An iconic Footscray wharf remains in disrepair 12 months after being closed to the public.
Henderson House Landing has been off limits to vessel and pedestrian traffic since last February following the partial collapse of the deck.
Parks Victoria erected fencing as it assessed the damage and investigated whether it would repair or demolish the landing, which is on the bank of the Maribyrnong River behind the Footscray Community Arts Centre.
Last June, about 100 people attended a rally organised by the Footscray Riverside Action Group (FRAG), which urged the government to resist demolishing the partially collapsed wharf.
More than 200 people signed an online petition calling on Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to intervene.
FRAG member Elwyn Davies said the group was frustrated by lack of action by Parks Victoria or the state government.
Maribyrnong council director of planning services Nigel Higgins said the council had sought a commitment from Parks Victoria for the repair of the landing, most recently last month.
“Parks Victoria is yet to confirm repair of the landing,” he said.
“Council supports work on the landing to restore public access.”
A Parks Victoria spokesman said engineers had assessed the structure and options were being explored to repair it.
“An alternate temporary floating landing is available for public use immediately upstream of Henderson’s House Landing during the temporary closure,” he said.
“Parks Victoria will discuss repairs with council, Footscray Riverside Action Group and the wider community as we move forward.”
Footscray MP Marsha Thomson said she understands frustrations at the apparent inaction, but works are being carefully considered by two departments in conjunction with other issues being explored in the vicinity.
