Melbourne community sporting groups have slammed new plans to lock them out of Albert Park for even longer during the Formula 1 grand prix.
The Victorian government is considering extending the lockout period for the major sporting event from one week to three.
The proposal has triggered concerns from local sporting associations.
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“This is Victoria’s biggest community sports precinct… this is a park above all else,” Hugo Armstrong, president of the Albert Park Community Sports Association, said.
“Shutting out the community is more demonstration that the government places the fast cars and the corporate VIPs a long way ahead of the Victorian community.”
However, the government says the longer lockout is necessary.
“We build half the MCG in grandstand every single time,” Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.
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“And that’s just the grandstand, let alone the paddock club, the hospitality, the fan zone… You can’t build all that in seven days.”
The proposed changes are currently open for public feedback, but questions are being raised about just how genuine this public consultation really will be.
It’s due to close on August 11, and the legislation will go to parliament just two weeks later.
“The community needs to be consulted when it comes to this event,” Shadow Sports Minister Sam Groth said.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
