By Christine de Kock
MARIBYRNONG City councillors were unanimous that the gloves had to come off in future discussions with the Port of Melbourne Authority.
Councillors were incensed that the port did not address any of their concerns after representatives from both organisations met Footscray MP Bruce Mildenhall on 13 July.
Councillor Michael Clarke was the most vocal of the seven councillors when he advocated a hardline approach to the issue at last Tuesday’s council meeting.
He said the Maribyrnong River was the Maginot Line and while some councillors would suggest holding fire, “I say open fire”.
Cr Clarke was referring to France’s line of defence that was set up to stop a German invasion but failed in World War II.
He said in a sweeping speech that council’s attitude towards the port should now be tougher.
“In the words of Lawrence of Arabia, I say take no prisoners,” he said.
Councillor Janet Rice said in an urgent motion that the council should write to the chairman of the Port of Melbourne, Bill Scales, and Mr Mildenhall expressing disappointment with the 13 July meeting.
She said the letter should also confirm a date “for a further meeting within the next fortnight with the port” and request the meeting be chaired by Mr Scales.
The council is calling for the port to stop buying land along the western side of the Maribyrnong River and confine its development interests to the industrial land south of Somerville Rd.
They want the Footscray wharf repaired and open to the public along with the release of strategic reports such as the draft Port Development Plan and Portal strategy for public consultation.
Other requests include meeting local businesses and property owners to develop an “agreed vision” for the area.
The council also hopes to meet Pacific National to discuss the long term lease arrangement for the Maribyrnong goods line that runs along the western side of the river.
Cr Clarke said councillors wanted to see the line removed.
Cr Clarke’s impassioned declaration of war at the council meeting was applauded but was also received with humour.
Councillor Catherine Cumming shouted pirate – like calls of “aargh” throughout the speech and called on the council to “build a pirate ship”.
