Thousands without accommodation as MotoGP announces last minute closure of campsites

Interstate Phillip Island MotoGP fans are cancelling their trips to the race after their accommodation was abruptly scrapped.

About 1500 racing fans have been left without accommodation after camping grounds at the Phillip Island Motorcycle Grand Prix were abruptly closed.

Returning after a three-year Covid hiatus, the MotoGP traditionally opens paddocks close to the track each year to accommodate thousands of campers attending the event.

Despite extending the campground to cope with the expected increase in visitors, event organisers have now announced large parts of the campgrounds will not open in 2022.

Ticket holders were sent an email with the news that the High-Side South and High-Side North campgrounds had been affected.

“A wetter than normal winter on Phillip Island has meant that certain sections of the campgrounds are the wettest they have been for decades,” event organisers said.

Scenes like this from 2016 will not be seen at this year’s Phillip Island MotoGP, after camping at the event was scrapped due to wet weather. Picture: AAP

“It means that large areas of the campgrounds will not be available for 2022.

“Regrettably we must advise that your allocated site is one of the sites affected and we can no longer provide you a campsite for this year’s event.”

People who had already bought camping tickets will be refunded but many are now struggling to find accommodation, with most places already booked out.

Lisa Hill has flown from Perth for the MotoGP and was really looking forward to its return in 2022.

Thousands of MotoGP fans have been left without anywhere to stay after accommodation plans for the Phillip Island event were abruptly changed.

“It is disappointing ...the event could have liaised with council or something to provide some alternatives.

“I posted on Facebook and had three offers from people to stay at their places,

“Post-Covid everyone really looks forward to these trips so we are lucky to have gotten a spot. I feel bad for people who didn‘t check their emails and will now have missed out on a place to stay.”

But others haven‘t been so lucky.

Glenn Skinner from Sydney has now decided not to attend the event.

“It‘s just too late now to make other arrangements,” he said.

Thousands of MotoGP fans have been left without anywhere to stay after accommodation plans for the Phillip Island event were abruptly changed.

“I last went to the island in 1990 to watch Wayne Gardner win and had decided to go this year to see Jack Miller on the Ducati as it would be my last opportunity since he is going to KTM next year.

“Am I pissed? Yes would be an understatement.”

Locals have responded in droves, offering up their yards and properties.

“We have a driveway, we can probably flick a power cord out the kitchen window if anyone is in need,” one wrote on Facebook.

The event is set to take place on October 14-16.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott ground conditions meant a “significant portion” of campsites had been moved or were not available.
“We appreciate this decision is disappointing,” he said.
“However, our priority is to ensure fans enjoy both a safe and world-class experience.
“AGPC will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates if required.”
Meanwhile, corporate affairs and communications general manager Haydn Lane said the decision to close campsites was “tough” but they had to “bite the bullet”.
“We were looking at alternatives — we did speak to the council — but it is the same situation everywhere,” he said.

“We don’t want a Splendour in the Grass situation.

“We didn’t know what other choice we had.”