Campaigners are stepping up the fight to save an iconic wharf on the Maribyrnong River.
Henderson House Landing, behind the Footscray Community Arts Centre, has been closed to all vessel and pedestrian traffic since February following the partial collapse of the wharf due to deterioration of the piles and supporting beams.
Fencing has been erected to keep the public at bay while Parks Victoria assesses the extent of the damage and investigates whether the wharf will be repaired or demolished.
The Footscray Riverside Action Group (FRAG) fears the cost of repairs will mean that cash-strapped Parks Victoria will demolish the wharf as the cheaper alternative.
Secretary Bill Horrocks, a former Maribyrnong mayor, said the wharf was a key site directly in front of the heritage-listed Henderson House, built in 1872.
“It’s in a historic precinct,” he said. “We would be concerned if this high-profile site could not remain and be repaired,” he said. “It’s important historically,.” Mr Horrocks said that if the repair bill could not be met from Parks Victoria the state government should step in.
A Parks Victoria spokesman said an alternative temporary floating landing had been installed immediately upstream of Henderson’s House Landing.
“Parks Victoria … is awaiting recommendations to determine the options for reinstating Henderson House Landing,” he said.
“[The] preference is to repair or rebuild the structure pending available funding.”
A Maribyrnong council spokeswoman referred questions to Parks Victoria.
FRAG has created a change.org online petition and will host a rally at the site from 12.30pm on Saturday, June 18.
