15/05/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT SAVE BURSWOOD PARK ALLIANCE
15/05/2026
Community Condemns WA Planning Commission Decision Process
The Save Burswood Park Alliance has criticised the recent WA Planning Commission decision to approve part of the Perth Park development, describing the process as little more than a “tick-the-box exercise” that ignored widespread community opposition and appeared predetermined from the outset.
Alliance representatives noted that this was the only component of the broader project subjected to public scrutiny, while the primary elements of the development were approved by the Burswood Park Board, chaired by former Labor Minister Bill Johnston, without equivalent public examination.
Fresh concerns have now emerged following reports that the Commission’s decision was finalised at 4:15pm, with the major construction contractor publicly announced less than 18 hours later at 10am the following morning.
Dr Robin Harvey, Co-Chair of the Save Burswood Park Alliance, said the timeline raised serious questions about the integrity of the process.
“This sequence of events raises legitimate concerns about whether the process was genuinely independent, or whether the outcome had already been decided before public feedback was fully considered,” Dr Harvey said.
The Alliance said these concerns follow earlier criticism surrounding the release of tender documentation before the public consultation process had concluded, the alleged misrepresentation of community consultation outcomes, and the dismissal of unanimous opposition resolutions passed by three local councils, including the Town of Victoria Park.
According to the Alliance, these actions reinforced fears that community feedback was never going to influence the final decision.
Dr Harvey said the State Government had consistently failed to listen to the community throughout the process.
“The State Government has ridden roughshod over taxpayers, local residents and the broader community throughout this process,” she said.
“Western Australians have repeatedly indicated that public funds should be directed toward critical priorities such as housing, education and health — not racetracks that reduce community amenity and restrict public access to one of Perth’s most important inner-city green spaces.”
Community members argue the proposed development will fundamentally alter the character of the area, citing concerns about extensive fencing associated with cycling infrastructure and the increasing number of planned ticketed events that will limit access to parkland that has long been freely available to the public.
During deliberations, Planning Commissioners and project officers also acknowledged that the racetrack and associated events would generate significant noise impacts for nearby residents, and that effective noise mitigation during motor racing would not be possible. The Alliance further noted proper processes had not been followed when Department Officers confirmed that the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation were not consulted during the early stages of project planning.
Despite these acknowledged impacts, the project was approved.
Residents have also raised ongoing concerns about environmental impacts, loss of amenity, and the cumulative effect the development will have on the lifestyle, identity and accessibility of the local area — factors the WA Planning Commission was expected to consider as part of its assessment.
The Save Burswood Park Alliance said it would continue working to hold the Government accountable as the project progresses, noting that 20 strict conditions must still be satisfied before construction of the racetrack can commence.
