The Fight Against the V8 Supercars Track: A Community's Stand

Which Minister could this be?

Public Consultation Results: What Really Happened?

The well-publicised PESP Public Consultation process took place in mid-June. Now, the results are out. A Project Update was issued on 22 August, and let me tell you, it’s quite the read. It’s filled with interesting interpretations of the ‘facts’—or should I say, alternative facts?

Here’s what we know. We documented everything. Over 90% of the respondents did not want a racetrack. That’s right, folks. The numbers don’t lie. But here’s the kicker: our Government didn’t want to hear that. Saying “No Racetrack” was apparently off the table. Still, people voiced their opinions anyway. Even blind Freddy could see this project is not popular.

But not the Pinocchio group! They claimed 76% of “supportive ideas.” I can only imagine what those ideas included. Unicorn races? Extending the course through the Graham Farmer Tunnel for more noise? Maybe they thought running the track through the Arts Centre would bring some culture into the picture. Relocating the track to Kings Park? Sounds like a plan!

The Location of the Consultation: A Missed Opportunity

This Public Consultation happened over four sessions at Optus Stadium. But guess what? It wasn’t in the communities. It was right near the racetrack site. Most locals didn’t even know what this was about. When we gathered signatures for the Parliamentary petition, the majority were clueless about the racetrack. So much for an Election Promise, right?

What did the Project Team conclude from this so-called Public Consultation? There were 331 attendees at the Drop-In Sessions. Many were Save Burswood Park Alliance members who attended multiple sessions. In true Super-Car ‘fudge the figures’ fashion, they might have been counted four times. And only 46 Feedback Forms? That’s about 11 per day. Not exactly a resounding endorsement, is it?

The PESP Consultation Platform: A Flawed System

We also got some insights from the PESP Consultation Platform. There were 672 contributions. But here’s the kicker: when the site first went live, none of the less-than-enthusiastic comments appeared. This was later corrected, but it raises eyebrows, doesn’t it?

87 organisations were engaged through meetings, but guess who wasn’t? The Save Burswood Park Alliance. Why not? Were they afraid of criticism? It certainly feels that way.

Outrageous Claims and Community Backlash

Then, the Deputy Premier and Daniel Pastorelli MLA decided to grace local media with some outrageous untruths about the support for their scheme. I was so outraged by Daniel Pastorelli’s comments on ABC 720 that I called in. I was seething! How could he lie straight in bed?

There’s no doubt that this Labor Government is feeling the backlash. The community sees this as a waste of money on a vanity project. No matter how much Rita Saffioti tries to spin the facts, this project is unwanted, unnecessary, and uncosted.

The Bigger Picture: Protecting Our Parklands

We need to think about what this racetrack means for our community. It’s not just about cars zooming around; it’s about preserving our parklands. Burswood Peninsula is a vital green space for everyone. We can’t let it be sacrificed for a fleeting thrill.

Imagine a world where our parks are safe, where families can enjoy picnics, and where wildlife thrives. That’s the world we want to fight for. We need to rally together and make our voices heard.

Conclusion: Stand Up for Burswood Park

In conclusion, we must stand firm against this racetrack proposal. The Save Burswood Park Alliance is committed to stopping the Cook Labor Government's plan. We’re here to protect our parkland and ensure that the project's impracticality and negative impacts are fully considered.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts, spread the word, and let’s keep fighting for what’s right. Together, we can make a difference.

And remember, when it comes to our community, we won’t back down. We’ll keep pushing until our voices are heard loud and clear.

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