Controversy Surrounds Burswood Park Racetrack Project in Western Australia
Western Australia’s Premier is poised to celebrate the ambitious Burswood Park racetrack project, a centerpiece of his election campaign. However, the government is facing scrutiny over a critical aspect that could jeopardize the entire initiative: the land required for its construction. With a projected budget of $217 million, the stakes are high, and any financial burden related to land acquisition could significantly impact the project’s viability.
The Land Dilemma
The Burswood Park project, officially dubbed the Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct, has garnered mixed reactions from the public and political circles alike. Critics, including members of the Labor Party, have raised concerns about noise pollution affecting nearby residents and the potential disruption to the local environment. The proposed racetrack’s southern leg is alarmingly close to the Crown Towers swimming pool, leading to quips from Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, who remarked that spectators might be able to “high-five Garth Tander from a sun-bed.”
The government’s spokesperson responded to Zempilas’s comments, suggesting that his criticisms lacked substance. “Basil Zempilas will say and do anything and stands for nothing,” the spokesperson stated, pointing out the inconsistency in his arguments against the racetrack while overlooking the numerous buses that already pass the Crown pool.
However, the most pressing issue remains the land itself. The government does not currently own the land needed for the racetrack, which complicates matters significantly.
Historical Context
The land in question was previously a golf course and was sold by former Premier Colin Barnett to Crown Resorts in 2013 for $60 million, despite its valuation at $95 million. This deal included a stipulation that Crown must develop the land by September 2028. If Crown fails to do so, the government retains the right to repurchase the land at the original price. Yet, as of now, Crown has made little progress on the site, raising questions about the future of the land and the racetrack.
In 2020, Crown sought to eliminate the development requirement, a move that remains unresolved. The government appears to be banking on the “use it or lose it” clause to secure the land necessary for the racetrack, but this strategy is fraught with uncertainty.
Crown’s License Troubles
Crown Resorts has faced its own challenges, particularly following the Perth Casino Royal Commission’s findings in March 2022, which deemed the company unsuitable to hold a casino license. In a bid to regain public trust, the then-Environment Minister Reece Whitby signed an agreement allowing the state to take control of casino land adjacent to Perth Stadium, which is also essential for the racetrack.
Despite these complications, Crown has publicly expressed support for the racetrack project. In July, John Van Der Wielen, then-chair of Crown Resorts, welcomed the government’s decision to allow the company to retain its casino license, describing the racetrack as a “really exciting possibility.” However, when asked about a potential land swap, Van Der Wielen stated it was “too early” to speculate, emphasizing Crown’s support for ongoing development.
Political Ramifications
The government’s reliance on acquiring land without incurring costs poses significant political risks. The Opposition is poised to capitalize on any missteps, using slogans like “axe the track” to rally public sentiment against the project. Zempilas has been vocal in questioning the government’s assurances that no land acquisition would be necessary, expressing skepticism about the feasibility of the racetrack without the required land.
The designs for the racetrack are still being finalized, leaving uncertainty about how critical the land is to the project. If it turns out to be essential, the government may have to negotiate a deal, potentially inflating the project’s costs-something they are keen to avoid.
Community Response
Public sentiment regarding the Burswood Park racetrack is divided. While some view it as a potential boost to local tourism and entertainment, others are concerned about the environmental impact and the disruption it may cause to the community. Activist groups have emerged, rallying under the banner of “Save Burswood Park,” advocating for the preservation of green spaces and the well-being of local residents.
The government’s approach to the racetrack project reflects broader trends in urban development, where the balance between economic growth and community interests often leads to contentious debates. As cities evolve, the challenge remains to create spaces that serve both commercial interests and the needs of residents.
Conclusion
The Burswood Park racetrack project stands at a crossroads, with its future hinging on complex negotiations over land acquisition and community acceptance. As the government navigates these challenges, the outcome will likely shape not only the landscape of Perth but also the political landscape in Western Australia. With the Opposition ready to pounce on any missteps, the government must tread carefully to ensure that this ambitious project does not become a costly political liability.
