WE MADE THE NEWS! Keep spreading the word, before it's too late! 
https://maribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au/news/little-saigon-park-petition/

Thank you to everyone who has supported our petition to transform the derelict Little Saigon Market site into a much-needed public park in the heart of Footscray. With 360+ signatures, we’ve shown overwhelming community support - but we need you to act fast to maintain this momentum!

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

• 50,000 new residents are expected in the next decade. Footscray cannot sustain this growth without long-term investment in social infrastructure, including open space.
• In 2023, our local MP Katie Hall petitioned against land banking and called for the Saigon Market site to be cleared, so that it could be activated by Council for public use (such as a park)!
• The site is listed for sale under the instructions of an insolvency firm (Cor Cordis), who will sell it quickly. 

WHY MARIBYRNONG CITY COUNCIL NEEDS TO ACT

• Maribyrnong City Council has long identified Footscray’s severe lack of green space, yet no action has been taken.
• The previous 5-year Maribyrnong Open Space Strategy (2020) outlined that Footscray cannot keep pace with forecast population growth and needs investment in open space.
• Without immediate intervention, open space per person will plummet:
  2013: 41.4 sqm per person
  2025: 26.9 sqm per person
  2050: 15.3 sqm per person (based on Labor’s revised growth forecasts)
• This is a stark contrast to our neighbouring municipalities:
  Brimbank: 85 sqm per person
  Hobsons Bay: 120 sqm per person
• Developers have contributed millions in developer contributions, which should have been set aside in the Open Space Reserve for strategic land acquisitions like this.
• This site has been derelict since 2016 - Council should have feasibility studies ready for moments like this.
• If Council fails to act now, it won’t be able to afford sites like this in 10 years, as land values will rise exponentially.
• The time to act is now. Once this land is sold, it’s gone forever.

WHY THIS IS A STATE GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY

• The Victorian Government is driving rapid growth in Footscray, but it must also provide the infrastructure to support it.
• Footscray has been rezoned as a Major Metropolitan Activity Centre (MMAC) under the Labor Government paving the way for higher-density development.
• The Maribyrnong Open Space Strategy (2020) already identified a critical shortage of green space - and that was before this new housing push (documented in Victoria's Housing Strategy 2023).
• Premier Jacinta Allan has made it clear to councils:
  “Work with us to unlock space for more homes or we’ll do it for you.”
• If the State Government can rezone land for development, it can also fund land for urgently needed green open space!
• Katie Hall petitioned against land banking in 2023, for this site to be cleared so that it could be activated for public use. Now she must act before this opportunity is lost.

WHY THIS IS A FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITY TOO

• Dr. Daniel Mulino, our Federal MP for Fraser, has a crucial role to play.
  With the Federal Election on 3 May 2025, we need a commitment to sustainable investment in social infrastructure.
• His expertise in macroeconomics highlights the importance of planning for livable, sustainable cities—not just higher density.
• Footscray’s future livability is at risk. The time to act is now.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We need every supporter to email and call key decision-makers! Tell them Footscray needs this land for green open space — not more landbanking & not more high-density development.

• EMAIL & CALL TODAY:
  • your elected Councillors – Councillors@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
    https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/About/Your-Councillors
  • CEO Celia Haddock – Celia.Haddock@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
  • Footscray MP Katie Hall (State Government) – Katie.Hall@parliament.vic.gov.au
    https://www.katiehallmp.com.au/contactkatie
  • Fraser MP Dr. Daniel Mulino (Federal Government) – Daniel.Mulino.MP@ahp.gov.au
    https://danielmulinomp.com.au/contact/

• Spread the Word TODAY!
  Share this with friends, family, and media contacts. We have until 9 April before the land is sold.
• Sign & Share the Petition NOW:
  https://www.change.org/p/create-green-space-in-footscray-urge-government-to-buy-little-saigon-market-site

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shape Footscray’s future. Let’s make sure we don’t lose it. PLEASE HELP US NOW!