Changes at Albert Park aimed at increasing public safety while the temporary F1 circuit is built and pulled down each year

Fears of “an accident waiting to happen” in the lead-up to the Formula One Grand Prix have prompted a proposed law change.

Albert Park would be off-limits to the public for up to three times longer than current closures for the Melbourne Grand Prix under proposed law changes to support the Formula One event.

The state government will on Monday announce proposed legislative amendments that would extend “race period” public closures of parts of Albert Park from seven to up to 21 days.

The changes – to be floated for community consultation – are aimed at increasing public safety while the temporary F1 circuit is built and pulled down each year.

Oscar Piastri driving at Albert Park during the 2025 Grand Prix. Picture: AFP

Currently, the public has access to the precinct until the Tuesday before the race until the Monday after.

The new model, driven by safety concerns of pedestrians and cyclists being put at risk by constriction workers and vehicles, would see a week of further public access restrictions added either side.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Travis Auld said: “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.”

Travis Auld says the proposed changes are aimed at keeping people safe. Picture: Tony Gough

This year’s four day Grand Prix attracted a record estimated crowd of 465,498 fans – a 43 per cent increase on about 324,100 who attended the 2019 event before Covid forced cancellation of the 2020 race.

Sport and Major Events minister Steve Dimopoulos said the proposed bill had been drafted to boost safety around the park while supporting the F1 event as it continues to grow.

“The F1 Australian Grand Prix is one of the highest attended races on the calendar – pumping more than $268m into the Victorian economy each year, supporting more than 1000 jobs and keeping our hotels, restaurants and businesses busy,’’ he said.

“This consultation will ensure we’re listening to the community as we create a safer and more secure Albert Park.”

The “Australian Grand Prix Amendment Bill” would also increase the annual fee F1 chiefs pay to Parks Victoria from $100,000 to $200,000, to maintain and enhance Albert Park.

It would allow the Grand Prix Corporation to host non-motorsport events such as concerts, exhibitions and activations in a bid to increase profits and lower its reliance on Victorian taxpayers.

Current laws only allow the corporation to stage the F1 blockbuster at Albert Park, the Phillip Island MotoGP and music or cultural events directly linked to them.

Significantly, the Bill would also give the Sports Minister power to appoint an acting AGPC chair and acting board member.

The current act requires the governor to appoint acting board members.

There is no power in the current act to appoint an acting chair.

Stakeholders and the community will have two weeks to provide submissions on the proposed changes top park closures, recommended to government by event organisers due to increased infrastructure builds.

A source familiar with construction works at the track, with walkers, runners and cyclists dodging tricks and forklifts, said: “it’s an accident waiting to happen’’.

Originally published as Changes at Albert Park aimed at increasing public safety while the temporary F1 circuit is built and pulled down each year