Response To Grand Prix Amendment Bill 2025

The legislated changes impose a significant burden on our residents, sporting clubs, and local businesses - who face extended disruptions with limited recourse. Growth must be balanced with fairness, transparency, and equitable public access.

The City of Port Phillip acknowledges the passing of the Grand Prix Amendment Bill 2025 but remains deeply concerned about the limited consultation undertaken during its development, and the lack of timely notification to key stakeholders regarding its reconsideration.

Despite the growing impact of the Australian Grand Prix on our municipality, Council and local stakeholders were not meaningfully engaged in shaping the Bill's provisions. The legislated 21-day event period marks a significant shift in how Albert Park is accessed and used during the Grand Prix, with negative impacts anticipated on local clubs and residents.

Council recognises the scale and popularity of the event, with over 465,000 attendees at the 2025 Grand Prix. However, this growth must not come at the expense of public access, environmental amenity, or the wellbeing of residents and local businesses.

Whilst Council welcomes the introduction of clearer processes for compensation and public access declarations-and notes that the compensation amendment reflects our initial submission on the Bill-we emphasise that these provisions primarily benefit sporting clubs. Feedback from other park users, including residents and environmental groups, has not been meaningfully considered or addressed.

Council is also concerned that the extended closure of the precinct, including Aughtie Drive, will divert local traffic and cyclists into surrounding streets, increasing congestion and safety risks across the municipality.

"It's deeply disappointing that such a significant change was made without genuine consultation with our community," said Cr Bryan Mears, Deputy Mayor and ward councillor for Albert Park. "This amendment will have real consequences for residents, sporting clubs, and local businesses - yet their voices were not meaningfully heard. Council will continue to stand up for our community and push for a more transparent and inclusive approach."

While the Bill has now passed, Council will continue to advocate for stronger investment in precinct improvements to ensure Albert Park remains a shared public space. We remain committed to representing our community's interests and working constructively to realise opportunities that deliver public benefit-through improved access, environmental restoration, and local economic activation.

Council's Advocacy Priorities for Albert Park Lake Precinct

Council is seeking a fairer balance between major event operations and community access to Albert Park Reserve. Our advocacy priorities, developed with key local stakeholders reflects the needs of residents, businesses, clubs, schools, and environmental groups who rely on the park year-round.

Council will continue to advocate to the State Government and Australian Grand Prix Corp to request the following:

• Legacy Infrastructure: Council is seeking investment in permanent infrastructure upgrades that enhance year-round visitation and improve access across Albert Park, including signage, lighting, pedestrian links, and feasibility planning.
• Economic Activation: Council is seeking investment into a range of supports that would help local businesses and precincts capitalise on the benefits of the event being in the municipality. Precinct branding, local business promotions, and improved transport links will boost visitation and position Port Phillip as a year-round motorsport destination.
• Environmental Resilience: Council is seeking increased support for ecological restoration and long-term park maintenance, ensuring Albert Park remains a healthy, accessible, and sustainable space for community use beyond the event period.

• Read our full list of Advocacy Asks (557 KB)

FAQs

• Why is Council advocating for upgrades a State-managed asset?

  While Council does not manage Albert Park, our community are significant year-round users of the precinct. The Australian Grand Prix places a disproportionate burden on nearby residents and businesses, affecting their access, amenity, and daily operations. Council's advocacy reflects its responsibility to represent community interests in access, amenity, and the equitable use of public space.

• Who has Council engaged with to develop this advocacy approach?

  Council has consulted a broad range of stakeholders to inform its position, recognising the diversity of views across the community. A preliminary list of considerations was shared with the following for feedback:

  • Local trader associations
  • Sports club representatives
  • Environmental advocates
  • Residential groups

  This document has been shared with local members of parliament, the Australian Grand Prix Corp and the land manager, Parks Victoria.

• How can the community support Council's advocacy?

  Community members are encouraged to share their views with Council and write to their local Member of Parliament to express support or concerns about the future of Albert Park. Public engagement is vital to shaping outcomes.

• Did Council make a submission to original Grand Prix Amendment Bill?

  Yes. Council made a public submission raising concerns about the extended closure period and its impact on access, local businesses, and the environment. The submission calls for greater transparency and meaningful consultation.

  Read full statement: Grand Prix Amendment Bill 2025

• Is Council advocating to reduce the Albert Park Golf Course to move to 9 holes?

  No. Council is exploring a range of opportunities to improve resident access to the Albert Park precinct. One potential proposal is for AGPC and the State Government to undertake a feasibility study on the temporary pedestrian bridge across Queens Road installed during the Grand Prix event period. If agreed, the feasibility study would involve working with local stakeholders to assess the cost, benefits, and long-term impact of making it or other options for access permanent.