Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the announcement that Avalon has been earmarked for a new motorsport precinct to complement the world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
The proposed multipurpose venue in the Avalon Airport precinct will cement Victoria as the home of Australian motorsport which was highlighted when crowds of over 91,000 made the pilgrimage to last October’s MotoGP at Phillip Island – the largest crowd since 2012.
The Phillip Island MotoGP is the largest regional international sporting event in Australia and contributes $42 million to the local Bass Coast economy each year.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said the Council would continue working closely with Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos and Australian Grand Prix Corporation to continue to grow events at the popular Phillip Island circuit.
“The Phillip Island Circuit Grand Prix circuit plays an important role both economically and culturally given long history of motorsport in Bass Coast, hosting the first Australian Grand Prix – a 100 mile road race around Phillip Island in 1928,” said Cr Whelan.
“Phillip Island circuit is widely regarded as one of the top three circuits in the world and the riders’ feedback is they look forward to staying and experiencing Island life which is very unique on the global circuit.”
Cr Whelan said the State Government have always been huge supporters of the Phillip Island race and have strongly endorsed the 2022-2032 Victorian Motorsport Infrastructure and Participation Strategy which identified many great initiatives to grow the sport and participation for motorsport in Bass Coast.
“The Government are constantly telling us how critical the MotoGP is to the Victorian regional tourism, including supporting hundreds of small businesses and tourism operators, and the international marketing reach.”
Council has a long-term partnership agreement with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation through to 2026 to host the MotoGP at Phillip Island.
Council has been advocating to the State Government on securing the MotoGP at Phillip Island for another 10 years.
This year’s MotoGP will be held at Phillip Island from October 20-22.
