Opposition to relocating the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island to Adelaide is intensifying. A petition with over 40,000 signatures has been submitted to the South Australian parliament, triggering a parliamentary inquiry into the controversial semi-street circuit plans. Despite this, Premier Peter Malinauskas remains steadfast, refusing to cancel the arrival of MotoGP in Adelaide.
The petition, initiated by activist group Stop the Chop, has become one of the largest in South Australia's history. The group opposes the construction of a new circuit in Adelaide Park Lands, which would sacrifice public spaces and a golf course. Greens leader Robert Simms has tabled the petition, giving the protest a formal political dimension. Parliament will now investigate the MotoGP plans and their impact on the environment and green spaces.
Simms is urging the government to halt all work on the MotoGP project during the inquiry. He argues the large number of signatures underscores serious public concern over losing public areas. Meanwhile, Malinauskas insists a project of this scale cannot be cancelled just because of resistance. He reiterated that residents will have input in the final circuit design, though the official design has yet to be released. A map circulating in Australian media is not the final layout, according to the government.
The Premier defends the project on economic and prestige grounds. The government points to MotoGP's global fanbase of over 600 million people, which would boost tourism and local business. However, safety remains a major issue. The new circuit will largely use public roads, with trees, walls, and light poles along the route. MotoGP has stated the circuit will only be homologated if it meets stringent safety standards, requiring significant modifications to existing infrastructure.
Cost is also under scrutiny, with investment potentially exceeding AUD 100 million, far above initial estimates. Critics argue these funds could be better spent on public services. Nevertheless, the government remains confident the project will benefit Adelaide long-term. With the parliamentary inquiry imminent, the future of MotoGP in Adelaide hangs in the balance, and public pressure is mounting.
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