Maribyrnong’s open spaces and riverside are set for an overhaul under ambitious plans revealed by the council.
The council last week released its draft open-space strategy, covering the area’s 150 open space reserves, and a Maribyrnong river- edge masterplan for a two-kilometre stretch of the river.
The draft river-edge plan outlines improvements for the stretch of the river in Footscray from Ballarat Road south to Lyons Street.
“Many sections of the river are unimproved and lack purpose,” the report states. “While the shared trails attract high usage, the limited landscape value and condition of the river infrastructure appears to be a deterrent to greater public use.”
The river plan proposes a significant upgrade to help redefine Footscray, focusing on the Newells Paddock wetland and waterfront around the Footscray Community Arts Centre.
Suggested projects include a playground, a 500-metre timber wharf beside the river bank, and a floating swimming pool near the arts centre. Full costing of the 15-year plan is yet to be completed, but $400,000 has been allocated in the 2014-15 draft budget.
According to the draft open-space strategy, upgrades are needed to meet community expectations and deal with population growth by 2031 of more than 40 per cent.
“A notable feature of the open-space network is the diversity of spaces ranging from the large historical gardens of Footscray Park and Yarraville Gardens to the natural values of the waterway corridors along the Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek,” the strategy states.
Just under 10 per cent of Maribyrnong is considered public open space.
The 18-year strategy has been developed to improve parks across each neighbourhood and better connect open spaces, particularly along the Maribyrnong River and waterways.
Public consultation on both the open- space strategy and Maribyrnong River edge masterplan will take place in coming weeks.
