Protestors turned out in force last weekend, calling on the state government to save an iconic Footscray wharf.
About 100 people turned out for a public rally at Henderson House Landing on the Maribyrnong River on Saturday, urging the government not to demolish the partly collapsed wharf.
Organised by the Footscray Riverside Action Group (FRAG), and attended by Maribyrnong councillors, the rally heard of fears that Parks Victoria may elect to tear the 25-year-old wharf down, rather than foot a repair bill estimated at more than $100,000.
The sagging wharf has been closed since February while Parks Victoria assesses the damage and decides whether to repair or demolish it. Blackbird Cruises captain and FRAG supporter Peter Somerville said the situation reveals the gap in the treatment of Melbourne’s two major rivers.
“We still need a lot of money spent out here, it’s still the Cinderella river of Melbourne,” he said. “If this was on the Yarra, you would have it repaired.”
A Parks Victoria spokesman said there was no update on the situation and Parks Victoria is still exploring its options.
More than 200 people signed an online petition urging environment minister Lily D’Ambrosio to intervene. Footscray MP Marsha Thomson said she was seeking to meet with Ms D’Ambrosio to put across FRAG’s concerns.
“I think we are very lucky to have the Maribyrnong River and we need to ensure it remains the asset that it is,” Ms Thomson said, stressing the state government is “very much aware of its importance”.
