Perth Park: Huge backlash to approval for State Government’s $20 million section of $217.5 million project

The Perth Park approval of $20 million worth of the $217.5m project has attracted huge backlash. On Thursday May 14, Western Australian Planning Commission unanimously backed the construction of part of the multi-use racetrack, major earthworks and drainage, landscaping and public realm upgrades, roadworks, and utility improvements around Camfield Drive and Victoria Park Drive. The entire project will include a 12,000 person outdoor amphitheatre, multi-use track for cycling and an annual motorsport event, a playground, a multi-purpose building and hospitality venue, shared paths and limestone tracks, and barbecue and picnic facilities. Town of Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon, who attended the hearing, said it would “no surprise to many” that the WAPC had endorsed the development application. “Essentially the WAPC concluded that the noise impacts from motorsports will be significant and adversely impact on the surrounding residential communities (but) the noise impacts will only last for three days so residents will just have to put up with it,” she posted. “Not happy Jan.” The Save Burswood Park Alliance said the decision appeared to be predetermined and that community opposition had been ignored. Concerns included the impact on the environment, the amount of fencing and access to parkland being restricted by ticketed events. “The State Government has ridden roughshod over taxpayers, local residents and the broader community throughout this process,” alliance co-chair Robin Harvey said. “Western Australians have repeatedly indicated that public funds should be directed toward critical priorities such as housing, education and health — not racetracks that reduce community amenity and restrict public access to one of Perth’s most important inner-city green spaces.” The alliance noted there were 20 conditions attached with the approval and Dr Harvey said they would continue working to hold the Government accountable. The alliance also questioned the announcement of the major construction contractor at 10am the day after the hearing concluded at 4.15pm. “This sequence of events raises legitimate concerns about whether the process was genuinely independent, or whether the outcome had already been decided before public feedback was fully considered,” Dr Harvey said. Mixed reactions from community members were seen on flooding social media. “Looking forward to it being opened, can’t wait to take a few laps of it...” one person said. “Not everyone’s against it, bring it on.” another added. “Im glad the racetrack is build in Perth. Somewhere I can go to besides collie and barbs .. yahooo!!” another added. Whilst some commenters welcomed the $217.5 million development, others were not so happy. “State Government was pushing this through no matter what,” one person said. “We don’t need a racetrack, we need to fix healthcare and homelessness.” another added. “Utterly ridiculous. What about more hospitals, housing the homeless,” another said. Some weren’t convinced the project won’t blow the budget. “$217.5 mil plus plus plus,” one said. “I reckon it will blow out to at least $450 mill,” another said. Following the announcement, Transport, Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti took to social releasing updated designs, saying their new design includes “more trees.” “In response to community feedback and input, landscaping is a major focus of the design,” she said. “We’re going to more than double the tree canopy through the area by planting more than 600 new trees. This will include a new urban forest.” Ms Vernon did a laugh reaction to the post.