COURT INJUNCTION BID ADDS TO OPPOSITION TO ADELAIDE MOTOGP

Plans to move Australia’s MotoGP round from Phillip Island to a new Adelaide street circuit in 2027 face a legal challenge, with an application for an urgent interim injunction lodged in the Federal Court. The application seeks to halt work on the proposed track, which is planned for Adelaide’s parklands.

Local reports say Joshua Hogan filed the application on 18 September in the court’s Queensland registry. The challenge adds to residents’ concerns about converting public green space into a commercial racing venue. The project is expected to require the removal of as many as 400 trees, with some trees marked for relocation in plans released by the South Australian Government.

Construction is due to start in December, ahead of a first race scheduled for late 2027. No event date has yet been confirmed; MotoGP is expected to publish its full calendar for next season on 25 September. The championship recently released virtual images of the circuit. Safety concerns raised from within MotoGP appear to have eased following their release, but local opposition remains.

South Australian Deputy Premier Kyam Maher said the government knew of the court filing and that its Crown Solicitor’s Office was reviewing the application, including the requested orders and the grounds for them. “The Government intends to defend its position and will respond through the appropriate court processes,” Maher said. He added that, because the matter is before the court, the government would not comment on its merits while the application is being considered.

The injunction application puts the proposed Adelaide move under fresh pressure as the government prepares to respond through the legal process. The court’s consideration of the request could affect whether work proceeds on the planned circuit.