3 September, 2026
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:53): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport on the topic of MotoGP consultation.
Leave granted.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: On Sunday, the government released the $96 million street circuit design for the MotoGP from 2027. When asked about the scope of the public consultation on Monday, the Premier told ABC radio:
Yeah. It won't change that we're going to get the race. It won't change that the track will be where it is. Well, obviously we've got a policy to get the MotoGP event. The community consultation is a genuine exercise to the feedback.
My question therefore to the minister representing the Minister for Transport is: what is the point of undertaking public consultation when the Premier has already made up his mind that the design is going ahead, and will the government commit to releasing the outcomes of the public consultation and undertaking a genuine consultation with an open mind?
The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Minister for Tourism) (14:54): I thank the honourable member for his question. He is right: there is community consultation, and it is open at the moment, and I am sure the honourable member himself will participate in it. It is open until 20 September, and is an opportunity for the community to have their say on the project.
There are a number of options, because I am sure you would have gone online by now and tested out what that community consultation would look like and how you can provide that community consultation in regard to elements of park areas, how it can be reactivated, the community connections that can now happen because of this project. Should there be pickleball? Should there be other sporting facilities that could now be provided as a part of this enhanced space area?
There is also the ability to have your say more broadly. I really do encourage the honourable member and all members and the community to have their say. The consultation period will be open until 20 September.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:55): Supplementary: will the minister commit to releasing the outcomes of the public consultation? Will she provide a report to parliament on the outcomes of that?
The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:55): As I said, there is an opportunity for you to have your say, and I encourage you to do that.