Plans for the controversial $217.5 million Perth Park project have moved one step closer, with planning officers recommending approval for a key section of the development despite strong ongoing opposition.<\/p>\n
The proposal, submitted by the Department of Housing and Works, covers $20m worth of the works within the broader Perth Park precinct near Optus Stadium.<\/p>\n
The application, which will be considered by the Western Australian Planning Commission on Thursday, May 14 at 2pm, includes the construction of part of the multi-use racetrack, major earthworks and drainage, landscaping and public realm upgrades, roadworks, and utility improvements around Camfield Drive and Victoria Park Drive.<\/p>\n
Planning officers have recommended the project be approved but with 20 conditions, including strict environmental, traffic, noise and event management requirements.<\/p>\n
Under the conditions, motorsport events would be capped at one event per year for a maximum of three days, limited to daylight hours from Friday to Sunday.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
An updated acoustic modelling and peer review would be required, along with a detailed Operations and Event Management Strategy covering noise mitigation, crowd control, emergency co-ordination, event frequency and community consultation, before operations can start.<\/p>\n
The site will also require contamination investigations, groundwater and stormwater management plans, asbestos and hazardous gas management measures, and protections for the nearby Swan River.<\/p>\n
![\"Outside](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/a863b4f51c18a6fe36658168d28e1d9cb89322d1.jpg\")
Camera IconOutside Optus Stadium before grass was removed. Credit: Save Burswood Park Alliance![\"Planning](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ef0a974d606a566e8c2e72850e8a6a6091a5fe47.jpg\")
Camera IconPlanning officers said the Burswood Peninsula was increasingly evolving into a major tourism, entertainment and recreation hub. Credit: Unknown\/Supplied<\/p>\n
The landscaping component would also need to maximise tree canopy coverage, incorporate native species, and provide shade, drinking fountains and rest areas throughout the precinct.<\/p>\n
The report found the project would improve public access and recreational use through enhanced landscaping, upgraded cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, public art, lighting and a new arrivals plaza.<\/p>\n
According to the application, the project is expected to deliver over $61m for the State economy annually.<\/p>\n
![\"Perth](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1c86c291c29a6811ac0d993a569136d77e7ea525.jpg\")
Camera IconPerth Park was unveiled by the State Government in November 2025 as a major entertainment and recreation precicnt at Burswood Peninsula – designed to host events, sports, festivals all year around.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Unknown Credit: Unknown\/Supplied, Unknown<\/p>\n
The proposal generated 281 public submissions with 84 per cent opposing the project.<\/p>\n
Community concerns included loss of green space and tree canopy, impacts on wildlife habitat, noise pollution and traffic congestion.<\/p>\n
The Town of Victoria Park and the cities of Perth, South Perth and Belmont have also officially opposed the project with similar reasonings.<\/p>\n
If the application is approved, the project would need to be substantially commenced within four years or the approval will lapse.<\/p>\n
More details on the application can be found online<\/a>.<\/p>\n