Latest news with #AustralianGrandPrixCorporation
The Age
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Age
Public lockout at Albert Park GP precinct set to triple in length
New laws would allow the Albert Park Formula 1 precinct to be closed to the public for up to three weeks during race periods, extending the current maximum seven-day lockout. The proposed changes, to be introduced to parliament by the state government, are part of the Australian Grand Prix Amendment Bill. The new laws would permit a race 'declaration period' of between seven and 21 days to accommodate the set-up and dismantling of the race infrastructure. The community will be invited to provide feedback on the plan, which also includes updates to corporate and intellectual property rights, new permissions for non-motorsports events hosted by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, and an increased annual state payment to Parks Victoria for the ongoing maintenance of Albert Park. 'The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is one of the highest attended races on the Formula 1 calendar,' Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said. 'This consultation will ensure we're listening to the community as we create a safer and more secure Albert Park.' The proposed changes come as the scale of the Melbourne Grand Prix continues to grow. The 2025 event broke attendance records, drawing 465,498 spectators over four days – an increase of more than 10,000 from the previous year. In 2023 and 2024, Victorian taxpayers paid $100 million each year to cover the shortfall in revenue which failed to meet the costs of staging the grand prix. The government says the new 21-day window will allow for safer, more controlled access for workers and reduced risk for park users during construction periods.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
Public lockout at Albert Park GP precinct set to triple in length
New laws would allow the Albert Park Formula 1 precinct to be closed to the public for up to three weeks during race periods, extending the current maximum seven-day lockout. The proposed changes, to be introduced to parliament by the state government, are part of the Australian Grand Prix Amendment Bill. The new laws would permit a race 'declaration period' of between seven and 21 days to accommodate the set-up and dismantling of the race infrastructure. The community will be invited to provide feedback on the plan, which also includes updates to corporate and intellectual property rights, new permissions for non-motorsports events hosted by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, and an increased annual state payment to Parks Victoria for the ongoing maintenance of Albert Park. 'The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is one of the highest attended races on the Formula 1 calendar,' Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said. 'This consultation will ensure we're listening to the community as we create a safer and more secure Albert Park.' The proposed changes come as the scale of the Melbourne Grand Prix continues to grow. The 2025 event broke attendance records, drawing 465,498 spectators over four days – an increase of more than 10,000 from the previous year. In 2023 and 2024, Victorian taxpayers paid $100 million each year to cover the shortfall in revenue which failed to meet the costs of staging the grand prix. The government says the new 21-day window will allow for safer, more controlled access for workers and reduced risk for park users during construction periods.
Sydney Morning Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I would consider it': Little could return to Essendon board
Paul Little, the businessman and former Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman who led Essendon after the damaging supplements regime, says he has not ruled out a return to the Bombers board should the current administration falter. Whether Little would bring his friend and former coach James Hird with him is less certain, after Hird expressed surprise when it was reported he could stage a stunning return as coach. The Little-Hird alliance is well known, but Seven's Agenda Setters reported on Monday night that Little, who led the club from 2013-15, was open to a return to the board currently led by David Barham and that he could return with Hird in tow. 'You never say never to anything,' Little told Seven. 'There may come a time when there is a need for a restructure. 'If I felt I could add value to the club, and if they felt I could help, then I would consider it.' Asked about Hird, he said: 'I consider him a friend both inside, but more importantly, outside of football'. On Nine, owner of this masthead, where Hird is a Footy Classified panellist, Hird said in a statement: 'It's news to me and I haven't spoken to Paul Little for months. I nearly fell of the couch when I heard it.' Hird will be on the Tuesday night panel alongside current coach Brad Scott, who beat Hird to the job late in 2022. Eyebrows were raised when the Bombers extended Scott's contract early this season, a move the club said was all about stability as the Dons turn to the draft to strengthen their list after years of stagnation. The latest report will do little to foster stability, though. Club great Matthew Lloyd said on Footy Classified: 'It's not good for the club. James obviously denied that, and you believe James in that situation, and this is what happens when you lose by 91 points, unfortunately things like this happen, whether it's from a coterie member or someone around the club.' 'It's the last thing those within the football club need because they just want to get on with being the club they hope to be.'
The Age
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
‘I would consider it': Little could return to Essendon board
Paul Little, the businessman and former Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman who led Essendon after the damaging supplements regime, says he has not ruled out a return to the Bombers board should the current administration falter. Whether Little would bring his friend and former coach James Hird with him is less certain, after Hird expressed surprise when it was reported he could stage a stunning return as coach. The Little-Hird alliance is well known, but Seven's Agenda Setters reported on Monday night that Little, who led the club from 2013-15, was open to a return to the board currently led by David Barham and that he could return with Hird in tow. 'You never say never to anything,' Little told Seven. 'There may come a time when there is a need for a restructure. 'If I felt I could add value to the club, and if they felt I could help, then I would consider it.' Asked about Hird, he said: 'I consider him a friend both inside, but more importantly, outside of football'. On Nine, owner of this masthead, where Hird is a Footy Classified panellist, Hird said in a statement: 'It's news to me and I haven't spoken to Paul Little for months. I nearly fell of the couch when I heard it.' Hird will be on the Tuesday night panel alongside current coach Brad Scott, who beat Hird to the job late in 2022. Eyebrows were raised when the Bombers extended Scott's contract early this season, a move the club said was all about stability as the Dons turn to the draft to strengthen their list after years of stagnation. The latest report will do little to foster stability, though. Club great Matthew Lloyd said on Footy Classified: 'It's not good for the club. James obviously denied that, and you believe James in that situation, and this is what happens when you lose by 91 points, unfortunately things like this happen, whether it's from a coterie member or someone around the club.' 'It's the last thing those within the football club need because they just want to get on with being the club they hope to be.'
The Independent
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
How the magic of Melbourne proved Australia might be Formula One's answer
The 2025 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park drew a record crowd of 465,498, significantly higher than previous years and far exceeding the attendance of the Bahrain season-opener. The event's success is attributed to factors like Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, Oscar Piastri 's participation, F1's 75th anniversary, and the sport's growing popularity. Melbourne embraced the Grand Prix with themed events and activities throughout the city, creating a vibrant atmosphere beyond the circuit. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation aims to enhance the event further by incorporating local elements and innovating to cater to a changing demographic, including a younger audience and more families. While time zone differences pose a challenge for international viewers, Australia 's record-breaking attendance and the event's overall success make a strong case for it to continue hosting the season opener.
