Candidates from right across the political spectrum have recognised the critical importance of Albert Park Reserve for the Port Phillip community.
All the major tickets (bar the Greens!), and many independent candidates, have made public statements for the new Council to become more actively involved in managing and contributing to the Park.
Here’s a list:
Albert Park – Rod Hardy (RoPP), Lauren Sherson (Ind.), Rhonda Small (Ind.), Beverley Pinder(PEPP)
Alma – Jill Horman (ALP)
Balaclava – No responses
Elwood – Louise Crawford (ALP)
Lakeside – Bryan Mears (RoPP), Barney Moore (ALP), Levi Silcox (PEPP), Jo McDonald (Ind.)
Montague – Peter Martin (ALP), Judy Sahayanathan (Ind.), Alex Makin (Ind.)
Port Melbourne – David Wright (ALP), Heather Cunsolo (Ind.), Adrian King (Ind.)
South Melbourne – Bridget Mullahy (ALP), Earl James (Greens)
St Kilda – Serge Thomann (PEPP), Jenni Roper (Ind.), Tim Baxter (Greens), Colleen Bolger (Ind.), Robbie Nyaguy (ALP)
Residents who use Albert Park Reserve for sports or recreation will be buoyed by this level of support across the board from prospective Councillors.
The Park might be an issue that can actually bring diverse viewpoints together!
There are many complexities in managing a Park of this size and profile. Extensive engagement within Council and with other key stakeholders, including Parks Victoria, state and federal governments, and the Grand Prix Corporation, will be needed. And there’s a universal recognition that money is tight.
One great place for Council to start might be to lead a campaign for a permanent bridge over Queens Road, providing access to the Park for residents, pedestrians, and bike riders from the St Kilda Rd precinct – co-funded by all the stakeholders, including Port Phillip.
The future of Albert Park Reserve is a key strategic issue for the next Port Phillip Council. We encourage all voters to support candidates who will act to protect local amenity by investing in Albert Park Reserve, more actively pursuing the interests of residents, and seeking a formal role in its management.
Albert Park – our Park – is simply too important to Port Phillip to be left to the State Government.
Hugo Armstrong
President, Albert Park Sports Clubs Association
albertparksportsclubs@gmail.com
