Fight for federation square continues
Today the Victorian Greens was the only party willing to stand up for Federation Square.
The motion aimed at keeping the Apple megastore out of Melbourne’s premier public space was defeated in the upper house, but the fight continues.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens Member for Melbourne, Ellen Sandell
“This fight isn’t over, we’ll continue building public support to show the Andrew’s Government exactly how unpopular this decision is.”
“We wouldn’t build a Coles supermarket at the NGV or a Bunnings in the Botanic Gardens, so why are we letting Apple take over our public square?
“The Andrews Labor Government rammed through planning changes to get this deal done just days before Christmas. It needs to go back to the drawing board and work with the community to find a more appropriate place in the CBD for the Apple store.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens spokesperson for planning, Samantha Ratnam
“The Apple/Federation Square megastore is a failure by this Labor Government. If the Government wants to fundamentally change Melbourne’s premier public space, they need to involve the community, not sell our public space to the highest bidder.
“Melbourne is a creative, capable, cultural city; this plan to let a multinational take over our public square shows a complete lack of imagination by this Labor Government.”
“If there are problems with the liveliness of Federation Square, the Government should consult Melburnians about how we can add more culture and vibrancy to the square - not just give it over to a multinational.”