A different bike suggestion

Another suggestion has emerged for how to replace the MotoGP in the Bass Coast calendar - an electric motorcycle championship.

The suggestion came from Greens candidate in the upcoming state election, Mat Morgan, who is also a Bass Coast Shire councillor.

Mr Morgan suggested the government and regional tourism leaders pursue a world-class electric motorcycle event for Phillip Island.

"Local businesses on Phillip Island and across the Bass Coast depend on major events to survive, especially outside peak holiday periods," Mr Morgan said.

"The decision to move this championship interstate has hit local traders hard but it also gives Victoria a chance to think bigger and smarter about the future of motorsport."

Mr Morgan said Phillip Island should seize the opportunity created by the global pause of the MotoE World Championship in 2026, and position the island as the natural home of elite electric motorcycle racing.

"With the MotoE World Championship on hiatus in 2026, there is a genuine opening for Phillip Island to step forward as the home of a new electric bike championship," he said.

"Phillip Island already has international recognition, world-class facilities and a passionate motorsport community. It makes perfect sense for this iconic circuit to lead the transition to cleaner, quieter and future-focused racing."

Mr Morgan said an electric championship would not only help replace lost tourism revenue, but would align with Victoria's climate and innovation goals.

"This is a chance to turn a serious setback for our local economy into a forward-looking opportunity," he said.

"Electric motorcycle racing can attract new audiences, new sponsors and new investment, while protecting the liveability of our community and supporting local jobs."

Other proposals floated to replace the MotoGP have included the FIM Intercontinental Games and a new classic car festival.