Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong council has voted to approve the restoration of the Thompson Water Gardens in Footscray Park, following the Coronial Investigation into two separate drowning incidents.
In its meeting on Tuesday, December 12 council addressed risks associated with the Thompson Water Gardens and Regional Playspace within Footscray Park.
The council voted to close and relocate the playspace and to investigate options for an alternative location.
The gardens were the site of two separate drowning incidents in 2021.
According to the council the playspace and ponds have since been secured and are not accessible to the public since the drowning incidents, as the council awaited any directions that may have been made by the Coroner.
The entire site was damaged in the 2022 Maribyrnong River floods with significant damage to the playground fencing and landscapes.
With the outcome of the coronial investigation unknown at that point the area was closed and fenced in its entirety.
At a November council meeting, the same motion was brought to council but it was agreed that the motion needed further work to be addressed at a later date.
Councillor Bernadette Thomas said this recommendation is a better reflection of the interests of all the people who use that area of the park.
“It reflects the concerns from the Friends of Footscray Park and people in our heritage community who want to see the heritage section of Footscray Park maintained to reflect its historic nature,” she said.
“But it also gives us an opportunity to not just to remove the play space and say that it’s gone, but looking for somewhere else, a more appropriate location.
“Not just because of the heritage gardens, but also because of the potential flood impacts, because it was impacted by the floods from last year.”
Councillor Michael Clarke said the playground will be resided somewhere more appropriate.
“We understand we have a commitment to the young people, the children of our community,” he said.
“But at the same time, what we need to do is ensure that the history of our great city is preserved, whilst at the same time ensuring that the health and safety of our young people, of our children is also equally preserved.”
