Plans to build a major speedway complex in Moreton Bay have sparked a fierce backlash from residents of nearby Beachmere, who fear the project will damage their quiet coastal community and increase flooding risks in surrounding areas.
Around 200 locals gathered at the proposed site of the Moreton Motorsport Park north of Brisbane on Sunday, holding signs reading “public peace over private profit” and “no cancer chemicals.”
The development proposal outlines a large‑scale motorsport facility capable of hosting motocross and speedway meets, as well as “international events” drawing up to 30,000 spectators over multiple days.
For many residents, the scale of the project is alarming. They argue the track would bring noise, chemical pollution and heavy traffic fundamentally altering the character of Beachmere. Others are deeply worried about the environmental impact.
“They are proposing to raise the land and the access roads,” said resident Mel, who asked that her surname not be used. “What that will do is change the overland flow. They’re building on a flood plain… that floodwater has to go somewhere.”
The project is being pushed by Corbet’s Group, a family‑owned haulage and land‑clearing company with long‑standing ties to motorsport, including sponsorship of the Mothar Mountain Speedway in Gympie.
The company has lodged its application under the state’s Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) process, arguing there is a “strong community and regional need” for a new racetrack in south‑east Queensland.
In its proposal, Corbet’s Group says the development is backed by “comprehensive Environmental Assessment” and will undergo appropriate consultation. But residents say meaningful engagement has been limited so far.
As the approval process continues, the clash between a major motorsport vision and a small community’s desire to protect its environment and lifestyle is intensifying and Beachmere locals say they are not backing down.
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