End of an Era: Victoria Bids Farewell to Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island
Victoria will no longer host the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix after nearly 30 years at Phillip Island. The state government declined a request to move the race to Albert Park. The new location for the event has not been disclosed yet. The iconic Phillip Island circuit will host the Grand Prix for the final time this year. Despite additional funds offered by the Victorian government to keep the MotoGP event at Phillip Island, Minister for Sports and Events Steve Dimopoulos confirmed the decision not to relocate the event to Melbourne's Albert Park. The state government was unwilling to compromise on selling out Phillip Island to retain the race. Mr. Dimopoulos is aware of the future venue for the race post-2027 but did not disclose the information. Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead expressed disappointment over the news and hoped for government funding to offset the economic impact of the race's departure from Victoria. The annual event generated over $29 million for the state's economy and supported 284 full-time jobs, as per a 2023 economic impact report. Federal member for Bass Mary Aldred described the loss of the race as a tragedy for the Phillip Island economy and community. She plans to explore options to support the region following the event's relocation. MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group has been contacted for comment.