The State Labor Government and Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) have watered down the proposed Grand Prix lockout extension in the face of fierce community opposition.
Aquatic sports clubs in particular have been spared, with Albert Park sailors and rowers regaining some access to the Lake around the Grand Prix, along with the schools who use their facilities for both sports and educational programs.
But thousands of community members, including joggers and running clubs, walkers and dogs, and kids using the community playground will be shut out for three weeks at Grand Prix time.
The Government made a series of late amendments to the Bill in the Upper House on Tuesday following pushback from the Liberals and the progressive independent parties, and secured its passage.
Some wins for local sports
As well as trimming the extended lockout, the Government has introduced a new compensation scheme for Park tenants affected by the extension. And out of the blue, it also announced that a new Albert Park Advisory Committee will be established, although it was not able to provide any details.
‘This is a big win for the local sporting community,’ said President of the Albert Park Sports Clubs Association, Hugo Armstrong.
‘The Government has backed down on some of its poorly considered and unjustified plans to lock the community out. And we’re grateful it’s setting up a new compensation scheme, although the devil will be in the detail.
‘But this is policy on the run, and the Government still refuses to engage with the community, who actually understand the situation on the ground and who could constructively contribute to a more balanced solution.’
One of the major outstanding concerns is the power the bill gives to the AGPC to take over sections of Albert Park at other times of the year to run concerts or events to increase its revenue. ‘The Park and its community already pay a heavy price at Grand Prix time. Now we face the prospect of disruptions at other times of the year as well,’ Hugo said.
Read Hugo’s summary of the changes in the Bill
The Albert Park Sports Clubs Association is a network of more than two dozen community sports clubs based in Victoria’s biggest community sports precinct, Albert Park Reserve. The clubs have more than 6,000 members of all ages and genders, playing 18 different sports throughout the year (outside the GP period).
Corporate Control trumps Community Health
Kelly Brennan, Convenor Lake ALIVE!, told TWiSK there are no real winners in this deal.
‘Its just a few compensation crumbs for a handful of sports clubs, and some very limited park access for a few sailing and rowing clubs.’
Kelly is particularly peeved by the closure of the popular lakeside path.
‘The lakeside path is perfectly safe and has been for 30 years as the last bastion of exercise freedom here when the Grand Prix juggernaut takes over the park. There are at least six hours of daylight when no GP works are happening either side of race week.
‘Not only do we walk or run in those hours, but this year, we provided a lifeline for ducks and birds dying from avian botulism. It’s already back again, so the birds will need all the help they can get.’
Lake ALIVE! Represents recreational park users who aren’t in sports clubs, and is a voice for our beautiful wildlife.
