Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon has positioned herself as a vocal critic of a proposed collaboration between Supercars and the Western Australian state government to establish a new street race event in Perth. This ambitious plan involves an estimated $217.5 million in government spending to transform the area between Crown Casino and Optus Stadium into a world-class street racing venue.
The proposed race, scheduled for 2027, is expected to be the season opener, featuring Supercars racing against the iconic backdrop of the Perth city skyline. However, Vernon, whose council encompasses Burswood Park though not under its control, has publicly denounced the idea, suggesting a more clandestine motive behind the initiative.
Allegations of a Secret Government Plan
This week, Vernon intensified her opposition by making a bold claim on local radio, asserting that the street race is part of a secretive government plot. According to Vernon, the state government is planning to relocate the Perth Motorplex from its current site in Kwinana, an industrial area over 30 kilometers from the city, to the upscale Burswood Peninsula.
Vernon elaborated on her theory during an interview with 6PR radio, stating,
“This is the rumour that I heard at the end of last week, and looking into it, and exploring a bit about Westport, there’s something much deeper going on about this announcement from the state Labor government that they’re going to put a motorplex on Burswood Park.”
She further explained that the proposed relocation ties into another major government project: moving Perth’s sea freight port from Fremantle to Kwinana. This, she suggests, would pave the way for a highly improbable scenario of inner-city speedway and drag racing.
Context and Implications
The Westport project, a significant state government initiative, aims to develop a new container port at Kwinana. Vernon highlighted that the current Westport website mentions voluntary land resumption for the precinct, with potential compulsory resumption in the future. She referenced a 2023 report by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Industry, which indicated that the Perth Motorplex might need to relocate to accommodate the port’s expansion.
Vernon argued,
“If you’re going to do that in the future, you can’t just say to the Perth Motorplex people that you’ve got a few months, or six months, or 12 months, to find yourself someplace else.”
She suggested that the sudden emergence of a motorplex at Burswood Park, purportedly ready for the 2027 race season with construction starting in 2025, aligns with her theory.
Alternative Proposals and Community Concerns
In response to the Burswood plan, Vernon has supported a proposal from the City of Wanneroo to redirect street racing funds to the existing Wanneroo Raceway. She reiterated her belief that the Burswood plan is part of a government plot, stating,
“Nothing about this Burswood location makes sense. Something is happening, and that’s what I’m really concerned about. If there is a hidden agenda, I think people need to know what it is. Somebody needs to come forward and tell the truth.”
Despite her opposition, Vernon clarified her personal enthusiasm for motorsport, countering any perception of her being anti-cars. She recounted her experiences attending major racing events and participating in motorsport activities, emphasizing her belief that motorsport events should be held in appropriate locations.
Looking Ahead
The controversy surrounding the proposed street race and the alleged hidden agendas underscores the complexities involved in urban planning and development. As the debate continues, stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, local councils, and motorsport enthusiasts, will need to engage in transparent discussions to address community concerns and explore viable alternatives.
As the 2027 deadline approaches, the unfolding developments will likely shape the future of motorsport in Perth, with potential implications for urban infrastructure and community dynamics. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the proposed street race proceeds as planned or if alternative solutions emerge to satisfy all parties involved.
