MotoGP work gets green light
Works can officially begin on the $96 million MotoGP Adelaide Street Circuit redevelopment after it was approved by the national environmental regulator under federal environmental protection measures.
The redevelopment, that would see the felling of 377 trees from the Adelaide Park Lands, was referred to National Environmental Protection Agency who assessed the project under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The National Environmental Protection Agency, under the leadership of Federal Minister Murray Watt, determined the project was “Not a Controlled Action if taken in a Particular Manner”.
It follows legal opposition from members of the public, with Queensland video game developer Joshua Hogan taking the state government to federal court, alleging the MotoGP street circuit works are an unapproved “controlled action” under the existing laws.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said it was an “important milestone for the Adelaide Circuit Redevelopment” as preparations continue to redevelop the street circuit.
“We have been clear from the outset that this project will be delivered responsibly, with appropriate environmental protections in place and careful consideration of the Park Lands,” Malinauskas said.
“Importantly, the project will also support other major events and community activities in the Park Lands, while delivering a significant economic boost for South Australia.”
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The federal decision means the project can progress without further assessment under the EPBC Act, provided “specified environmental protection measures” are implemented by the redevelopment team.
Today, the Premier released a report on community consultation with more than 6000 survey responses and 1000 written submissions, but it did not reveal how many supported the project.
Redevelopment works, including the resurfacing of roads, are scheduled to begin in December to be ready in time for the inaugural event in November 2027.
The state government has committed to a $15 million nature-positive, environment-focussed package for the park lands that would include a net increase of 3393 trees in the park lands.
A new legal bid from the South East City Residents Association (SECRA) has emerged, with the group initiating proceedings in the Supreme Court of SA.
The group has written letters to the SA Motor Sport Board and the state government, requesting that no works commence until the Supreme Court has determined the application.
SECRA chairperson David Klingberg said the court case was not “a disagreement about whether MotoGP is a good idea”,
“We believe there are substantial grounds for having that question tested by the Supreme Court,” Klingberg said.
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“The government should respect the right of citizens to seek a judicial determination, rather than pressing ahead with works that could permanently alter our Park Lands before a judge has heard the case.”
At a press conference today, State Development Minister Chris Picton said the government would be “strenuously defending its position in any court”.
“This is such an important project for the state, and people are able to take actions to the court if they wish,” Picton said.
“But we can’t be in a situation where a small number of residents are trying to hold up such a significant event for the state.”
Malinauskas said the state government had been candid about plans “from the moment that we announced them before the state election”
“To now have the federal government through its independent Environmental Protection Authority approve this development is a demonstration that independent oversight has confirmed that we are doing this in a sensitive way,” Malinauskas said.
“The fact that the Environmental Protection Authority federally has given us its approval demonstrates that once it undergoes independent, calm, thoughtful oversight, this is actually a good project to be able to get done.”
Greens senator Barbara Pocock criticised the National Environmental Protection Agency’s decision for not considering the “cumulative impacts” on the park lands heritage and environmental values.
“I just want you to know how incredibly disappointed many South Australian citizens will be about today’s decision. It is an historic attack on a really important facility, a magnificent urban design which has really been significantly reshaped by the cumulative impact,” Pocock said.
Malinauskas said the project team would use the engagement process feedback around works.
- Concerns over park lands impact were shared by the project team and “reflected in the exhaustive design process”, so the “circuit design will remain as previously released”
- Gravel run-off areas will be returned to grass outside motorsport events “reflecting community feedback”
- The new pit and paddock complex hardstand will be used for sport including pickleball, basketball and tennis outside motorsport events
- There was strong support for the proposed tree and vegetation planting
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