Labor and Liberal candidates for Menai have expressed interest in the development of a dedicated driver training area at Lucas Heights.

Shire Advanced Driver Training, an initiative of Cronulla RSL’s Motoring Enthusiasts Group, hope to establish a the facility at ‘The Peak’, near ANSTO.

SADT chairman, Tony Brown, said the proposed facility could be used as part of a a schools-based curriculum.

“One quarter of all road deaths are in the 17 to 25 age group”, Mr Brown said.

“It’s a fact of life that Australians enjoy their cars and bikes, and correct training at the earliest possible time is the best way to instil the necessary skills and responsible attitudes that ensure road safety.’’

Liberal candidate for Menai, Melanie Gibbons, said she would like to hear more about the project.

‘‘I support anything that helps young drivers to drive safely,’’ she said.

‘‘If there’s a way to support young drivers, we’d look at that.’’

Her opponent, Labor candidate for Menai, Peter Scaysbrook, is a former NSW Motocross champion.

He said that motorists could benefit from improved skills.

‘‘I’ve been interested in motoring and motorsport for a while,’’ he said.

‘‘I’d like to see the area used properly, and I think this is an appropriate use of the area.

‘‘Lives could be saved by this.’’

Mr Scaysbrook has spoken with some Sutherland Shire residents about the Project.

“The reaction from locals has been fantastic,” Mr Scaysbrook said.

‘‘Local businesses have also been very supportive of the scheme, believing that the facility would have significant involvement with the local community.”

Should a motor racing park be built in Sutherland Shire? WEB DINKUS

More than 1000 people voted in a Leader online poll that asked ‘‘should a motor racing park be built in Sutherland Shire’’.

The result was positive for motoring enthusiasts, as 85.6 per cent said yes.

Do we need a shire-based driver training program?