ADELAIDE MOTOGP CIRCUIT CLEARS FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

Adelaide’s plan to host the Australian MotoGP from 2027 has cleared a major environmental hurdle, allowing the South Australian government to move the proposed street circuit into detailed design.

The National Environmental Agency granted federal clearance after a community consultation process. The project will adapt a circuit once used for Formula 1’s Australian Grand Prix, before that race moved to Melbourne’s Albert Park in 1996. Adelaide is due to replace Phillip Island as the MotoGP event’s home, with the inaugural race scheduled for 12–14 November 2027. It is set to be MotoGP’s first city street-circuit event.

The proposal has faced strong opposition over its effects on parkland, including the removal of hundreds of trees. The next design stage will include a plan for trees and other vegetation. Organisers also say gravel run-off areas will be grassed over when the circuit is not hosting events, while the pit-lane infrastructure area is intended to support community sport.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas called the clearance “an important milestone” and said public feedback had shaped the next phase of planning. He said the government had heard concerns about protecting mature trees, preserving the open character of the Park Lands and providing more opportunities for recreation. The project, he added, would be delivered with environmental protections and an effort to limit its impact on the area.

Malinauskas said the event would put South Australia before a global audience, describing it as an opportunity to showcase Adelaide to millions. He also said the city would become the first in the world to stage MotoGP on a street circuit.

The announcement follows a difficult farewell to Phillip Island. Its final Australian Grand Prix was cancelled because of rain, prompting riders including Jack Miller and Marc Marquez to say the circuit “deserved better.” Phillip Island is expected to remain a venue for major motorsport: it has secured a new agreement to bring the Supercars Championship back to the track.