From Hugo Armstrong, President of Albert Park Sports Clubs Association
The Park provides two thirds of all the open space within the Port Phillip boundaries and is a vital resource for thousands of residents. The Park is crown land – managed by Parks Victoria, but underfunded, overused, occupied and chewed up annually by the Grand Prix, and in poor condition.
Council needs to invest to have a say
But worst of all, Port Phillip Council invests nothing and has no say in the management or direction of the Park upon which it depends.
The Albert Park Sports Clubs Association has been approaching all candidates to have the Council adopt a more strategic approach in future, and to earn a seat at the table managing the Park by investing in its facilities.
And the lobbying seems to be paying off with positive responses from many election candidates, of all political colours. They recognise that simply ignoring the Park, and sponging off miserable State Government funding there, just isn’t going to protect the interests of the thousands of locals who walk their dogs, exercise, play sport, and enjoy nature in Albert Park Reserve and MSAC.
Important to every ward
This isn’t just a Lake Ward matter – it’s a key strategic issue for the entire Council. We encourage all ratepayers to ask candidates during the campaign how they 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.
The Park is simply too important to Port Phillip to be left to the State Government. And it’s been gratifying to hear so many candidates understand the need to pull Council’s head out of the sand and get involved in managing Albert Park.
The Association has asked all candidates about their vision for Albert Park Reserve and will provide the responses to TWISK before the election.
Hugo Armstrong
albertparksportsclubs@gmail.com
The Albert Park Sports Clubs Association represents more than two dozen community clubs based in the Park. Together they have more than 6,000 registered members of all ages and genders, playing at least 16 different land and water sports.
