By Benjamin Millar
Tensions have arisen over plans for a vast swathe of Footscray Park to be leased to champion A-League club Melbourne Victory for use as a new soccer academy.
Star Weekly this month reported Maribyrnong council is updating its Footscray Park master plan to include three new pitches and other facilities for the $18 million academy, including a show pitch with undercover seating for 600 spectators.
Melbourne Victory is seeking a 21-year lease of the academy site, which a council report supported as a way of unlocking the site’s potential and strengthen the local sporting landscape.
But Footscray resident Brian Baldie said the plan effectively hands much-needed public space over to private use.
“This is a space for people to play games and walk their dogs and it’s used for things like New Year’s Eve and other festivals,” he said.
“This proposal is for the majority of the open public area. I’m concerned that down the line they may look to place further restrictions on public access.”
Mr Baldie said he shared concerns that had been raised about the potential impact of the plan on the floodplain and the effect this would have on the adjacent Maribyrnong River.
He also questioned how many people were aware of the plans and the short consultation period for such a major change to the park’s use.
“They only letter-boxed a very small number of streets around the park about this, I don’t know how many people know what they’re planning,” he said. “Footscray Park itself is for the whole of the municipality, not just those people who live two or three streets away.”
Maribyrnong council has indicated the soccer academy should not impact the site’s ability to host New Year’s Eve celebrations and other community festivals.
Residents are invited to complete an online Footscray Park Masterplan Survey until March 31. Details: www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/footscray-park-masterplan
