Council and Cowes traders get set for last MotoGP hurrah

THE high-pressure cleaner is going 10-to-the-dozen. More plants are being added. Drainage pits inspected and the finishing touches applied to the controversial ‘cattle yards’ which frame the entrance to the northern end of Thompson Avenue.

On a sunny day at Phillip Island, on Wednesday this week, visitors are promenading, others are out on the new sidewalk tables enjoying coffee and lunch, dogs' owners are being pulled along and there’s a veritable high-vis convention as shire staff and contractors do a final inspection.

By Friday this week, they say, most of the work on the $9.6 million Cowes streetscape project will be finished.

Yes, that’s $9.6 million. Could be more.

Stands to reason.

We’re told by local traders that even the ornate rocks selected to adorn the lawns, gardens and edges of the pavement and narrow, curving roadway cost between $500 and $700 a piece.

There’s been no expense spared on a last hurrah for the final Phillip Island MotoGP which kicked off here in 1989, took a break at Eastern Creek from 1991-1996 and has graced the Island ever since through Wayne Gardner’s emotional triumph in the first year, Mick Doohan’s success and the incredible run of six wins by Casey Stoner.

But, it has also battled through terrible October weather in some of those years and who knows what will happen this time, when the race is run one last time on October 23, 24 and 25.

The spiritual patron of Phillip Island’s Australian MotoGP, Rosa Scarlato, whose restaurant Pino’s Trattoria, has tracked the history of the GP since it opened in 1991, has very mixed emotions about the last GP, but she’s putting on a brave, smiling face ready to welcome the visitors and the bikes again.

“Maybe they can come back again, who knows, but it costs a lot of money,” said Rosa, giving a shrug and flashing her trademark smile.

“We’ll put on one last race and welcome everyone who comes. It’ll be great. We’ll try to make a bit of money. What else can we do?”

Rosa made her annual pilgrimage back to her ancestorial home in Calabria, in southern Italy in August, where the feedback locally was the same as here, disappointment about not having a MotoGP race at Phillip Island.

“They don’t like it. They love Phillip Island. They think it should still be here,” said Rosa.

“Maybe they could have two Australian races, one at the start of the year and one at the end, get one from Spain. They’ve got four.

“But it costs a lot. Adelaide paid a huge amount to get it and it’s costing them $100 million just to make the track.

“I don’t know. We’ll talk to them but it’s a lot,” she said.

The final event already promises to be one of the biggest and best, not only with three days of racing but with Jimmy Barnes headlining on Saturday night and Australian rock legends Jet performing at the track after the race on Sunday, October 25.

The 30th edition of the event at Phillip Island highlights three days of thrilling motorcycle racing. Set against the island’s dramatic coastal views, the event offers more than any track in the world in terms of scenery and challenges.

After the race is run and won, Cowes will still have its streetscape upgrade but it’s fair to say, the jury is still out on whether the radical re-do is fit for purpose.

“I asked to look at the plans, but they couldn’t give me one,” said Rosa, who took the opportunity of the shire inspection this week to ask a few questions.

“Maybe they can put some gates on the end and charge people admission,” said Rosa with a grin.

But for now, it’s on with the show!

Shire’s most recent report

The Bass Coast Shire Council posted this progress report on the Thompson Avenue North streetscape works on the Engage Bass Coast website last week, Friday, October 2:

Phase 4 works are progressing well with the following works completed in the last 3 weeks:

• Completion of all concrete pours for the the DDA Ramps.
• Electrical works are now 95% completed.
• The steel nosing and tactile stripping for the DDA ramp area has been installed.
• The stainless-steel handrail is being installed and the DDA ramps will be opened once they are installed.
• The foothpath, kerbing and edge strips along The Esplanade have all been completed.
• Sewer, electrical and drainage works along The Esplanade are nearing completion.
• Installation of the new timber fringe screening has commenced, adding another distinctive feature to the entry of the precinct.
• New plants have been installed throughout the garden beds, bringing colour and character to the precinct.
• The grass in the Civic Green is flourishing and has received its first mow

The following works will occur over the following weeks:

• Hard and soft landscaping across the entire project area will be completed
• Installation of timber fringe screens at Chapel Street roundabout will be completed
• Laying the road asphalt on The Esplanade and completing line marking.
• The DDA ramp retaining walls will be painted.
• Feature lighting and electrical work will continue.

With the finishing touches now underway, the project remains on track to reach practical completion in time for the MotoGP Entertainment Precinct event in Cowes. As is common with projects of this scale, there may be a small number of minor items that continue to be addressed in the weeks following completion.

Please note that all construction timeframes are subject to weather, site conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.