WANNEROO Mayor Linda Aitken wants Roger Cook – if his government is re-elected today – to ditch his plan to turn Burswood Park into a street circuit, function centre and the biggest amphitheatre in Perth.
Instead, Mrs Aitken wants Mr Cook – if his government is returned to power – to spend money bringing Wanneroo Raceway back to its former glory “to boost tourism, grow local business and employment opportunities and expand recreation and entertainment options for locals”.
Plans for the Wanneroo Raceway include the construction of a 4.27km track that meets FIA grade 2 and FIM grade B standards.
The redevelopment proposal for the Neerabup-based raceway also includes a drift track, 4wd training and mountain biking, as well as a range of other offerings to appeal to the local and wider Perth community with the idea of boosting tourism, creating jobs and fostering community connection.
A 2021 report to the council estimated the cost to implement the master plan at $231 million.
Mr Cook’s proposal to have the street circuit turning the roads around Burswood Park into a racetrack just like in Townsville and the Gold Coast – allowing around 50,000 local and interstate visitors to turn out each day for a multi-day race event has not impressed the Town of Victoria Park.
To this end Mrs Aitken has backed Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon’s calls to scrap a motorsport circuit at Burswood Park, calling on the state government to save parklands by supporting upgrades to the existing Wanneroo Raceway.
In a City of Wanneroo Facebook post Mrs Aitken said Burswood Park was not the right location for a street circuit.
“Why destroy lakes and wetlands that are home to birds and wildlife, when we already have an established, fully functioning raceway in Neerabup?’’ she said.
The 2019 Wanneroo Raceway master plan report said through the review and consultation process some key aspects were considered which were critical to the redevelopment of Wanneroo Raceway.
They included opportunities to attract tourists through an integrated events strategy, should the site receive the appropriate level of investment.
“(But) the current Wanneroo Raceway motor racing circuit has a number of design deficiencies which will require addressing,’’ the report said.
“Current Wanneroo Raceway infrastructure is ageing and much of the associated supporting infrastructure is in need of improvement if the site is to reach its full potential for community and economic return.
“The site and surrounding land are subject to a number of constraints which may impact on development and will need to be addressed if the full potential is to be reached.
“These relate to environmental, water management, bushfire risk, indigenous heritage, planning and conservation.’’
In addition, the master plan considered two sites on lots totalling 89ha to the north of the existing Wanneroo Raceway.
“These sites are currently in the control of The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Lots 2514 and 3050).”
