Arabic version: شركات جزيرة فيليب تسعى إلى الدعم بعد مغادرة موتو جي بي

According to ABC News, Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP race at the end of October before the event moves to Adelaide in 2027, prompting businesses, councillors and the island’s tourism board to seek government support for the region’s future.

The MotoGP has long helped draw visitors to the island after winter, while the World Superbikes event in February completes a major period for tourism. Destination Phillip Island says more than $80 million in annual economic activity is linked to the two events. The accommodation sector is the island’s largest employer, accounting for almost 4 per cent of jobs, while cafes and restaurants are the third-largest employer.

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Brett Tessari said the departure of the race was “pretty surreal and quite sad.” Samantha Hampstead, who runs a Cowes tattoo business with her husband Jason and helps organise an annual community motorcycle convoy, said the weekend was the busiest time of year for many operators. San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op chief executive Wolfgang Platzer said the GP brought thousands of people who may not otherwise visit the area and could return after seeing the island.

Destination Phillip Island chief executive Kim Storey said losing the event had accelerated the need to broaden the region’s focus beyond motoring events, although the track’s role could not be understated. The organisation and Bass Coast Shire Council have called for funding to develop events including The Hills are Alive music festival, the Island Whale Festival, island hot springs and a new motorsports festival. They also cited economic uncertainty, the lack of infrastructure such as a car ferry, and the potential impact of H5N1 on wildlife as barriers. Mr Platzer said the community needed to find alternatives rather than remain focused on the loss.