goals.
Stakeholder Engagement and Vision Sharing:
By organising presentations to council representatives and industry leaders in tourism and related sectors, Dantia fostered a shared vision for the project. This process helped establish a broad base of support, emphasising the project’s potential for economic diversification and tourism growth in the region.
Community Engagement Strategy:
A crucial aspect of the project was building trust with the Wakefield community. Dantia assisted in crafting a comprehensive community engagement strategy, identifying influential local figures and encouraging dialogue. This early consultation allowed for transparent communication, addressing both opportunities and concerns, and ensuring the community felt heard and involved.
Advocacy and Support:
Dantia provided letters of support and presented to the Joint Regional Planning Panel, underscoring the significance of BlackRock Motor Park for the community. These efforts helped reduce approval timelines, as the project’s benefits—such as job creation and adaptive reuse of mining land—were clearly communicated to decision-makers.
Land Transition Assistance:
Dantia supported landowners throughout the process, working with the Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment to facilitate the transition from a mining lease to a recreational facility. This collaboration boosted confidence in the land sale and helped secure long-term community infrastructure.
Outcomes and Benefits
BlackRock Motor Park is a flagship project that exemplifies the power of collaboration, strategic planning, and adaptive land use. The benefits are multifaceted:
- Job Creation: Over 450 construction jobs and 229 ongoing positions will be created, offering significant employment opportunities to the region.
- Tourism Growth: The project is expected to attract motoring enthusiasts from across Australia and internationally, bolstering Lake Macquarie’s reputation as a tourism destination.
- Economic Diversification: BlackRock Motor Park will diversify the local economy, shifting away from its historical reliance on mining towards sustainable tourism and recreation.
- Community Engagement: The project has fostered strong relationships with the local community, ensuring that their concerns are addressed while highlighting the long-term benefits for residents.
By facilitating a comprehensive engagement strategy and providing critical support at key stages, Dantia helped BlackRock Motor Park overcome regulatory and community challenges, laying the groundwork for the successful realisation of this landmark development.
Invest Lake Macquarie
The BlackRock Motor Park is more than just a development project—it is a model for how adaptive reuse of land can bring significant social, economic, and environmental benefits to a region. Through early engagement, collaborative planning, and strategic communication, Dantia ensured that the project aligned with the needs of all stakeholders, setting a new benchmark for future developments in Lake Macquarie.
