❓ Opposition questions the value of the Perth Park racetrack project's $217.5 million allocation compared to health or regional infrastructure investments, citing cost pressures and regional displacement. Government defends the project as an election commitment that will boost tourism and the WA economy, while highlighting record infrastructure spending.
AnsweredQoN 964Legislative Council
Asked
2 December 2025
Member
Portfolio
Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Transport; Sport and Recreation
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the asphalt racetrack at Burswood proposed for the Perth Park project, and I ask: (a) given ongoing cost pressures on essential services, how did the Government assess whether allocating $217.5 million to Perth Park represents better value than investment in health or regional infrastructure, noting that the report identifies substantial long-term operating and maintenance obligation; and (b) what assessment was undertaken of the opportunity cost of this expenditure for regional Western Australia, noting the business case acknowledges but does not quantify regional displacement effects or community disruption?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 February 2026
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Transport; Sport and Recreation
Response time
7 days
(a)-(b) Perth Park was a key election commitment of the Cook Labor Government at the 2025 State Election, and we deliver our election commitments.
Perth Park forms a key part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to diversifying the Western Australian economy and will be an asset for all Western Australians. It will create opportunities to significantly enhance regional tourism through attraction of interstate and international visitors.
The Cook Labor Government continues to invest record funds in infrastructure, including a record $13.1 billion in 2024-25.
Perth Park forms a key part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to diversifying the Western Australian economy and will be an asset for all Western Australians. It will create opportunities to significantly enhance regional tourism through attraction of interstate and international visitors.
The Cook Labor Government continues to invest record funds in infrastructure, including a record $13.1 billion in 2024-25.
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