Thursday, 9 March 2023

Southern Metropolitan Region

Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:35): (75) My constituency question is for the minister representing the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. Over the past 10 years the Victorian government has spent over half a billion dollars of taxpayers money on the grand prix, and while a relatively small cohort enjoys this upscale event, the impact on the community who enjoy Albert Park year-round is immense. Community sport suffers, having to suspend their activities for months on end, clubs lose members and money and the grounds of the park are significantly damaged. Having met with the Albert Park Community Sporting Tenants Association last weekend, they shared with me that the consultation with the community is at a bare minimum and any compensation provided for clubs is wildly inadequate. If this government choose to proudly claim that Albert Park is a jewel in the crown of Melbourne, they should invest in the facilities used by locals and visitors year-round. I ask the minister, on behalf of the Albert Park Community Sporting Tenants Association, to advise what funding will be allocated to major improvement projects for community sport facilities or otherwise outline why they do not see value in doing so.