Residents ‘unsurprised but deeply disappointed’ as Burswood racetrack clears planning hurdle

A portion of Labor’s contentious Burswood racetrack has cleared a major hurdle after state planning commissioners approved a development application for the Perth Park project on Thursday.

Western Australian Planning Commission members unanimously supported the $20 million application – a fraction of the project’s $217.5 million budget – despite public outcry from residents and local councils.

Transport, Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti announced on Friday that a $202.4 million contract for construction of the full Perth Park project had been awarded, marking another step forward for the controversial venture.

Saffioti also revealed a land-swap agreement had been reached between the government and Crown that would see 3.69 hectares of land belonging to Crown incorporated into the Perth Park project site.

In exchange, the state will provide Crown with about 1.85 hectares of state-owned land on the south-western side of the complex that is currently used for parking.

“Over the past 15 years, the Burswood Peninsula has transformed through the development of the Crown Towers precinct, Optus Stadium, Matagarup Bridge and a range of new tourism and hospitality facilities,” Saffioti said.

“Perth Park will be the next step in the transformation of the Burswood Peninsula and elevate the area into a world-class hub for sport, entertainment, culture and the arts.”

Despite a number of deputations against the project on Thursday from residents, advocacy groups and Town of Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon, commission members said they felt satisfied the development application adhered enough to planning regulations to gain approval.

The development application would see construction commence on a portion of the multi-use racetrack as well as earth and drainage works, landscaping and public realm improvements, as well as a new arrivals plaza, roadworks, and utilities upgrades.

Speaking against the application, Vernon said the racetrack should not be supported due to its incompatible nature and excessive noise pollution to neighbouring residents.

“Motorsport itself is fundamentally incompatible with the regional open space reservation’s purpose, because [firstly] it prioritises intensive ticketed high-impact events, not passive or low-impact recreation, and secondly, it introduces industrial-scale noise and infrastructure inconsistent with parkland values,” she said.

On the topic of noise, Vernon said research and evidence proved the racetrack would give rise to “substantial and intrusive” noise impacts to residents.

“This is not just noise, it is noise at a level that no reasonable planning authority should accept near people’s homes. The acoustic evidence before you does demonstrate the noise levels are well in excess of accepted standards,” she said.

“The impacts affect residential dwellings in close proximity, and a noise profile that is high in intensity and intrusive in character.”

Resident Michael Thorn also rebuffed the proposal, calling the initiative a “complete affront to good planning.”

“Objectively, it is barely conceivable that anyone would propose a permanent motor racing track on this piece of invaluable inner-city parkland near the iconic Swan River,” Thorn said.

“This development will adversely affect the health and wellbeing of our Claisebrook neighbourhood, its residents, wildlife, and pets due to continuous and excessive noise and pollution.

“The commission should firstly refuse the application to build a permanent racetrack on this site, and secondly not allow the conduct of motor racing here on the banks of the Swan River.”

Ultimately, commissioners voted to support the proposal with an additional amendment made to limit motorsports events to one Supercars event per year for a maximum of three days.

Commissioner Megan Adair said her reason behind the amendment was to remove any ambiguity around how many events could potentially be held at the track.

WAPC chairperson Emma Cole said she was confident the noise concerns would be adequately managed through a noise management plan.

“We have discussed the motor source being the primary impact, and I believe that that has been managed accordingly to get the right balance in allowing this precinct to develop in the intent and desire that is intended under the planning framework,” Cole said.

“I also think it’s really beneficial to understand that venues and most who are very well practiced in running Optus Stadium will take a holistic view of the operations across the Perth Park precinct, as well as their existing management of the stadium.”

Save Burswood Park Alliance co-chair Robin Harvey told this masthead after the meeting that she was “unsurprised but deeply disappointed” in the outcome.

“We are actually very angry about the seemingly tick-the-box exercise that we witnessed yesterday,” Harvey said.

While she noted their group were “vaguely relieved” the WAPC ruled one Supercars event would be held per year, she was “very sad” for the park and wildlife in the area that would be affected by the track.

“The future for us is to continue to hold this government to account. We will certainly be very active monitors of what happens,” she said.

“And we will be actively campaigning in the next election to unseat those who are responsible for this project.”

Construction commences

The construction contract for the Perth Park has been awarded to the Seymour Whyte, Civmec and Aurecon Alliance – the group of companies that built the Boorloo Bridge – with plans for the precinct to be ready for use in late 2027.

The Burswood racetrack and Perth Park project remains costed at $217.5 million despite stark warnings about the impact the war in Iran could have on Western Australia’s construction sector.

The racetrack was a key election promise by WA Labor and includes an amphitheatre with seating 15,000 to 20,000 people, a 1.25km multi-use cycling track and a 845 metre training circuit, as well as a multipurpose building with function and event spaces.

The state plans to host an annual V8 Supercars event at the track and has been investigating the possibility of hosting a Formula E event.

Around 600 new trees will also be planted, doubling the existing tree canopy in the area.