Arabic version: مجتمع جزيرة فيليب يقترح مهرجانًا جديدًا ليحل محل موتو جي بي

The Phillip Island community is rallying to propose a new motoring festival as a replacement for the Australian MotoGP race, which will be held for the last time in October 2026. This event is set to move to Adelaide in 2027, leaving a significant economic gap that the local businesses hope to fill.

According to ABC News, a group of stakeholders have proposed a new motoring event to replace the Australian MotoGP race on Phillip Island. Former Tourism Victoria chief executive Jeff Floyd, who owns a home on the island, is part of this initiative.

The proposed festival aims to encapsulate the existing Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport, which is the largest historic motor racing event in the Southern Hemisphere. Floyd highlighted the festival’s potential to attract diverse audiences, including women and younger demographics, while integrating non-motoring elements like music and food.

Despite the enthusiasm, the proposal is still in its early stages and requires a formal business case. Floyd expressed confidence that, with the right support, the festival could generate economic returns comparable to those of the MotoGP over time. However, he emphasized the need for initial funding and government backing to establish this event.

Local community leaders, including Bendigo Community Bank chair John Matthews, have voiced disappointment over the loss of the MotoGP and stressed the importance of government support for the local economy. Meanwhile, the Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking a meeting with Victoria’s tourism minister to discuss the future of major events on the island, as they work to ensure that Phillip Island remains a vibrant tourism destination.