Milking the GP Run

CASEY council will consider expanding the duration of the annual Cranbourne GP Run to keep the crowds in Cranbourne while the wave-off event is on.
But a former councillor said more could be done to capitalise on the thousands of people who visit Cranbourne for the event.
Former Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Bearden said he wanted a two-day festival to coincide with the wave-off in October.
“We have plenty of space up at Casey Fields and the complex where the pool is being built to host a two-day festival on GP wave-off weekend,” Mr Beardon said.
“The GP wave-off is fantastic. But 20 minutes after the last bike has left, the street is empty. It costs ratepayers about $60,000 to host the event. The event should be a mini Moomba.”
The Motorcycle Riders’ Association (MRA) Cranbourne GP Run is one of the largest group motorcycle rides in Victoria. Last year, thousands of people gathered for the 10th annual event to watch the wave-off of riders who travel together to the Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island.
The council said it would consider increasing the event duration in the streets to encourage more business for traders.