DESTINATION Phillip Island has announced that it is continuing its strong advocacy for a new contract to secure the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island beyond 2026.
Its efforts come after wide speculation that the contract at the world-famous Phillip Island GP Circuit will not be renewed after 2026, meaning the next event on October 23 to 25 next year could be the last.
It has been reported that the issue for series promoter Dorna Sports (Liberty Media Corporation) and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) is “the circuit’s chronic lack of significant investment in infrastructure and facilities over the last decade” fuelling speculation they are looking for another venue, not necessarily in Victoria.
The staging of the event in one of the traditionally wettest months of the year hasn’t helped either.
Destination Phillip Island issued the following statement this week:
“The MotoGP, along with our broader major events calendar, plays a critical role in supporting the tourism sector and the wider economy across Phillip Island, Bass Coast and
Victoria,” said DPI Executive Officer Kim Storey.
DPI listed the economic and tourism benefits:
• The 2023 economic impact study by Ernst & Young reported a total economic impact of $54.6 million for the region, supporting 284 full-time equivalent jobs, based on attendance of 71,387 across the event period.
• Global exposure remains a powerful driver of visitation. In 2023, 10,301 media items were recorded worldwide, generating an Advertising Value Equivalency of $37.1 million.
• The 2025 event, held last month, drew an estimated 91,245 attendees – the highest since 2012 and a 28 per cent increase on 2023.
Long reach of event spending:
• The economic uplift extends well beyond race weekend, covering accommodation and hospitality demand during event set-up and pack-down periods.
• Temporary staff, contractors and event suppliers rely on local accommodation, food, retail and services throughout this period, adding important value to local businesses.
Ongoing advocacy and engagement
“Destination Phillip Island Board members and the General Manager continue to meet with the Minister and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions to highlight the importance of securing Australia’s largest regional event for the long term.
“Productive discussions were also held with Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chair the Hon Martin Pakula and CEO Travis Auld during last month’s event.”
Board chair of Destination Phillip Island, Jeff Webb said retaining the MotoGP was critical.
“We are actively raising this matter with the Minister’s office because we know just how critical the MotoGP is for our local operators and our visitor economy,” said Mr Webb.
“With over $500 million in new investments occurring in our region, securing the event beyond 2026 remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of our community,” he said.
“Phillip Island’s long-standing relationship with the MotoGP delivers significant economic, social and promotional benefits. Ensuring this event remains on the Island beyond 2026 is essential for the strength and stability of our visitor economy.”
