The Allan Labor Government is seeking feedback from the community on proposed changes to legislation that supports the world-famous Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced the Australian Grand Prix Amendment Bill has been drafted to boost safety around the park - while supporting the yearly event as it becomes more popular every year.
The 2025 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix attracted more than 465,000 fans - a massive increase of more than 140,000 fans on the 2019 event.
As the events grows in popularity, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) is now setting up and dismantling the event outside of the current seven-day race period. This means more construction workers and vehicles are operating in public areas beyond the race period - potentially putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
These proposed changes will address this and include:
- extending the race period for parts of Albert Park from seven days to up to 21 days while protecting public access - allowing essential works to be completed in a controlled environment to create a safer and more secure park during the race period
- increasing the annual payment to Parks Victoria to support the maintenance and upkeep of Albert Park
- enabling the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to host non-motor sport events - potentially bringing new and exciting events to Victoria
- and other corporate and intellectual property updates, ensuring legislation is fit for purpose.
The community consultation will ensure Albert Park users and members of the local community are informed about proposed amendments and can have their say on how they are best implemented.
With the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix secured in Melbourne until 2037, the changes proposed aim to strike a balance between supporting locals' everyday use of Albert Park and the growth of an event that continues to be a significant economic driver for Victoria.
The event pumps more than $268 million into the Victorian economy every year - filling hotels, restaurants and bars, while backing local jobs and businesses and supporting more than 1,145 full time jobs.
Stakeholders and the community are invited to provide submissions over the next two weeks on the changes. To have your say visit engage.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is one of the highest attended races on the Formula 1 calendar - pumping more than $268 million into the Victorian economy each year, supporting more than 1000 jobs and keeping our hotels, restaurants and businesses busy."
"This consultation will ensure we're listening to the community as we create a safer and more secure Albert Park."
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
"We know that Albert Park is a community that's engaged and passionate about their park - this consultation ensures the local community can have their say on these proposed changes."
As stated by Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld
"As the Formula 1 event continues to grow, so does the scale and complexity of the build. It is important that while occupying the park we do everything possible to keep the community, our fans, and everyone in the park safe."
