Bass Coast Council raises alarm bells over the tenure of Victoria’s iconic MotoGP round, with no deal locked in beyond 2026
A coalition of Gippsland councils and tourism bodies has issued an urgent call for the Victorian Government to lock in a long-term contract for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island, warning that the state risks losing one of its most iconic international events.
Bass Coast Shire Council — in partnership with Destination Phillip Island, South Gippsland Shire Council and Destination Gippsland — has launched a community petition urging the government to secure the MotoGP’s future on Phillip Island beyond 2026. The current contract expires next year, and negotiations are already underway.
Advocacy and Partnerships Advisor Andrew Pickering said the stakes for the region couldn’t be clearer. “MotoGP is more than a race. It’s an iconic international event that brings major tourism, jobs and economic benefits to our region and to Victoria,” he said. “With contract negotiations underway, this is a critical moment, and a strong show of community and organisational support will help keep this world-class event right here where it belongs. Momentum is already building, and we want to harness this attention and channel it into strong community action. Every signature and share counts — together, we can make our voice impossible to ignore.”
The groups say the event delivers enormous economic, tourism and employment benefits to the region and to Victoria more broadly, driving tens of thousands of visitors into Gippsland each October and generating an estimated tens of millions of dollars in local spending.
They argue that losing the race to another Australian state or an overseas venue would be a major blow not only for the Bass Coast but for the state’s major-events reputation.
The petition, released earlier this week, has gained rapid momentum, with widespread community backing and national media attention. Bass Coast mayor Rochelle Halstead has has spoken across multiple outlets including across multiple media outlets urging Victorians to demonstrate clear public support as negotiations continue.
While the campaign is calling for swift action from Spring Street, the Victorian Government maintains that the Phillip Island round remains a major priority.
A government spokesperson said: “The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is synonymous with Phillip Island — we are proud to back this much-loved, iconic event that showcases the best of the Bass Coast to a global audience.”
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has previously described Phillip Island as one of MotoGP’s most iconic destinations, and one of the most highly regarded circuits on the world championship calendar.
Regional leaders say now is the critical moment for the community to make its voice heard, and that visible support could play a crucial role in ensuring the event remains in Victoria long-term.
The petition and related campaign encourage riders, fans, residents and businesses to sign, share, and contact Premier Jacinta Allan directly as contract talks continue.
Supporters can add their names to the community petition calling on the Victorian Government to secure a long-term MotoGP contract at Phillip Island via the campaign link: Petition – Save Our MotoGP. They can also contact Premier Jacinta Allan directly through the provided email action page: Email the Premier – Save Our MotoGP.
The campaign is also being shared across social media, with posts available to support on Facebook and Instagram.
