Long delays restoring Victoria Park

It's been a very long time since Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) was entirely Open, Green, Public.

That day will come, eventually, but for now those who love Park Lands are being required to endure a painfully slow process of removing the detritus of this ephemeral motor sport entertainment.

Pic taken 26 January 2023

The northern half of this Park was off-limits for more than two years while it hosted Adelaide's main COVID-19 drive-through testing station.

The former COVID-19 drive-through testing station in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi, that operated from 2020 until mid 2022. Pic: ABC-TV News

Soon after the COVID test site was dismantled in July 2022, Government-appointed contractors moved in, to install infrastructure for the return of what was a four-day carbon emission motor sport festival in December.

Now, almost two months after the conclusion of the motor sport carnival, much of its detritus remains and there seems to be little impetus to remove it.

Concrete barriers and temporary grandstand still firmly in place on 26 January 2023.

The Chief Executive of the State Government's Motor Sport Board, Mark Warren, told ABC Adelaide radio listeners on 23 January that most of the "Adelaide 500" infrastructure would be removed by 12 February.

However under questioning from the ABC's Jules Schiller, Mr Warren conceded that parts of the motor sport track, including concrete barriers would remain in place until after the next motor sport event in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16).

(Left) CEO of the Motor Sport Board, Mark Warren; and (right) Jules Schiller, ABC Adelaide radio

The Adelaide Motor Sport Festival is scheduled for the weekend of 25 and 26 March 2023. It features a different category of vehicles on track every 10 to 15 minutes, including historic Formula 1 cars, open wheelers, sportscars, touring cars, motorbikes and more: even electric vehicles.

Legal background

The State Government has unfettered powers to take over your Park Lands for motor sport, at any time, and for any duration.

Under the South Australian Motor Sport Act 1984, the Minister (at present this is the Premier) simply issues a “Section 20 declaration” that any required land is placed under the control of the SA Motor Sport Board for as long as the Minister decrees.

The Premier must "consult" with the City Council and Kadaltilla (the Park Lands Authority) but is under no obligation to respect their wishes about restoring the Park to 'Open Green Public' as soon as practicable. The needs of the Motor Sport Board take precedence over anyone else's rights to enter or use the Park.

See other recent stories about Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16):