Formal Objection to Planning Scheme Amendment C193mari | 30 October 2026

I have formally lodged an objection to the proposed rezoning of the former Footscray Hospital site at 160 Gordon Street, Footscray, under Planning Scheme Amendment C193mari.

My objection is not against redevelopment. I recognise that this site presents an important opportunity to deliver housing, community facilities, commercial activity and new investment for Footscray.

However, redevelopment must also deliver lasting benefits for the local community, including sufficient public open space.

Why I am objecting

Maribyrnong City Council has advocated for at least 3.5 hectares of public open space across the wider site, including the adjoining Council-owned car park.

However, the Development Victoria draft master plan has reportedly included approximately 2.7 hectares of public open space within the State-owned former hospital site.

This raises an important question: will the proposed planning framework properly secure the amount of public open space that Footscray needs?

I believe the planning amendment should be revised before approval to ensure that at least 3.5 hectares of connected public open space is properly incorporated and protected across the wider site.

What I am asking for

My formal objection requests that the planning amendment be reconsidered and revised to:

1. Provide at least 3.5 hectares of public open space across the wider site, including consideration of the adjoining Council-owned car park.
2. Clearly identify the location, boundaries and configuration of the proposed public open space.
3. Establish appropriate planning protections to safeguard the land for long-term public use.
4. Ensure the open space is accessible, connected and integrated with surrounding streets, pedestrian links and community facilities.
5. Provide clear arrangements for delivery, public access, maintenance and long-term protection.

These commitments should be properly reflected in the planning framework, rather than left solely to a future master plan or later decisions.

A decision that will shape Footscray’s future

The former hospital site is an important part of Footscray’s history and future. Its redevelopment will influence how our community lives, works and connects for generations.

We need housing and investment, but we also need places where families can spend time together, children can play, residents can exercise and the wider community can enjoy green space.

Once this land is redeveloped, securing additional public open space could become much more difficult.

I believe Footscray deserves a balanced redevelopment that delivers both new opportunities and lasting public benefits.

Read my formal objection

I am making my submission publicly available so residents can understand the reasons for my objection and the changes I am asking for.

Formal Objection to Planning Scheme Amendment C193mari – PDF

I welcome residents’ views, questions and feedback on the future of this important site.

Hai Dinh
Independent Candidate for Footscray
Safety. Opportunity. Community.