Residents campaigning for a community park in Footscray fear the two-stage project may languish uncompleted.
A neighbourhood group has been pushing for a small space near the Footscray Hospital carpark to be turned into the new reserve.
Maribyrnong council has approved stage 1 of Southampton Park on the site of the visitor carpark at the former council depot. But the removal of temporary fencing has raised concerns that stage 2 may never happen.
Resident Kathryn James said the council had erected fencing around the second stage area to show the whole space was reserved.
“Without giving us any notice they have taken the fence away and made no firm commitment to exploring stage 2,” she said.
The council’s sustainable development director, Nigel Higgins, said the temporary fence was removed in line with an endorsed council report, and a new post-and-rail fence would be installed during future works.
“Council has committed to the development of the stage 1 area with the full understanding of the community about the extent of the works,” he said.
Mr Higgins said the first stage of Southampton Park would contain lawn, seating, a play area and a walkway.
“An extension … depends on further environmental investigations as the extended area is over a former quarry and landfill,” he said.
