Coates helps AGPC drive MotoGP™ success again in 2024
For nearly 30 years, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has relied on Coates for flexible, innovative solutions to deliver this iconic event
The project
Phillip Island, located 125km southeast of Melbourne, recently roared to life for the Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2024 – a key fixture in the FIM Road Racing World Championship season. From October 18 – 20, the world’s racing elite took to the circuit, attracting more than 80,000 spectators across an action-packed 3-day event.
Coates has proudly supported the AGPC in staging the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix since 1997, providing expertise and a growing range of solutions to ensure the event runs smoothly from bump-in to bump-out.
The challenge
A lack of permanent infrastructure
Although Phillip Island is a permanent racing circuit, it’s not designed for events the size of MotoGP.
“Staging a motor racing event of this scale is a significant undertaking,” says Cameron Baker, AGPC Manager for Design and Construction. “As MotoGP is the largest event held at Phillip Island each year there is limited permanent infrastructure in place, and much of the event site has to be custom built – even the grandstands.”
“Meeting the temporary infrastructure requirement involves bringing in a large number of portable buildings and other facilities; increasing the supply of amenities like power, lighting and plumbing; and boosting radio and TV connectivity for broadcasts,” Cameron continues.
Highly restricted site access
To build The Paddock and Media Compound, all tooling and equipment must be moved infield by crossing over the track. “Time and access restrictions made this challenging, because for most of our time on site we were working around other track activations," says Sam Borthwick, Coates Major Projects Manager – Events.
“There were only three days when track access could be granted during the 6-week build. Additionally, we experienced delays in being able to move equipment to its final destination infield. With well over a hundred portable buildings to stage and move into place, these restrictions were particularly challenging for contractors like Coates.”
- Cameron Baker, AGPC
A challenging location
Phillip Island’s location 2-3 hours southeast of Melbourne is logistically challenging for some contractors, because the distance makes it difficult to return to branch for missing equipment and to accommodate changing equipment requirements. Local weather conditions add further complexity to the event build.
“When it’s windy in Melbourne it can be blowing a gale on the island, which prevents some of the larger equipment from being used to safely move buildings into place,” he says. “Meticulous pre-event planning was critical in addressing these location challenges, ensuring Coates could deliver what was required for this event.”
Coates has proudly supported the AGPC in staging the MotoGP since 1997
The solution
Coates supplied and maintained a range of equipment to meet AGPC’s operational and sustainability requirements. This solution included:
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135 x portable buildings for The Paddock, Media Compound and to support the provision of security and first aid. Coates also worked closely with AGPC to meet the needs and accessibility requirements of spectators.
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66 x diesel generators
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4 x compressors
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24 x hybrid light towers
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13 x solar light poles
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440 x Armorzone recycled plastic traffic barriers
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A range of smaller tools and ground protective equipment
Coates provided additional support to other event contractors during the build, including supplying portable compound buildings and large access and materials handling equipment.
The impact
AGPC’s ongoing partnership with Coates is driven by the company’s ability to support the diverse needs of this iconic event.
135 x portable buildings for The Paddock, Media Compound and to support the provision of security and first aid. Coates also worked closely with AGPC to meet the needs and accessibility requirements of spectators.
66 x diesel generators
4 x compressors
24 x hybrid light towers
13 x solar light poles
440 x Armorzone recycled plastic traffic barriers
A range of smaller tools and ground protective equipment
“Coates has the breadth and quality of equipment that we need to fulfil our requirements; the right approach to planning and on-site management; a willingness and ability to accommodate changing on-site needs; and broad knowledge of the event and how it operates – all crucial factors in the success of MotoGP."
- Cameron Baker, AGPC
