Published on Thursday, 20 November 2025 at 11:30:00 AM
The Town of Victoria Park strongly condemns the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) decision not to undertake any level of review of the State Government’s proposed Burswood racetrack.
“Despite receiving almost 1,000 public submissions within 7 days urging a public environmental review, the EPA’s refusal to conduct any review is an abject failure to meet its own statutory purpose to protect the WA environment and prevent, control, abate and mitigate pollution and environmental harm that is clearly present in the Racetrack project. This is beyond disappointing”, said Mayor Karen Vernon.
Last month, the Town formally requested the EPA to conduct a Public Environmental Review of the proposed Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct (PESP), highlighting serious concerns about its potential environmental and social impacts.
Despite the State’s push to fast-track the PESP, the Town maintains that the scale, intensity, and sensitivity of the development demands careful planning and a robust environmental assessment.
“It is clear that the EPA has bowed to Government pressure about this project by prioritising speed in decision-making over environmental protection. That is putting political expediency ahead of protection of the environment or facilitating better decision-making. All West Australians are entitled to feel aggrieved by an environmental watchdog that won’t do its job properly”, said Mayor Vernon.
Community call to action
The Town is urging residents to make their voices heard on the future of Burswood Park. We encourage all community members to contact the WA Government and express your support for retaining and enhancing Burswood Park as a place for nature, recreation and community connection – not as the site of a racetrack.
Please email Hannah.Beazley@mp.wa.gov.au and clearly state that you oppose the proposed Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct development and support the long-term vision for Burswood Park.
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