The Victorian Government has stepped up to preserve the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island by offering additional funding to ensure the MotoGP event remains on the island beyond this year, when the current contract expires. This move aims to secure the Phillip Island MotoGP future as negotiations continue with the event’s operator over its location and terms.
Incentive proposed to MotoGP operator to retain island venue
Victoria’s government intends for the extra financial offer to encourage MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, the event’s operator formerly known as Dorna, to keep holding the iconic October race in regional Victoria. The exact amount of the proposed incentive has not been made public, and it is not yet confirmed whether the operator will agree to the terms. The circuit at Phillip Island has been hosting the Grand Prix since the 1990s, attracting thousands of visitors annually to Gippsland’s Bass Coast region.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos reported that attendance reached 91,000 last year, highlighting the event’s significant draw and ongoing importance. He acknowledged that while discussions about the long-term future continue, the government strongly opposes relocating the race to Melbourne’s Albert Park, a possibility reportedly favored by the operator.
We’re not selling out Phillip Island,
Dimopoulos said.
The negotiations are still on foot. And we’ve put our best foot forward.
Community advocacy and local council backing reinforce commitment
The government’s funding proposal follows a robust community campaign to secure the race’s continuation on Phillip Island. Local residents and the Bass Coast Shire Council have called urgently for renewal of the contract, reflecting widespread public support for the event’s retention.
Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead expressed cautious optimism about the new offer, noting that details remain limited but recognizing the government’s engagement as a positive development. Last year, the council submitted a petition with over 4,000 signatures advocating for the grand prix’s future on the island.
I’m absolutely thrilled. There was a lot of concern that this may not happen and that’s why we started a campaign. People came out and showed their love for the race,
Halstead said. She further emphasized hopes for improvements to the venue alongside any contract extension.
I’m hoping as part of the agreement to see an infrastructure investment at the site to bring it to international standards, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in the contract and how long that has been signed for. But [the GP] is absolutely part of the Bass Coast community fabric.
Ongoing negotiations coincide with upcoming motorcycle events
While talks over the Phillip Island MotoGP future progress, the internationally renowned circuit will host the opening round of the World Superbike (WorldSBK) championship this weekend. This event continues to showcase the venue’s status as a premier motorsport destination.
