We don’t just need more housing — we need places to belong. Parks. Open spaces. Community gathering areas. As Footscray prepares for explosive growth under Victoria’s Housing Statement, we must ensure the infrastructure and public space grow with it. It's unacceptable for state government to say this is solely a council issue!

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the derelict Saigon Market site into something extraordinary: a green, public space for all. But we need leadership — and partnership — at all levels of government.

We’re asking the Victorian State Government to work with Maribyrnong City Council in a 50/50 matched funding arrangement to acquire this strategic site for community use. Given the growth targets and pressures placed on our suburb, this is not only fair — it is essential!

We are also seeking Federal support — including funding avenues and advocacy — from our Federal MP Daniel Mulino, who has yet to respond to any community inquiries on this issue.

• Footscray is forecast to grow by +50,000 new residents under the Housing Statement
• Public open space per capita is projected to shrink from 40sqm to just 15sqm by 2050
• The former Saigon Market site has sat derelict since 2016 and is currently listed for sale due to insolvency
• Without intervention, it is likely to be landbanked or redeveloped, missing a critical chance to serve the public good
• Please email or call your local representatives and urge them to support the acquisition and activation of this site as public open space:
  • Katie Hall MP – State Member for Footscray:
    katie.hall@parliament.vic.gov.au, (03) 9689 4283
  • Daniel Mulino MP – Federal Member for Fraser:
    daniel.mulino.mp@aph.gov.au, (03) 9070 1974
  • Celia Haddock – CEO, Maribyrnong City Council,
    celia.haddock@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au, (03) 9688 0200
  • Council - Public Question Time - Tuesday 15 April 2025
    questions can be submitted here:
    https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/OpenForms/Public-Question-Time-Form

Footscray has always stood by Labor — Now it’s time for Labor to stand by Footscray!

Disclaimer: This image is a satirical cartoon created for the purposes of commentary and public interest. All characters depicted are fictional representations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The content is intended for illustrative and advocacy purposes only and should not be interpreted as a factual representation of real individuals or events.