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EPA Declines Formal Review of $217 Million Burswood Racetrack Plan

The ruling clears a pathway for the Burswood precinct to seek development approvals under other regulators.

Overview

  • The EPA said expected environmental and noise impacts would be localised, intermittent and short, with controls available through existing legislation and DWER-set event conditions.
  • The week-long consultation drew 953 submissions, with 877 calling for a full assessment, which the EPA considered before issuing its decision.
  • An independent consultancy warned motorsport noise could reach about 91 decibels at some nearby homes on race days, noting WHO guidance limits exposure at that level to four hours per week.
  • The agency noted plans to drain three artificial ponds and said the proponent intends to use zoologists to capture and relocate fauna before works proceed.
  • Government ministers welcomed the outcome as opponents including the Save Burswood Park Alliance, WA Greens, the Town of Victoria Park and federal Labor MP Patrick Gorman condemned the decision; Transport Minister Rita Saffioti defended the site’s suitability and decried personal attacks.