Most were unaware of the massive effort required to create the specialised 1.6km track.

The NT Government’s Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI) had less than a year to design, construct and certify the new track from the release of the first tender.

The track’s 22 corners, 21 jumps and a 90m starting straight were a rare challenge for the DLI Built Infrastructure team.

There was added pressure, as the track was the first purpose-built world championship motorcross track in Australia in more than 20 years.

The nation and the world were watching as the event also marked the FIM Motocross World Championship’s highly anticipated return to Australia after 24 years.

Marco Gerbino DLI’s Senior Consultant Project Manager, said the track was successfully built on time due to a collaboration of government agencies, contractors and consultants.

“It was a bit of a blur. It moved so quickly from the start. Everyone chipped in from all levels and across departments,” he said.

Close collaboration between DLI’s delivery and procurement teams was critical to achieving project milestones, with the team staging and packaging separable parts of the works to enable different areas of the project to be delivered at the same time. 

Works were delivered by a host of local contractors, including design work from Gabbert Design, Byrne Consultants and Ashburner and Francis, materials supplied by A1 Plant and Civil, with Sitzler delivering the headworks and base track. D&P worked with stakeholders and delivered project management elements.

Power and Water and electrical supplier ESS supplied the substation and installed a new switchboard and high voltage relocation. 

NT Major Events managed a further contract with Australia’s leading motocross track builders, Protraxx, to deliver the track build.

The collaboration with Protraxx established the best material textures for the track. Refining the technical specification for the final surface material sourcing, presented a unique challenge for DLI.

The department drew on the in-house expertise of Phill Stacey, Senior Project Manager Materials, Transport and Civil Infrastructure, to develop standards for the specialised material which became affectionately known as ‘golden dirt’. 

The DLI team worked through the Wet Season and a busy schedule of events at Hidden Valley. 

The whole project required close coordination, engagement and sign off between local and overseas contractors and stakeholders to fully understand and apply international MXGP requirements to the design and then translate those visions into construction of the course. 

Natasha Jeremiah, DLI’s Project Director said the project required the team to think outside the box within a tight timeframe and to the precise specifications of an international event. 

The track has been described as one of the most exhilarating and technically challenging tracks ever built in Australia and gives spectators views of nearly the entire course from various vantage points. 

“The build demonstrates DLI’s ability to deliver innovative, high-profile projects under tight timelines and challenging conditions,” Ms Jeremiah said. 

“The track sets a new benchmark for future motorsport infrastructure projects across Australia.” 

Aimee Luxton, NT Tourism and Events NT Executive Director Events, had high praise for the DLI team. 

“The management of the track, from start to finish – from the planning with DLI to achieving the world-class motocross track and ultimately the high-profile national event – is a testament to the exceptional operational capability of their team,” she said. 

“They demonstrated an outstanding ability to collaborate effectively across government departments and external stakeholders, and their professionalism was evident when meeting tight deadlines. 

“It truly was a big team effort to get the track ready on time and to the standard that has placed it amongst one of the best MXGP tracks in the world.” 

The MXGP injected almost $21 million into the Northern Territory economy, attracting local, national and international fans, and creating jobs for more than 100 Territorians. 

Darwin will host the MXGP for the next four years, making it a significant location for motorcross in Australia. 

The 2026 MXGP dates are 18- 20 September at Hidden Valley. For tickets and information visit www.mxgpaustralia.com.au. TQ