Public comments are now being sought by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) over a proposed thirty-five-million-dollar, world-class raceway in Keysbrook.
The group that came up with the development application, Stati Group, took the proposal to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale back in 2018.
The proposed, 25,000 capacity facility, known as ‘The Track’, is set to provide circuits for a wide range of motorsports, including cars, motorbikes and go-karts, as well as comprehensive ancillary facilities.
The main circuit will comprise a 3.5km track that has the capability to be split in two, supported by infrastructure including a club room and main pit building, race control and medical building, car storage, parking and a helicopter landing area for emergency medical evacuations.
If built, the complex would join Wanneroo Raceway as the second FIA-accredited motorsport facility in the state, and stand as the only internationally accredited kart-racing facility in Australia.
With aims of hosting world-class events such as V8 Supercars and the Asian Le Mans Series, the motorsport complex would also target other events such as Red Bull Air Races.
“It is estimated the proposed facility could contribute $45 million in direct output and $19 million per annum in Gross Value Added to the local economy,” the application reads.
“The facility would support 255 direct fulltime employment opportunities and an additional 12 casual employment opportunities.
“Operational activities will generate a total output of approximately $135 million and a total of 524 fulltime employment opportunities in the broader region.
“Visitation estimates from Stati group indicate that the facility will attract around 170,000 visitors.
“The total potential expenditure generated through visits is estimated to be $29 million.”
On a day-to-day basis the site is expected to offer road safety and driver training opportunities.
The Keysbrook site, located on Punrak Rd, was chosen after a two-year review of 22 sites across Perth, and is included as a recommended site under the WA Motorsports Strategy.
The application will be assessed by the DPLH, with referrals to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and the Department of Fire and Emergency Service.
The focus of the assessment includes design quality, environmental and noise impacts, bushfire management, drainage and servicing, parking and traffic impacts and vegetation and landscaping.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has been conducting its review of the proposal since 2020, following which a draft assessment report will be sent to the Minister for Environment, who will ultimately determine whether the proposal should be implemented, and any conditions that should apply.
Those wishing to make a public submission over the proposal are encouraged to do so at the Consultation Hub on the DPLH website, or by emailing SDAUconsultation@dplh.wa.gov.au.
Written submissions can be mailed to Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage,
State Development Assessment Unit, Locked Bag 2506, Perth WA 6001.
