WA Premier defends Perth Park rebrand

WA Premier Roger Cook has defended the changing public face of the state’s $217 million Burswood Peninsular development, which was initially announced as a motorsport street circuit but, following public backlash, was yesterday rebranded as ‘Perth Park’, with a reduced amphitheatre and more trees.

An artist impression of the development was released on Sunday, with the WA government emphasising it was a “multipurpose precinct”.

“Perth Park will be Western Australia’s premier entertainment and sporting precinct,” Cook said.

And today, he further defended the controversial project.

“What we’ve always said is that it was going to be provide an opportunity to activate the Burswood Peninsula. It has now come together as Perth Park, which is a multipurpose facility,” he said.

“Yes, it has a racetrack. There’s no surprises there, and it will be the home for a marquee street circuit event once each year. But in the meantime, it will be a great opportunity for hospitality businesses, for cycling communities, for all ability sports communities, for people to continue to recreate and enjoy that space.

“We anticipate and understand that motorsports isn’t to everyone’s liking. But in Perth Park, there’s something for everyone.”