Tasmania’s longest running kart club has received federal funding to undertake long awaited facility upgrades.

Making the announcement at the North Western Kart Club’s Come and Try Day, Federal Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce praised everyone involved with the club for the heavy lifting they have done for more than 50 years.

“This is a community group that has been pretty self-sufficient for many decades, using their volunteer base, club sponsors and fundraising efforts to maintain and develop this great facility. When they came to me and said they need a bit of help, explained what the problems were and their plan to fix it, I was more than happy to advocate for funding on their behalf,” Mr Pearce said.

“Karting is a wonderful community-based, family activity and I know the club has drivers from 6 – 80 years old. If you have an interest in motor sport, karting is the place to start. You don’t have to look any further than Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup and Daniel Ricciardo, who all got their start in karting.”

“Crucially, karting also teaches vehicle control and safety. Our goal is zero road deaths and anything that teaches kids responsible driving behaviour and vehicle management is a step toward that goal.”

“I fight every day to ensure that Braddon receives the investment it deserves. Since my election, more than 700 projects have been delivered across the region, injecting more than $1 billion into our local communities. You can now make that 701.”

“This funding continues my strategic plan to make our region more prosperous and connected.”

North Western Kart Club Treasurer and Project Manager, Mr Darrell Jeffrey, thanked Gavin Pearce for his advocacy.

“Mr Pearce and his team have been a delight to deal with throughout the process. From the first initial conversations, Mr Pearce took the time to listen to the needs and concerns of the NWKC and actively assisted us to bring this project to life,” Mr Jeffery said.

“The project is the first major step in the long-term redevelopment of our venue aimed at creating the safest and most modern circuit in Tasmania.”

Facility upgrade will include new toilets, showers, change rooms, all-abilities toilets, baby change area, meeting rooms, installation of a solar panel system, upgrade to canteen equipment, food court, installation of security system across the venue and installation of new onsite waste water management system.