A critical segment of the $217.5 million Perth Park project has received formal approval from the WA Planning Commission (WAPC), clearing the path for the initial stage of the contentious racetrack proposal to move forward.
On Thursday afternoon, following a meeting that extended beyond two hours, a seven-member WAPC panel unanimously endorsed a development application for a $20 million component of the project. The approved proposal, lodged by the Department of Housing and Works on behalf of the Office of Major Transport Infrastructure Delivery, encompasses the construction of a portion of the multi-use racetrack, extensive earthworks and drainage, landscaping and public realm enhancements, roadworks, and utility upgrades in the vicinity of Camfield Drive and Victoria Park Drive. These works are slated for the northern section of Burswood Park, adjacent to Perth Stadium.
In her justification for the approval, WAPC chairperson Emma Cole stated that the proposal aligns with the planning framework and key planning considerations, and that the site is appropriate for an entertainment precinct. “This area has long been recognised as a regional destination for sporting, recreation and entertainment facilities in what is a heavily engineered and human-made environment with a site having a history of landfill and is unsuitable for sensitive development such as housing on this particular site,” Ms Cole said. “The precinct also has significant public and active transport, with a focus on rail and buses supported by pedestrian and cycling access. I think it’s really beneficial to understand VenuesWest, who are very well practised in running Optus Stadium, will take a holistic view of the operations across the precinct, as well as their existing management of the stadium, making sure that the management of large-scale events across both of those elements will be managed.”
According to the development application, the project is anticipated to contribute over $61 million annually to the State economy. Planning officers had recommended approval despite 84 percent of public submissions opposing it. The meeting heard several passionate deputations from local residents who raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding noise from the planned motor track. Town of Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon, who had earlier described the meeting as the “last stand to save Burswood Park” on social media, also spoke against the proposal. Ms Vernon argued that motorsports are “fundamentally incompatible” with the area and that noise impacts would be unacceptable for nearby residents. “This proposal would result in unacceptable adverse amenity impacts. It would create avoidable land use conflict that will be ongoing and permanent, and it does not represent orderly and proper planning,” she said. “This is not just noise. It is noise at a level that no reasonable planning authority should accept near people’s homes ... it introduces industrial-scale noise and infrastructure inconsistent with parkland values.”
WAPC members acknowledged potential noise impacts but believed they could be managed. A condition limiting the site to one “supercars” event per year for a maximum of three days was amended to state that “motorsport events are limited to one supercar event per year”. The Town of Victoria Park had sought to clearly cap the site at just one motorsport event annually, fearing “an unlimited number of other motorsports, non-supercar style events that will be just as noisy”.
According to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, tree canopy coverage across the broader Perth Park site is expected to rise to 12 percent from the current 4 percent. The Town of Victoria Park had sought 30 percent, but DPLH officers indicated that underground utilities within the development application site prevent higher coverage. The commission approved 20 conditions linked to the development, mandating strict oversight of environmental impacts, traffic, noise, and future event management. Before operations can commence, peer-reviewed updated acoustic modelling will be required, along with a detailed operations and event management strategy covering noise mitigation, crowd control, emergency coordination, event frequency, and further community consultation.
In addition to the racetrack, Perth Park includes plans for a 12,000-capacity outdoor amphitheatre, a new multi-purpose building with function and event spaces, a hospitality venue, and indoor courts. The State Government aims to complete the precinct before the end of 2027.
