Generous islanders help out stranded GP campers
Travel plans in disarray after some camp site bookings were cancelled yesterday due to waterlogged ground.
The travel plans of 1500 campers to the Phillip Island MotoGP in October have been thrown into disarray after some camp site bookings were cancelled yesterday due to waterlogged ground.
However generous Phillip Island residents have quickly responded, offering their backyards to those stranded MotoGP fans for the October 14-16 event.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) CEO Andrew Westacott said the cancellation impacted less than half the MotoGP campers – 1500 campers across 615 affected sites – who were all offered full accommodation refunds.
“We had to make the call with time to allow campers to make decisions on whether they seek alternate accommodation or receive full refunds on their ticketing,” Mr Westacott said.
“Following a sustained period of heavy rainfall across Phillip Island, a significant portion of event campsites have been relocated and a number of sites are no longer available due to unsuitable ground conditions. We appreciate this decision is disappointing. 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.”
While trackside camping remained unchanged, the bogged sites that saw cancellations included highside north sections and parts of highside south.
MotoGP fans from across Australia took to social media to call for help.
Western Australian Lisa Hill said she was travelling from her home state for the MotoGP “and don’t have anywhere to camp with our van. So disappointed”.
Queenslander Simone Cook asked if any Phillip Island locals could accommodate a small tent in their front yard.
Following the shout-out, many local residents stepped up to offer their backyard or larger properties, private messaging through Facebook those who were left without a place to stay.
Cathy responded she had small acreage in Cowes that could take about five self-contained vehicles.
“No power but mains water and a shed to congregate in. Good luck and we hope we can help some of you,” Cathy wrote.
One of the stranded campers Noel saw the response from locals and thanked the generous response.
“I should have known that the awesome people on the island would find a way to help the bike fans that had their travel plans tipped upside down by the closure of the camp grounds,” Noel wrote.
“You people are awesome.”
More details in next week’s paper.
