One Nation maps Phillip Island’s future beyond the MotoGP

ONE Nation has unveiled a plan to rebuild Phillip Island’s visitor economy after the loss of the MotoGP and World Superbikes.

The party’s Bass candidate Nikole Schellekens said the strategy was developed after meeting with Destination Phillip Island about tourism and the loss of the two events.

It backs the broad three-stage approach put forward by Destination Phillip Island to stabilise, strengthen and transform the island’s visitor economy.

“Phillip Island already has the assets. This isn’t about replacing one major event with another,” Ms Schellekens said.

“It’s about making better use of what we already have, supporting local businesses and building a visitor economy that works all year round.

“The aim is to build a more diverse visitor economy that is less reliant on one or two major events.”

The last MotoGP at Phillip Island runs from October 23 to 25 before the race moves to an Adelaide street circuit from 2027.

The World Superbikes will race on the island for the final time in 2027 before moving to The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia from 2028.

The State Government said in February it was working to secure a new major event for the region.

Ms Schellekens said the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit had to be part of the island’s future.

“It is a world-class piece of infrastructure,” she said.

“We want to work with its owners and operators to explore new events, investment and uses for the Circuit, and understand where government may be able to remove barriers.”

The plan calls for a broader year-round events calendar across Phillip Island and San Remo.

“This does not necessarily mean bigger events,” Ms Schellekens said.

“It means the right mix of distinctive events throughout the year that give people reasons to visit outside traditional peak periods and encourage overnight stays.”

According to the party’s Phillip Island Visitor Economy document, One Nation supports in principle the continued development of the Penguin Parade, Summerland Peninsula and The Nobbies.

“The objective is not simply to bring visitors through the gates of our major attractions, but to encourage them to stay longer, eat locally, shop locally and explore more of the region,” she said.

Ms Schellekens said small and medium businesses were at the centre of the plan.

“This is an economic and small-business policy as much as a tourism policy,” she said.

“Accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, retailers, attractions and tourism operators should have opportunities to collaborate, invest and develop experiences that keep more visitor spending in the local economy.”

She said the government’s role was to back private investment rather than run the sector.

“Government does not need to run the visitor economy,” she said.

“Its role should include creating the conditions and confidence for businesses to invest, grow and employ local people.”

The plan also commits One Nation to a long-term access and connectivity plan for the island covering roads, public transport and peak-period congestion.

“Tourism growth must come with infrastructure,” Ms Schellekens said.

“We cannot continue talking about attracting more visitors without addressing roads, public transport, congestion and access.

“Infrastructure planning needs to happen alongside tourism and economic growth.”

The party has stopped short of promising a vehicle ferry between Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula.

“We are not promising to build a Phillip Island-Mornington Peninsula vehicle ferry,” she said.

“We are committing to properly examining its feasibility, economic case and potential contribution to regional connectivity and tourism.”

The One Nation document notes Destination Phillip Island has identified car-ferry feasibility as part of its proposed longer-term connectivity work.

Ms Schellekens will face Labor’s Chris Buckingham, Liberal Rochelle Halstead and others in Bass at the state election on Saturday November 28.

State Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, who held the seat by 202 votes in 2022, is not recontesting.