Burswood motorsport street circuit not being rebranded, WA government says

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The State Government is pushing ahead with controversial plans to create a motorsport street circuit in Burswood Park, despite growing community opposition. The government denies suggestions it is trying to rebrand the proposed facility as a multi-use community hub, as it opened the community consultation process.

Transcript

00:00From the driver's seat of a V8 supercar, Premier Roger Cook declared his vision for

00:12the Burswood Peninsula during the election campaign.

00:15We're announcing that we will transform this park into a world-class entertainment precinct.

00:22If elected, a WA Labor government will build a Perth street circuit.

00:27Happy snaps with the head of Supercars Australia and two race car drivers.

00:31Now it appears in the rear vision mirror as local backlash grows.

00:36It's not a motorplex.

00:37It's not a motorplex at all.

00:39It's a sports and entertainment precinct that will help drive activity and create new opportunities

00:46to host events into the future.

00:48Thursday's announcement came with a broader audience including the head of WA's music

00:53and cycling lobbies.

00:55The government keen to focus on plans for a 20,000 seat music amphitheatre and cycling

01:00circuit as well as the race track.

01:02Consultation is now underway with the opposition first in line to share its thoughts.

01:08It is all spin.

01:09They did not announce with microphones singing.

01:12They did not announce on push bikes.

01:15They announced in a V8 supercar.

01:18What do you think the intention of that announcement was?

01:20Those opposed to the project, many living here in apartments overlooking the proposed race track,

01:27claim the consultation process is flawed amid concerns over noise and environmental impact.

01:33We don't understand how it can be a community consultation of any value because the community

01:40have more than 12,000 signatures in opposition to this and they're saying it is happening.

01:46Another thorn in the government's side, Revelations, a contractor chosen to help build Perth's new maternity

01:52hospital in Murdoch, Roberts Co has entered into voluntary administration, forcing the government

01:58to find a new builder to partner company WeBuild.

02:02I'm very confident that we soon will be able to make an announcement relating to the contract

02:07and that we are focused about the timeframe and value for money for taxpayers.

02:13Despite the setback, the government maintains the hospital will still be delivered by 2029.

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