Community voices guide Albert Park Reserve decisions through official submissions

The City of Port Phillip has submitted a formal statement to Parks Victoria that recognises Albert Park Reserve supplies nearly 60 per cent of the municipality’s public open space and stresses its value for everyday community wellbeing.

Master plan sets long-term direction

Parks Victoria released the final 25-year Albert Park Master Plan on 15 July 2026 to steer all future works inside the reserve. The document lists new wetlands, additional cycling paths and measures to protect Aboriginal cultural sites as priority proposals. City of Port Phillip councillors used their submission to underline how these elements would affect the daily use of the reserve by local residents and sporting clubs.

The same submission notes that any changes to paths, lighting or habitat areas must preserve the open-space role the reserve already plays for the surrounding neighbourhoods. Parks Victoria will now use the adopted plan to assess individual projects as they are brought forward.

Budget allocations target safety and new facilities

The Victorian Government has directed $275,000 from the 2025-26 budget to install upgraded lighting at Albert Park Oval No. 11, home ground of South Melbourne Football Club. Separate funding of $970,000 from the City of Port Phillip, matched by $970,000 from the state and $1 million from the federal government, will create a new reserve at the corner of Spad Street and Farman Avenue.

The Allan Labor Government has also confirmed a major redevelopment of the Albert Park pit building that will deliver seven indoor sport courts and extra Paddock Club space. Demolition is scheduled after the 2026 Formula 1 race, with the completed facility required before the 2028 event.

Implementation of the master plan and the listed capital works will now be staged according to the timelines and budgets already announced by Parks Victoria and the three levels of government.