The Grand Prix is getting bigger every year.
Community sports clubs based in Albert Park are struggling to train and maintain momentum ahead of the winter season. The lake is low and leaking, and the wildlife is left to fend for itself.
Right now, Albert Park is groaning under the weight of the infrastructure loaded into it. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation is getting better at managing it, but how long can our park sustain the dead weight without being crushed? One untimely downpour could ruin the entire season for multiple sports clubs.
$4.1 million for the park, $100 million plus for the race
The park’s ability to sustain this massive event could be considerably enhanced, at a cost to the community far less than a single year’s Grand Prix event. But presently, there’s a massive imbalance weighted against the Victorian public. The Victorian Government gives Parks Victoria about $4.5 million annually to manage the park for all users, 361 days a year. Last year, it covered Australian Grand Prix Corporation losses of $130 million.
100 to 1 investment imbalance
Is it right to be spending 100 times more on a party for self-styled A-listers and wannabe influencers than on Victoria’s most famous park and Port Phillip’s backyard? If the government must keep the Grand Prix at Albert Park, then it needs to get serious about committing enough resources to sustain this magnificent community asset. We are a very long way from that at present.
Repair the lake and protect its flora and fauna
We want the State Government to repair the lake and protect its flora and fauna, and to invest in the park, sports fields, and community facilities to meet the needs of the growing community seeking access to this marvellous but overwhelmed resource.
Park needs friends on Council
For many years, Port Phillip Council has turned its back on the desperate state of Albert Park Reserve, despite its importance to the local community. So there’s been no local voice in park management, and no local investment in this unique and much-loved park. We’re hoping the current Council can see the light and is willing to get involved in managing the park, and investing on behalf of its thousands of ratepayers who use Albert Park Reserve.
Hugo Armstrong
President, Albert Park Sports Clubs Association
