Leaders decry un-consulted MotoGP groundworks

Kaurna leaders say ground-disturbing site works proceeded in the Adelaide Park Lands without required consultation, as preparations intensify for future motor sport events, including the 2027 MotoGP.

The South Australian Motor Sport Board maintains it is engaging with Kaurna representatives and complying with heritage laws.

Key Points

The Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) said Kaurna Native Title Holders were not consulted by the South Australian Motor Sport Board (SAMSB) before a third party was contacted to begin ground-disturbing works. KYAC leads the maintenance, protection, and promotion of Kaurna culture and cultural heritage.

Kaurna leaders raised concerns they were excluded from a consultation process before preliminary groundwork related to next year’s MotoGP event. At a recent meeting between the motor sports board and Kadaltilla, KYAC chairperson Tim Agius asked Motor Sport Board CEO Mark Warren if there had been any consultation with Native Title Holders before engaging in the works.

“We don’t want our heritage dug up anymore – we’re over it,” KYAC chair Tim Agius said.

Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation chair Tim Agius.

Mr Agius said KYAC remained concerned that appropriate processes under the Aboriginal Heritage Act were not followed before drilling commenced. He said activities that disturb the ground on Kaurna Country must involve Traditional Owners from the outset and be carried out in a way that respects Kaurna heritage.

Permits, confidentiality

The permits issued by the Adelaide City Council require the permit holder to conduct activities in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988. InDaily understands the permit is for geotechnical “site investigations” involving ground drilling to test soil in the Adelaide Park Lands for the 2027 MotoGP event.

When Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith asked why the site investigations were completed confidentially, she was told by Warren it was to avoid raising concerns from the public. According to the source, Warren also said there were “consultants and advisers on Indigenous heritage and also European heritage” involved.

KYAC has requested meetings with Infrastructure and Transport Minister Joe Szakacs and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher to discuss how to avoid similar situations in future. A spokesperson for Minister Maher said “the government meets regularly with stakeholders and the Minister has a meeting scheduled with KYAC next week”.

Amid the consultation dispute, broader developments in the Adelaide Park Lands have drawn scrutiny. The concerns follow the felling of 585 trees in the North Adelaide Golf Course redevelopment. In a weekend rally at Victoria Park, hundreds of protestors, fearing further tree loss at the park lands, tied yellow ribbons to trees during a protest against the MotoGP.

Public response

KYAC said it was worried that ground-disturbing works were undertaken without prior engagement with KYAC and without an archaeologist being engaged before drilling took place. The organisation said the absence of early consultation puts it in a difficult position with its members and the wider community, who expect it to be aware of, and involved in, activities that may affect Country.

“When government agencies proceed without engaging with us, it undermines trust and creates the impression that Aboriginal Heritage considerations are an afterthought rather than a priority,” Mr Agius said.

The MotoGP event is scheduled to take place for the first time in November 2027 on a street circuit similar to a Formula One circuit used from 1985 to 1995. The circuit is expected to be unveiled in July.

In a statement, the motor sports board signalled a commitment to continued engagement and legal compliance.

A Motor Sports Board spokesperson said: “The South Australian Motor Sport Board is grateful for the engagement we have had to date with the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation and look forward to strengthening that relationship as part of our ongoing consultation process and ensuring that all the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act are met.”