The tree versus the bull barThe EMHS referred its photographic essay on the devastation of Yarra Park to the Premier of Victoria. Similar letters were also sent to the Lord Mayor and the local State Member of Parliament, Bronwyn Pike. The Premier's office, unlike the local member, at least gave us the courtesy of a reply. Unfortunately the Premier passed the buck to the Minister for Sustainability and Environment who in turn passed it to one of his divisional heads. By this time the buck, which was already on very thin ice, sank without a trace. The reply we received was a triumph of obfuscation and spurious argument.
"The use of Yarra Park for car parking is allowed under Section 9 of the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Yarra Park Amendment Act 2009. Yarra Park is also identified in the recent listing with Heritage Victoria as being used for car parking since 1920."
A Babel Fish translation of this confirms that the Brumby government found it necessary to legislate for cars against people in 2009 and it raises the novel idea that car parking is an aspect of the heritage of Yarra Park. Ministry of Sustainability and Environment indeed!
In a rather stark contrast, the Lord Mayor personally signed a letter in which he agreed substantially with our observations and reiterated the formal opposition of the Council to the transfer of responsibility for the park from the City of Melbourne to the MCG Trust.
The Historical Society will continue to record the state of Yarra Park and will refer significant issues to the relevant authorities. To date, avoidance of responsibility has been the only skill displayed by the these so-called authorities. However, history will continue to tell its story and hopefully integrity, leadership, vision and community responsibility will once again have their day.