The state government is seeking feedback from the community on proposed changes to legislation that aims to support the world-famous Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
On Monday, July 28, the state announced the Australian Grand Prix Amendment Bill has been drafted to boost safety around the park – while supporting the annual event as it becomes more popular each 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 aim to 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 events to Victoria and other corporate and intellectual property updates, ensuring legislation is fit for purpose.
The community consultation is aimed at ensuring 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.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the consultation will ensure the state is listening to the community as it creates a safer and more secure Albert Park.
According to the state, 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.
Stakeholders and the community are invited to provide submissions over the next two weeks on the changes.
Feedback can be provided online.
Details: engage.vic.gov.au.
