Latest news with #JohnVanDerWielen
The Age
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Age
Labor says the $217m Burswood racetrack will drive an ‘economic boost'. So, will it?
A community group lobbying for an end to plans for a $217 million racetrack and amphitheatre on the Burswood peninsula has hit back at claims the development would be a boon to the local economy, pointing to similar developments in other states they say proved the opposite. Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive Bradley Woods was among the latest to jump on board with the plans, following the thumbs-up from Crown Perth chair John Van Der Wielen. In an opinion piece in The West Australian, Woods claimed the proposed track would bring with it 'significant benefits' to the economy, and critics had 'resorted to caricatures and stereotypes to undermine the initiative'. But Save Burswood Park Alliance co-chair Robin Harvey said while 'the roar of V8 Supercars may thrill motorsport fans', the aftermath was 'far from exhilarating'. 'The legacy of these events is not one of prosperity but of disruption, disillusionment, and economic disappointment,' she said. 'As the Cook government moves to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to host a V8 Supercars event in Burswood Park, we must learn from the hard lessons of other cities.' Harvey said the events shifted economic activity, rather than created it, giving the example of a 2017 Supercars event in Newcastle, NSW, which was hailed as a success with a $36 million boost to the local economy. However, a separate independent review found the real figure was less than half that amount. She also said there had been a proposal to bring Supercars back to Canberra in 2023, after the original Canberra 400 racetrack was abandoned after two years in the early 2000s.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
Labor says the $217m Burswood racetrack will drive an ‘economic boost'. So, will it?
A community group lobbying for an end to plans for a $217 million racetrack and amphitheatre on the Burswood peninsula has hit back at claims the development would be a boon to the local economy, pointing to similar developments in other states they say proved the opposite. Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive Bradley Woods was among the latest to jump on board with the plans, following the thumbs-up from Crown Perth chair John Van Der Wielen. In an opinion piece in The West Australian, Woods claimed the proposed track would bring with it 'significant benefits' to the economy, and critics had 'resorted to caricatures and stereotypes to undermine the initiative'. But Save Burswood Park Alliance co-chair Robin Harvey said while 'the roar of V8 Supercars may thrill motorsport fans', the aftermath was 'far from exhilarating'. 'The legacy of these events is not one of prosperity but of disruption, disillusionment, and economic disappointment,' she said. 'As the Cook government moves to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to host a V8 Supercars event in Burswood Park, we must learn from the hard lessons of other cities.' Harvey said the events shifted economic activity, rather than created it, giving the example of a 2017 Supercars event in Newcastle, NSW, which was hailed as a success with a $36 million boost to the local economy. However, a separate independent review found the real figure was less than half that amount. She also said there had been a proposal to bring Supercars back to Canberra in 2023, after the original Canberra 400 racetrack was abandoned after two years in the early 2000s.
The Age
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Age
WA news LIVE: Car crash causes power blackout in Perth's south
Latest posts Latest posts 9.30am Car crash causes power blackout in Perth's south One wrong move behind the wheel saw thousands of homes in Perth's south plunged into darkness last night after a car smashed into a power transformer. The incident occurred around 8pm after a Honda Accord travelling along Leach Highway in Rossmoyne veered off the road, hitting a fixed power transmission box. The crash cut power to more than 11,000 homes. It also forced a local IGA to shut up shop and for traffic light signals in the surrounding suburbs of Booragoon, Willetton and Mount Pleasant to also be cut. Despite the transmission box being extensively damaged, Western Power were able to reconnect homes to power within two hours. The driver of the car, a man in his 20s was uninjured. 9.30am Across the nation and around the world Here's what's making news across the nation and around the world: Australia's healthcare watchdog will crack down on the country's booming medicinal cannabis industry, amid what it described as poor prescribing practice and surging patient demand. The Reserve Bank of Australia has shocked economists (and many home owners) after voting to keep rates on hold, despite widely expected cuts. It marks the first time the RBA board has been openly split over the direction of interest rates. We can exclusively reveal that during the final deliberations of the Erin Patterson murder trial, a hotel booking blunder meant jurors, police, prosecutors, and media were housed together, leading to havoc. 9.30am Today's weather A foggy start to the day before the sun comes out later on (not that it will warm up much more, mind you). 9.30am Good morning readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Wednesday, July 9. Making headlines today is news from the Burswood peninsula, where controversial plans for a $217 million racetrack and amphitheatre have received the blessing of neighbour Crown Perth. During a press conference on Tuesday, Crown Perth chairman John Van Der Wielen described the project as 'really exciting'. However, it is still unclear whether the state government will need to purchase any land off Crown to fulfil its election promise – now dubbed the Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct. Hamish Hastie has the full story. You can read it here. Meanwhile Charli Grant has saved the Matildas from further embarrassment, the defender bundling in a stoppage-time goal to lift Australia to a 3-2 victory over Panama at HBF Park in Perth last night.
Sydney Morning Herald
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
WA news LIVE: Car crash causes power blackout in Perth's south
Latest posts Latest posts 9.30am Car crash causes power blackout in Perth's south One wrong move behind the wheel saw thousands of homes in Perth's south plunged into darkness last night after a car smashed into a power transformer. The incident occurred around 8pm after a Honda Accord travelling along Leach Highway in Rossmoyne veered off the road, hitting a fixed power transmission box. The crash cut power to more than 11,000 homes. It also forced a local IGA to shut up shop and for traffic light signals in the surrounding suburbs of Booragoon, Willetton and Mount Pleasant to also be cut. Despite the transmission box being extensively damaged, Western Power were able to reconnect homes to power within two hours. The driver of the car, a man in his 20s was uninjured. 9.30am Across the nation and around the world Here's what's making news across the nation and around the world: Australia's healthcare watchdog will crack down on the country's booming medicinal cannabis industry, amid what it described as poor prescribing practice and surging patient demand. The Reserve Bank of Australia has shocked economists (and many home owners) after voting to keep rates on hold, despite widely expected cuts. It marks the first time the RBA board has been openly split over the direction of interest rates. We can exclusively reveal that during the final deliberations of the Erin Patterson murder trial, a hotel booking blunder meant jurors, police, prosecutors, and media were housed together, leading to havoc. 9.30am Today's weather A foggy start to the day before the sun comes out later on (not that it will warm up much more, mind you). 9.30am Good morning readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Wednesday, July 9. Making headlines today is news from the Burswood peninsula, where controversial plans for a $217 million racetrack and amphitheatre have received the blessing of neighbour Crown Perth. During a press conference on Tuesday, Crown Perth chairman John Van Der Wielen described the project as 'really exciting'. However, it is still unclear whether the state government will need to purchase any land off Crown to fulfil its election promise – now dubbed the Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct. Hamish Hastie has the full story. You can read it here. Meanwhile Charli Grant has saved the Matildas from further embarrassment, the defender bundling in a stoppage-time goal to lift Australia to a 3-2 victory over Panama at HBF Park in Perth last night.
Perth Now
06-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Crown boss to offload $7m mansion for penthouse downsizer
It's just as well blue-chip businessman John Van Der Wielen doesn't get too emotionally attached to his properties — otherwise, letting go of his recently listed Attadale residence might be a challenge. The luxurious five-bedroom, four-bathroom home, set on a sprawling 974sqm riverside block, has hit the market with a price in the $7 million range. Mr Van Der Wielen, who chairs both Crown Perth and the wildly successful nerve regeneration biotech Orthocell, is looking to downsize to a penthouse apartment. He and his wife Robin — founder of Perth-based Flower Box Home Fragrance — are ready for a more 'lock-up-and-leave' lifestyle to accommodate their frequent travels. Despite the many fond memories created in the home, Van Der Wielen admits he's never been one to get too sentimental about real estate — even after living in Sydney (twice), London (twice) and Luxembourg. 'I've moved around a lot in the past 20 years,' he said. 'Selling houses has never worried me because I don't get too emotionally attached.' This pragmatic approach likely makes it easier to part with the spectacular three-level residence, which features panoramic river views, a private lift, smart wiring, commercial-grade ducted air conditioning, underfloor heating in the ensuite, and advanced security systems. The luxurious five-bedroom, four-bathroom home is set on a sprawling 974sqm riverside block. Credit: supplied The home also includes multiple fireplaces, a heated magnesium pool and a six-car garage complete with a full bathroom. Mont Property's Matthew Podesta said the property was a finalist in the Housing Industry Association's awards when it was built. 'This home rivals some of the finest international luxury hotels — its craftsmanship, premium fixtures, and impeccable finishes truly set it apart,' he said. The home was a finalist in the Housing Industry Association's awards when it was built. Credit: supplied John Van Der Wielen's home in Attadale Credit: supplied Van Der Wielen's frequent travel for Orthocell — whose board includes esteemed names such as Professor Fiona Wood and Kim Beazley — is part of what motivates the move. He also serves as a non-executive director with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. With his granddaughter now based in Scotland, he anticipates spending more time in the UK and is even considering purchasing a property there. Still, no matter how far his travels take him, the former Hamilton Hill High School student says Perth will always be home. John Van Der Wielen's home in Attadale. Credit: supplied
