The Western Australian government’s Perth Park project, formerly the Burswood racetrack proposal, is moving forward with significant site preparation underway, despite ongoing public division and criticism of the planning process. The project, now rebranded as Perth Park, involves a multipurpose building, a racetrack designated for cycling and an annual motorsport event, and an outdoor amphitheater.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has declined to formally assess the development. In a decision published on November 20, 2025, the EPA stated that the project's environmental impacts were deemed not significant. The authority cited the area’s lack of native vegetation, the localized and short duration of construction works, and the intermittent nature of operational noise as reasons for not conducting an assessment. The EPA acknowledged concerns about the removal of artificial ponds and potential impacts on terrestrial fauna, noting the proponent's intention to engage zoologists for fauna capture and relocation.
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However, critics argue a pattern is emerging where the EPA bypasses assessments for key projects. The Save Burswood Park Alliance, a community group, has voiced strong opposition, questioning the government's narrative and highlighting a lack of attention to First Nations cultural heritage in the plans. They point to the pre-election announcement of a V8 Supercars track as the catalyst for their formation.
Despite environmental considerations being downplayed by the EPA, the project's cost remains fixed at $217.5 million, with no indication that global events, such as the Iran conflict, have impacted this figure, a claim suggested by some industry observers. Public consultation feedback has also been a point of contention. The government released a report indicating public support, a claim disputed by groups like the Save Burswood Park Alliance and Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, who have labeled the process as disingenuous. Zempilas has also linked the racetrack expenditure to unmet needs in the state's health system.
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"Spreading mistruths." – Rita Saffioti, Transport Minister, criticizing opposing views."Grubby attacks." – Rita Saffioti, condemning personal attacks directed at herself and Hannah Beazley, Victoria Park MP.
Project Details and Opposition
The Perth Park precinct aims to integrate existing facilities like Optus Stadium and the State Tennis Centre with new venues, fostering tourism, sport, and cultural activities. Parliamentary Secretary Daniel Pastorelli described it as an "activated parkland precinct" designed for year-round activity.
Opposition figures, including Zempilas, have expressed concerns about the racetrack's inclusion, despite supporting other aspects of the project. Public reactions to released images of the proposed precinct have been divided, with residents voicing a range of opinions on social media.
The project's progression has also been marked by incidents like the removal of a blue tree in Burswood Park, intended as a conversation starter on depression. The state government has vowed to replace the tree, while activists from Save Burswood Park have criticized the pace of works and what they perceive as a lack of necessary approvals.
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Background and Timeline
Initial announcements and planning for the Burswood racetrack project date back to at least March 2025, with significant public commentary and debate intensifying around November 2025 when project designs were released and the EPA made its assessment decision. Site preparation works are currently underway, with construction of the racetrack and amphitheater anticipated to commence later in 2026. The controversy continues to swirl around the project's environmental impact, community consultation, and the justification for its substantial expenditure.
