End of an Era: Phillip Island Loses the MotoGP – A Devastating Blow for Bass Coast Jobs

It is the news we all feared, but hoped would never actually land.

After nearly 30 years of defining our region’s sporting identity, Phillip Island has officially lost the rights to host the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Reports confirmed over the last 24 hours indicate that the 2026 race this October will be the final MotoGP event held at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. From 2027 onwards, the race is expected to move to South Australia, with The Bend Motorsport Park tipped as the new venue.

For Gippsland, this isn’t just about losing a race. It’s about losing the single biggest economic engine in the Bass Coast’s calendar.

Why Did This Happen?

It appears the split comes down to a "city vs. country" ultimatum.

Negotiations reportedly broke down after the rights holders (MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group) demanded the race be moved from Phillip Island to the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne to chase city crowds.

The Victorian Government rejected this demand, refusing to strip the event from Regional Victoria. While the State Government stood their ground for the Bass Coast, the rights holders walked away, declining to renew the contract.

The Economic "Black Hole"

The frustration for locals is palpable—and justified. We aren’t just talking about bike fans; we are talking about livelihoods.

The most recent economic impact reports paint a stark picture of what we are about to lose:

• $54.6 Million: The estimated annual economic benefit the event brings to Victoria.
• $29.4 Million: The amount of direct spending that stays right here in the Bass Coast economy every year.
• 284 Jobs: The number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by this single event.

The impact on jobs in Bass Coast cannot be overstated. For nearly three decades, local accommodation providers, cafes, pubs, and retail stores have relied on the "GP Week" windfall to power them through the quieter months.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has described the loss as a "huge black hole" for the local economy. And she’s right. When you remove 90,000+ visitors from a region in a single weekend, the ripple effects on casual employment and small business revenue are immediate and severe.

Local Reaction

The sentiment on the ground is a mix of anger and heartbreak.

Business owners in Cowes and San Remo, who are booked out years in advance for this week, are now staring at a massive gap in their 2027 calendars. The event didn't just fill beds; it filled shifts for hundreds of casual hospitality staff, cleaners, security, and tradespeople.

Many locals are now asking what this means for jobs in Phillip Island moving forward. With the event supporting so many casual and seasonal roles, the fear is that businesses will have to tighten their belts, reducing shifts for locals who depend on that extra income.

While many appreciate the State Government refusing to "sell out" Phillip Island to Albert Park, the result—losing the race to South Australia entirely—feels like a worst-case scenario.

The Last Hurrah: October 2026

So, what now?

We have one race left. The 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix this October is now officially the "Farewell to the Island."

If there was ever a time to show up, support local businesses, and remind the world why Phillip Island is the spiritual home of racing, this is it. Let’s make the final chequered flag the biggest one yet.

Join the Conversation This is a developing story that impacts all of us in the Bass Coast. Head over to the Gippslander Facebook page to share your thoughts and let us know how this change will impact your business or family.