I will start my report by apologising to our members for the extended break between communications and more importantly, meetings of the association.
 
With the many challenges that have faced us over the past 2 years, we are unfortunately depleted at the committee level to the point the last 2 attempts to hold formal committee meetings were discontinued due to a lack of quorum.
 
Having said that, it is a new year, we've had some encouraging news late last year with the state government finally agreeing that we are operating within the terms of our lease and we've started the year with some very positive media reports that have worked exceptionally well to generate fresh interest in the project.
 
Currently we have a number of different user groups / interested parties wishing to be involved either immediately with events using the existing facilities and several that are more interested in the 'long term' facilities. 
 
Two of those groups will be joining us in Maryborough for discussions on Saturday the 8th and other organisations will be meeting with me on site in coming weeks to discuss their needs.
 
Moving forward, we will hold our postponed AGM on Saturday 22nd of February in Maryborough and should I be re-elected, it is my aim to ensure this year we move quickly to lodge our Development Application for the balance of the project and maximise our opportunities via the upcoming local government and state government elections. 
 
I hope you can join us this coming Saturday and again at our AGM. I would particularly encourage our members with an interest in the Drag Strip to attend all upcoming meetings to ensure your voice is heard.  I would strongly welcome a number of new committee members with a specific interest in Drag Racing to ensure we can move forwards quickly with planning the Drag Strip and it's specific requirements.

Ben Collingwood
PRESIDENT
Wide Bay Motor Complex Inc.

We've had some very positive news overnight with the receipt of a letter from the State Government confirming what we have known all along.  Wide Bay Motor Complex Inc. is acting within the terms of our lease, our intent moving forward is in line with the legal requirements placed on us under the Land Act 1994.  As such we are able to proceed with preparing and lodging the Development Application for the Drag Strip provided Fraser Coast Regional Council does not object.  
 
Whilst it is easy to be angry for the 2 years wasted fighting this matter via our solicitors,  there is no time for looking backwards. We've got a job to do.
 
I will now revise my President's report for the upcoming meeting to a far more positive one and members will receive that in due course.
 
I thank all our supporters for your patience and belief in the project and can assure you that as long as there is a light at the end of the development tunnel, I'll be right here doing everything I can to move things forward.  If you would like to play a more active part in the process, please send an expression of interest via email to president@widebaymotorcomplex.com
 
Kindest regards
 
Ben Collingwood
President, Wide Bay Motor Complex Inc.