Aussie Grand Prix faces axe
Council says no to new contract
By Carlie Horsley Last updated: 18th June 2008
The Australian Grand Prix is facing calls to be axed when the contract to stage the race in Melbourne expires in 2010.
The mayor of the City of Port Philip, the Melbourne council that hosts the race, cites economic, social and environmental grounds for the axe.
Councillor Janet Cribbes explained that residents have had enough and she spoke out on their behalf.
She said: "Why should they have to suffer the noise and the inconvenience of a car race in a park, for a race whose public price tag blew out to 41.3million (£19.94m) last year?"
Although there were suggestions last week of a new deal that would last until 2015, it seems that the council is taking a stand.
"It's simply not fair that this event is exempt from the normal legislative protections empowering Victoria Police and the Environmental Protection Authority to take action on noise and other infringements on residential amenity," said Cribbes.
"The race does not benefit Victoria as a whole. It simply doesn't stack up on
economic, social or environmental grounds."
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Comments
Richard Gibbs says...
I was thinking more on the lines of other circuits such as Imola and Thruxton as people have complained about the noise at both circuits even though motor sport has been there for many years........ Australian Grand Prix is not wanted by the many in Melbourne for sure so if it is not wanted by the City then move it to somewhere that does want it. There are many up and coming Circuits that want a Grand Prix so forget about the circuits that don't really want it.
Posted 09:21 12th July 2008
Rhys Stephens says...
I think it's a bit rich for people to criticise the locals when they know nothing about the situation. So here's some facts: * The race started in Melbourne with many protests from locals about noise and vibration complaints * Melbourne is full of young people, not old. * It's been running a loss for the last 5 years. * Bernie Eccelston and Premier Brumby disagree over the future of the race. Ecc wants a night race for Europian viewing, but Brumby will not budge. Personally, I love f1 and love going to the race, but it's getting a bit beyond a joke when the public are bailing out the race year after year. Even with dropped prices and greater attendance, the race stil made a loss this year. It would be sad to see it go, but I think it's probably near its end.
Posted 12:00 6th July 2008
Richard Gibbs says...
Very Strange all of the crying about the Noise... Most of the crying is coming from people who have bought property near to a racing curcuit forgetting that there will be noise as has been for countless years and then complain because it annoys them. Don't move near a curcuit if you don't like the noise.
Posted 07:33 27th June 2008
Neil Jones says...
I wouldn't mind if the Australian Grand Prix got axed from the calendar in the future. However, it is a balanced and fast-paced circuit that that make a great opening for the season, which is the only thing I will miss about Melbourne.
Posted 05:46 21st June 2008
Simon A says...
If they don't want an Aussie GP thats fine - I expect there will be plenty of other takers in the 'new world' with money to throw at new circuits and first class resources e.g. UAE, India, Qatar, South Africa etc...
Posted 17:00 19th June 2008
Adrian Mcmahon says...
Australia should not be axed. It always gives the season a brilliant opening and is a good circuit to let the fans see what the season will be like. Techincally demanding aswell. Brillianbt opener. As for the possible idea of a night race there. If local council and planning goes ahead, why not. Night races will liven what can be sometimes a boring sport. The spectacle will be awesome.
Posted 16:31 19th June 2008
Charles Mullins says...
Having been to both the Melbourne GP and the Adelaide GP, I say, stuff Melbourne, they never really wanted it anyway, it was a polictical thing at the time of the change over. Why on earth don't they let Adelaide have it back, it is a far better and more challenging circuit, plus the city and it's people are far more welcoming. Power to Adelaide, also the last place you want to let it go to is Sydney, what a dump!
Posted 09:18 19th June 2008
Vincent Chua says...
For environmental it's reasonable because it's the hottest topic at this moment and everyone wants to save the environment. But if it's because of the noise, I think it's absolutely ridiculous to say so because it's only 3 out of 365 days per year that people have to put up with the noise, and moreover not 24 hours for 3 consective days that the event is staged. So for few hours, once a year I think it's not too much of a problem. All problem shall be environmental and economic sides. Mentioned already environment, ecomonic is another issue. If it's a huge burden for staging such event, and not profitable, revised consideration is an alternative. Like Malaysian GP, they are losing money big time, and ifnot because of government subsidising, and for pride sake, Malaysian GP would have disappeared from F1 calender since 2001.
Posted 01:02 19th June 2008
Josh Isaac says...
I would be honoured to have F1 visiting my county. I can't see what all the fuss is about, it's not like the race is halfway through the night like Singapore. Victoria must be full of old people. If that's the gratitude they show, they don't deserve F1.
Posted 20:55 18th June 2008
Anthony Presti says...
I live in Melbourne and i have been to all but 2 Australian G.P and i have to disagree with the claim that residents are sick of the noise. Leaving the event you always see residents on their balconies trying to catch a glimpse of the action. Also i feel that state government that Victoria has now has never wanted the Australian G.P because the pricing has never increased dramatically, it is always very well attended yet the event has recorded a massive debt. So when did they start noticing a problem? Even this yr with temperatures hitting the 40C mark there was still a massive crowd. Melbourne has always embraced sporting events and losing this one would hurt a lot of people living in Melbourne.
Posted 18:18 18th June 2008
Craig Maxwell says...
i think it would be a ridiculous move to stop a grand prix anywhere in the world. If you have a track that is privileged enough to be offered such an event then you should see the sense in how much it brings to a region even for just the week surrounding the event. Complaining about the noise of the cars??thats the best bit!
Posted 17:28 18th June 2008
Ivor Watkins says...
I agree With Phil Jones, surly the residents of Melbourne can put up with one Weekend of Noise for the Formula 1 Race, surly the tourism in the area at the time of the race would show that its a benefit to the area, if they were to take it away would they call for it back when the tourists dont come spending there money???????
Posted 16:06 18th June 2008
Ben Brace says...
hmm interesting that the council should speak out now when only last week there were rumours of an extended contract, however it is a fair point they bring accross about noise and economics, however the australian grand prix gives a fresh aproach to formula 1 and is unlike other tracks. but if the council and public agree to scrap it then so be it. will be a shame if it is however as im sure many formula 1 fans will miss the race......... would be interesting to see a replacement though.
Posted 14:16 18th June 2008
Phil Jones says...
I don't think it should be axed. having such a high profile event in the area can only be a good thing. For the sake of one weekend of noise, it is great publicity for the area, and has good economic benifits from a tourism point of view.
Posted 13:49 18th June 2008
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