Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong residents have created a petition asking council to remove a walking track at Footscray Park’s Western Lawn.
As reported by Star Weekly, Friends of Footscray Park members first expressed their disapproval of the walking track in February. Work had began on the track without community consultation.
The petition acknowledges the park’s history and the plans for restoring the park which were approved by residents through community consultation.
“Despite its promises, council has reneged on its promise and without any further consultation, has opted to install a track through the lawn area that changes the layout of the park and alters the uses to which the Western Lawn can be put,” the petition reads.
Friends of Footscray Park member Maree Pardy said the path has raised concerns about “governance issues”.
“The concern here is around governance issues. We are really opposed to what they’re doing because we do think it compromises the integrity and the flow of the park and what it’s meant for,” she said.
The petition said the plan to install the track was not approved by councillors, but enforced by council officers.
“There has been a lack of transparency and a concerted non disclosure, as there was no availability of those plans for us to see online anywhere beforehand,” Ms Pardy said.
The petition asks that council, “Confirm their commitment to a permanent, informal recreational space on the Western Lawn that allows for flexible use including off-leash dog access” and “Investigate governance issues at Maribyrnong council, and provide a detailed report to the community.”
The last point listed in the petition asks council to “Commit to processes for implementing community consultation recommendations, including scheduled sessions in 2024”.
Ms Pardy said council has four community consultation sessions planned this year, which need to be discussed further.
“These sessions are for strategic areas that council is making decisions on,” she said.
“We are asking council to give us some kind of clear commitment about what the process will be around these community consultations, given that the previous community community consultation on the park resulted in a complete deviation from what was agreed.”
The petition was discussed at the council meeting on Tuesday, March 19, after the Star Weekly deadline, meaning Maribyrnong council was unable to comment.
