Burswood motorsport street circuit not being rebranded, WA government says

Australia Broadcast Center

15-05-2025

The WA government has rejected suggestions it is attempting to rebrand its proposed facility in Perth's Burswood Park as a multi-use community hub, rather than a motorsport-focused street circuit.
It came as the government announced it was opening the community consultation process for the controversial new facility, which has attracted backlash and became the target of attacks from opposing political parties and some residents of the area heading into the state election earlier this year.
Previous government promotions and media releases were largely focused on the motorsport facility.
In a social media post from January 12, Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti shared a promotional poster saying "A re-elected Labor Government will build a Motorsport Street Circuit and Burswood Park", with the opening line of her post also focused on the street circuit before later detailing other facilities included in the proposal.
Those included multi-use event infrastructure, a function centre, and a 20,000 capacity outdoor music amphitheatre all based in the area near Perth's premier sporting and entertainment facility, Perth Stadium.
At the time the government emphasised the facility could potentially be used for V8 Supercars, Formula E and Moto GP events, and it was hoped the circuit could be open in time for the 2027 Supercars season.
Despite its attempts to focus on more widespread community benefits at today's announcement, Ms Saffioti denied that was a reaction to the backlash from earlier this year.
"There were some people who wanted to call it a motorplex. It's not a motorplex, it's not a motorplex at all," Ms Saffioti said.
"It's a sports and entertainment precinct that will help drive activity and create new opportunities to host events into the future.
Ms Saffioti said for most of the year the area would be closed to motor vehicles, creating an area of activity for recreational cyclists and children, while also being able to host music and community events.
She said much of the opposition to the project had been politically motivated, and backed by parties opposed to Labor.
"When people understand the breadth of the project, and the fact this builds on this area being a sporting and entertainment precinct, most residents will understand that this will be a major positive to the community," Ms Saffioti said.
"There were some that wanted to use it as a party political platform during a state and federal election, and I would say that because the flyers that were distributed were party political."