By Matthew Sims
A group of Footscray residents has put the call out for the local community to have their say on the best possible way to use the land of the current Footscray Hospital site, ahead of the site’s operations moving to the new site.
Currently located on Gordon Street in Footscray, the current Footscray Hospital site was opened in 1953 as the Footscray and District Hospital.
Group member Pierre Vairo said with the site area covering the same area as five Whitten Ovals, it was worth getting community consultation right.
“We’ve identified that the development opportunities that might exist to the government is quite large,“ he said.
“We’re going to draw up our own plans and share them back with the community and all levels of government.“
Mr Vairo said the group was looking forward to discussing potential options for the site with Maribyrnong council and state government representatives to reach the best possible outcome for the community.
“I guess what we’re trying to do is adjust the dial,“ he said.
“We believe we can get a better outcome for the community if the community can guide the process rather than the government guiding the process.
“We’re just on the front foot, we’re engaged and we care.“
Footscray MP Katie Hall said she was keen to see what shape the site would take into the future.
“I’m excited about the opportunities that are to come for the old Footscray Hospital site,“ she said.
“It will continue to be in use until 2025 and a community consultation process will help us determine to future use of the site.“
The group conducted the first of three initial community consultation sessions on Saturday, December 10 at the WeFo Slow Food Market, with additional scheduled on Saturday, December 17 from 8am to noon at the Saigon Welcome Arch and Wednesday, January 18 from 5pm to 8pm at Berbert Park.
Details: www.facebook.com/events/3238765353031421
