Bass Coast Shire Council is disappointed that the Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport will no longer go ahead, due to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said that following the devastating loss of the Australian MotoGP for the second year running, there was a genuine level of excitement from the local business community for the planned Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport
"The Australian Grand Prix Corporation provided great support for planned activation to ensure our businesses could capitalise on the influx of spectators," Cr Tessari said.
"The event recognised and celebrated of our long history of motorsports on Phillip Island, however we understand the important role current restriction play on keeping our community safe."
Because tourism is a key economic driver for Phillip Island, it has been heavily impacted by the pandemic, with the halt on international travel and the continued cancellation of events. Pre-COVID, the visitor economy contributed 43.9 per cent of Bass Coast's Gross Regional Product, making it the Local Government Area most reliant on tourism in Victoria and second Australia-wide.
The economic benefit the Australian MotoGP brings to Bass Coast Shire is in excess of $42 million.
Cr Tessari said that Council will continue to advocate to all levels of Government for greater support for our businesses that heavily rely on the visitor economy.
"We have identified several projects that will have maximum impact in driving the visitor economy within the region, including the Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail, the Summerlands Tracks and Trails and others across Bass Coast including the Inverloch to Wonthaggi extension, as well as the development of the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre," Cr Tessari concluded.
