Get the appMoonee Valley City Council is working to make swimming in local rivers and waterways a reality by 2050. The goal includes safe swimming in the Maribyrnong River and after-work dips in the Yarra River, also known as Birrarung.
Tree removal has begun at Hilton Park in Fremantle, despite a long campaign by residents opposed to the plan. Work started on Tuesday, with 26 trees to be removed, including historic Norfolk pines. Residents gathered in protest and described the loss as the most significant to the area's tree canopy in 70 years. Former council candidate Mark Woodcock and a Stirling councillor, Lisa Thornton, criticised the decision. The council has promised to plant at least 61 native trees to replace the lost canopy.
The owner of a Footscray laundromat says she will go out of business if Maribyrnong council removes parking spaces on Barkly Street. Hong Tran, who has run Footscray Superwash for more than 20 years, says most of her customers arrive by car. Draft plans endorsed by council in July would remove 34 on-street parking spaces to make way for bus stops and separated bike lanes. Ms Tran has submitted a petition with 183 signatures asking council to reconsider. Mayor Mohamed Semra says council has met with her and her concerns are being considered before final plans are decided.