Established in 1875 as the
proudly serving Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay
10 APRIL, 2024
Tram depot captured A new mural has been painted in Footscray, highlighting the rich history of the surrounding area. “It is an art deco influenced tram and rail homage mural. It is a nostalgic mural which celebrates the old tram depot,” said artist Daniel van de Wiel of ‘It Stands Out.’ “A bygone era of trains and trams and the immediate busy local rail and transport junction of Footscray which has been a gateway to Melbourne’s western suburbs for many years.” In only two weeks Mr van de Wiel painted the mural with the original tram depot located right across the road at Buckley Street. “On the other side of the building is where the train line is at Footscray station,” he said. “Those who visit will see trains rumbling out the background of the mural, from a scene with the West Gate Bridge in the background and the city, tying in the link with the west.” The mural was created in partnership between Maribyrnong council and the state government to enhance the Footscray CBD.
Daniel van de Wiel with his mural. (Damjan Janevski) 395357_04
Health centre green light By Jennifer Pittorino Despite months of community opposition, planning approval has been given for the Footscray Clinical Hub, a major new healthcare facility proposed by Erica Heathcare Partners. As previously reported by Star Weekly, Maribyrnong council made the decision to knock back the planning permit for the nine-storey health centre in its November meeting. However, the final decision remained with the state government which granted a planning permit for the $170 million complex on Geelong Road.
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The planning permit was awarded under the Victorian Government’s Development Facilitation Program, which was established in late 2023 to fast-track major new housing developments as well as priority economic development projects. Erica Healthcare Partners director Ross Ferris said the project would cater for the booming demand in Melbourne’s west. “The Footscray Clinical Hub will deliver the best for the west: major new investment, hundreds of jobs, and much-needed health care services for the growing population.” Nearby home owner Anson Le said the outcome was disappointing.
“The main issue the (residents’) committee is the manner in which this proposal has been dealt with and ultimately approved,” he said. “We feel really blindsided and kept in the dark as the decision was made without any consultation. “(Footscray MP) Katie Hall said she would keep us up to date with how this is progressing and see us to discuss our concern, none of those offers were taken up and no updates were provided.” Ms Hall said she communicated with every resident who raised the matter with her. “It was important to me to understand their concerns so I could make representations on
their behalf,” she said. “After my discussions with residents, I wrote and spoke to the Minister for Planning to outline and summarise the concerns of residents who had raised objections. “I provided a copy of that letter to residents The decision to approve this permit and the conditions were made under delegation within the Department of Transport and Planning and I received the copy of the permit at the same time as residents.” Mr Le feels the decision was made suddenly and is concerned this will set a precedent for future developments. ■ Continued page 5