Plans for a new $217 million racetrack project in Burswood, Perth, have sparked significant debate among local officials and community members. Crown Resorts was a passionate supporter of the project. They don’t just see the racetrack as a diversionary prize to fight off the cars, though. Yet growing opposition from important political leaders and complaints about land acquisition have put the long-term viability of the project in doubt.
In July, Chair of Crown Resorts, John Van Der Wielen, singled out the racetrack at a press conference. He signaled its importance to the company’s growth strategy, too. “I think it’s too early days to speculate on anything like that but we’re supportive of ongoing development,” he stated. However, even with upbeat predictions flowing from Crown Resorts, strong dissent has appeared on all sides.
Political Opposition Grows
Basil Zempilas, the Opposition Leader, has become one of the loudest opponents to the racetrack proposal. He has repeatedly challenged the project’s overall viability and desirability for the community surrounding it. Zempilas stated, “For months now we’ve been asking in parliament will you need to acquire any land from Crown Casino to be able to complete this racetrack — acquire, purchase, land swap — we were told no by the state government.” His comments highlight an increasing concern from local property owners and area stakeholders about the federal government’s unwillingness to commit to transparency.
Demonstrators at Western Australia’s Parliament House carrying placards to Save Burswood Park. This public outcry reflects a significant portion of the community’s apprehension about the project and its potential environmental and social impact.
In doing so, the project hopes to establish a reimagined, multi-use community hub next to the racetrack. Unfortunately, according to Zempilas, the project simply isn’t feasible without definite answers on land purchases. He remarked, “You could be high-fiving Garth Tander from a sun-bed by the looks of things here,” suggesting that the government is not taking the concerns seriously.
Land Ownership and Government Stance
The uncertainty about ownership of the land from day-to-day complication the prospective racetrack. In July 2023, then-Environment Minister Reece Whitby signed a national parks management agreement. This agreement provided the state government full control over casino land surrounding Perth Stadium. Perhaps most important, it’s still unclear if even more land will be required for the racetrack’s construction.
Western Australia’s Treasurer Rita Saffioti has been optimistic about the State government’s chances in the international arbitration for the right to obtain land. She stated firmly that they are “very confident we will not be buying any land,” reinforcing the administration’s stance on minimizing further expenditure related to the project.
Yet Crown Resorts bought the land for just $60 million from former Premier Colin Barnett, which was the land’s market value of $95 million. Consumer advocates are keeping a watchful eye on this merger. This has left them asking if the deal really is in the best interest of taxpayers and their new local residents.
Timeline and Future Developments
Meanwhile, Crown Resorts is facing mounting pressure to follow through with its promises. The firm is required to complete the new construction by September 2028. This March deadline was a key component of their settlement agreement with state leaders. The racetrack is seen as central to luring in interstate and international visitors – as well as improving the general amenity of the bustling Burswood peninsula.
Crown Resorts has continued to express eagerness to push ahead with the project. Van Der Wielen reiterated this support saying, “We’re clearly supportive of any further developments on the peninsula.” Opposition leaders like Zempilas continue to cast doubt on whether these plans can materialize without addressing community concerns and resolving land issues.
As negotiations proceed, all stakeholders look forward to some certainty as to whether and how Crown can overcome these challenges. As discussions over this extremely ambitious project progress, the future of Burswood Park is unknown.
