SA government cites O-Bahn, hospital as precedents for MotoGP circuit in parklands

The South Australian government has cited the O-Bahn tunnel and new Women's and Children's Hospital as precedents for major parklands work in its case for a proposed MotoGP circuit, arguing the track will not degrade national heritage values. The government's submission to federal authorities noted these projects, plus a stormwater scheme, were assessed under conservation laws and not deemed "controlled actions" with significant environmental impact. It also argued the circuit mostly upgrades existing infrastructure, with only localised effects on the grey-headed flying fox. The assessment excluded event operations like races and concerts, and follows a Federal Court ruling that the North Adelaide Golf Course redevelopment did not meet the threshold. Public consultation closed Friday, with federal assessment pending.