Burswood racetrack: Gorman gives Perth Park green light, as protesters vow to keep fighting

Protesters will launch an appeal for Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to stop construction of the Burswood race-track, as another senior Labor figure back-pedalled over the controversial project. The West Australian can reveal Whadjuk elders will apply for a temporary stop work order. But Patrick Gorman declared the fight over the Burswood race track a “lost cause” on Friday, six months after he sparked a rift within Labor when he called for the project to be axed. The Federal Perth MP wrote to Rita Saffioti in September last year, warning the Treasurer that the $217 million plan for a race track and amphitheatre would delay housing and “forever impact” the Burswood peninsula. Mr Gorman now says he “respects” the decision that’s been made. “I’m completely relaxed about the decision the State Government’s made,” he told reporters on Friday. He confirmed he won’t attend a weekend rally, organised by residents still campaigning to “save” Burswood Park and stop what has now been officially dubbed “Perth Park.” “I think most people have got better things to do on Valentine’s Day,” Mr Gorman said. “I’ve got Valentine’s Day plans, and I think that’s what I’ll be spending my time doing. And I have to say to everyone, like, decisions get made and you’ve got to move on. If Basil Zempilas wants to be the patron saint for lost causes, so be it, but you’ve got to move on.” The Liberal Leader has called the Perth Park project a “reckless” use of taxpayer funds. Residents opposed to the project vowed to keep fighting, a week after site establishment works started. “We’re deeply disappointed that Patrick Gorman . . . he’s been sucked back into the Labor Party machine, and obviously now toeing the party line,” Save Burswood Park chair Robin Harvey said. “This isn’t about Basil or Rita or Labor or Liberal. This is about the destruction of an inner city green space that will never be recovered, and we are going to fight for this space until the bitter end.” She urged Mr Watt to step in to pause construction, until approval process are complete. “This is David and Goliath, and Goliath won’t even come and face us,” Ms Harvey said. The pedestrian path through Burswood Park is open for this weekend’s AFL origin game, but will be fenced off next week. The State Government said a development application for the area north of Roger McKay Drive was recently lodged and a public comment period will open soon. Negotiations are underway with ten respondents, keen to be part of a hospitality venue. “It’s essential we start site establishment works now, to ensure we are ready to begin formal construction in coming months,” Treasurer and Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti said. Perth Park is due to open in 2027, with Government sources privately confident criticism will ease once it’s complete. “Once completed, it will become something all Western Australians can be proud of - an iconic destination for locals, families, and tourists,” Parliamentary secretary Daniel Pastorelli said. “We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding, as construction ramps up and causes some disruption.”