Burswood race track: Labor blames ‘misconception’ for campaign against controversial $217 million project

Labor is claiming majority public support for the $217 million Burswood race track, but critics have called that “spin” and are vowing their fight over the controversial project is not over. The Cook Government released a four-page summary of the response to its community consultation on Friday, stating that 76 per cent of all contributions provided “supportive ideas” for the development. Treasurer and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti’s press release changed that to 76 per cent provided “positive ideas” towards the project, that also includes a 20,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre. “Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas to help shape the Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct,” she said. “Our Government is committed to ensuring this precinct delivers significant economic benefits to the State while ensuring local residents have access to amenity that supports healthy, active lifestyles and improved transport connections.” Save Burswood Park Alliance co-chair Robyn Harvey accused the Government of twisting a “pre-ordained” result. “People were saying we want more trees because, in the beginning, they would not let you write a negative comment,” she said. “We believe that meant that they couldn’t have room for a motor track, but they are taking that as a positive.” The consultation outcomes report said only one group expressed significant concern over the proposal. “These were the resident groups directly adjacent to Burswood Park and in East Perth,” the report said. “Some of these residents are opposed to the proposed annual motorsport event and are concerned about the issues relating to noise, access, and environmental management.” It blamed a “misconception” that motorsport would be frequent, instead of an annual event. “Rubbish. 65 per cent of the grounds will be destroyed. No matter whether there’s a once a year race or not, that’s what people are distressed about,” Ms Harvey said. Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon said the Council was yet to receive a formal assurance motorsport would be limited to one event per year. “This is not the whole story of the objection to the project,” she said. “Council and Community don’t want a large asphalt heat trap in the middle of green space that was meant to be an inner urban sanctuary.” Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas blasted the report as “spin” that contained no statistical data. “This Government is determined to fast-track the racetrack, no matter what feedback they receive,” he said. “A reminder, the State Government allocated $167.5 million more to this project than they made available for maintenance of our hospitals earlier in the week.” Suggestions from more than 600 contributions included an “urban forest”, permanent amenities for cyclists and improved access for everyday park users. The Government said the project will be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority in coming weeks, but there is still no timetable for assessment by Infrastructure WA as required for all projects over $100 million. Parliamentary Secretary Daniel Pastorelli said there will be more opportunity for further consultation. “It was constructive and proved very beneficial for the detailed design of the precinct,” he said. “The ideas and feedback are now being fed into the design process, and we look forward to seeing the project progress to the next stage.”