This isn’t just about trees. It’s about our state government’s priorities, spin and secret deals. To put it bluntly: Decadence, destruction and deception.
A single Minister, Steve Dimopoulos MP, holds all the cards for Albert Park. It’s a state-owned asset that boasts 7.8 million visits a year. That’s 7+ million park visits that are nothing to do with the Grand Prix.
As Environment Minister, Mr Dimopoulos didn’t answer our plea for help this year as botulism killed 248 waterbirds at our lake. As Outdoor Recreation Minister, he appears unaware of the crumbling lake walls, pollution and general funding neglect at our world-famous urban park.
We do see plenty of him as Major Events Minister, using our vital green public space as a support system for his big race.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation
Cost v Benefit
The state government is spending more on this new Grand Prix garage than schools maintenance or reducing ambulance ramping.
It’s reportedly costing $350 million. That’s ten times the budget for mental health programs. Or 77 times the annual funding provided to manage Albert Park.
The state government won’t confirm the cost of its commercial deal to retain the GP and to upgrade the Paddock Club for its high-paying, prosecco-sipping VIPs.
There are no detailed plans for the new building publicly available. No footprint. All we have is a few artist concepts. Plus a map of 34 trees to be chopped down within days, and a big construction area that’s being fenced off now.
Local MP, Nina Taylor, helps spruik the government spin that there’s a massive community benefit. However, the information published so far tells us very little. A fresh new building, yes, but the only actual gain appears to be two extra basketball courts.
Changing values
A lot has changed since the anti-Grand Prix protests of the mid-nineties, but a lot remains the same.
This time around, many in the community have grown to love the Grand Prix, or at least tolerate the disruption, knowing its huge value to Victoria.
But now, more than ever before, the community also understands the value of public parkland. Science has taught us more about climate change and urban heat islands. COVID reinforced the benefits of a simple walk in the park among trees and birds.
The park and the race have co-existed for nearly 30 years. It can be done. But it needs an urgent reset.
Local voters are screaming out for housing, health and safety, not giant monuments to speed and power. Trees produce oxygen and parks are for health.
A high price to pay
Let’s come back to those dozens of mature trees facing the chop. There are better options.
They could be pulled up and transplanted within Albert Park. Or gifted to the City of Port Phillip for other local public spaces.
When the Pit Building is complete, mature trees must be planted around it. We can’t wait another 30 years for seedlings to grow.
Each year, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation is obliged to return the Park in the condition it found it. Why can’t we hold them to the same expectation here? If the government has promised them a multi-million dollar garage, surely the AGPC should pay for essential landscaping?
If the government and AGPC try to do the right thing now, some critics might be appeased. Otherwise, the flashy new building at the GP finish line could also mean the chequered flag for the government.
In 500 days, polling will be underway for the state election.
$350 million could buy many more very important things. And the voters know it.
Kelly Brennan is part of the Lake ALIVE! group, which advocates for wildlife and nature at Albert Park, on behalf of walkers, runners, families and birders who visit the park year-round. Kelly has lived here for 35 years, visiting the park daily. She’s also an F1 fan who has only missed one GP since the race has been held here.
You can join the Lake ALIVE! group on Facebook. Or email lakealive2025@gmail.com
