Victoria's MotoGP Farewell: A Devastating Hit to Phillip Island, the State, and a Legacy of Lost Opportunities

As a proud Victorian who's always loved the thrill of big events putting our state on the map, this one hurts: after nearly 30 years, the Australian MotoGP is leaving Phillip Island for Adelaide's streets starting in 2027. The announcement came just days after the Victorian Labor government under Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister Steve Dimopoulos rejected MotoGP's push to shift to a modern street circuit at Albert Park. They offered more funding for upgrades but only if it stayed regional—refusing to "sell out Phillip Island." When talks broke down, South Australia swooped in with a six-year deal, calling it a "major coup." This isn't just about losing a race; it's a blow to local economies, statewide tourism, and a reminder of how short-sighted decisions can undo hard-won gains.

Phillip Island has been MotoGP's Australian home since its permanent return in 1997, after a brief stint there in 1989–1990 (under Labor) and a move to Sydney due to tobacco ad bans. It was the Liberal government led by Premier Jeff Kennett that brought it back long-term, investing in upgrades and securing the iconic coastal circuit as a fixture. Kennett's Liberals did the same for Formula 1—boldly negotiating the Australian Grand Prix away from Adelaide to Melbourne's Albert Park starting in 1996, turning it into a global opener that boosted the state's prestige and economy for decades.

That same forward-thinking approach is sorely missing now. The MotoGP generates around $54 million in annual economic benefit statewide, with $29–30 million directly hitting the Bass Coast region and supporting 284 full-time equivalent jobs. During race week, the island buzzes—hotels full, cafes packed, shops thriving, and nearly 100,000 visitors turning up last year. Losing it means a tourism vacuum: fewer international fans exploring the coast, penguins, or nearby attractions. Local businesses that rely on the seasonal surge will struggle, and the island's motorsport identity fades, potentially stalling future investments.

But the pain isn't isolated—Victoria as a whole loses big. A city-based event at Albert Park would spread the wealth wider: easier access for fans flying into Melbourne, more hotel nights in the CBD, corporate tie-ins, and spillover to restaurants, transport, and retail across the state. MotoGP events globally deliver massive uplifts—often €130 million+ in local impact—and the exposure brands host regions internationally. By clinging to the regional venue without compromise, we've handed that multiplier to SA, who are already hyping the economic and profile wins. It's déjà vu of the F1 flip 30 years ago, only this time we're on the losing end.

Legends like Casey Stoner and Wayne Gardner have slammed the inflexibility, calling it a betrayal of the sport's heartland. A smarter play—relocating to Albert Park while redirecting some revenue to bolster Phillip Island (as a heritage site, testing venue, or tourism hub)—could've kept the statewide perks intact and softened the regional hit. Instead, ideological lines were drawn, and we lost the event entirely.

In hindsight, Kennett's era showed how visionary leadership can land and lock in major events for lasting benefit. Today's Labor government, by contrast, seems content to let them slip away. If Adelaide's street circuit underperforms (urban bumps, safety concerns for riders), there's talk of a future return—but that's cold comfort. Victoria deserves better: leaders who prioritize economic wins for everyone, from island locals to city dwellers. Time to rev up the ambition again, before we stall out for good.