Preparations for MIFGS (Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show) have begun again with the customary ‘ad ‘on the Carlton Gardens site for a permit to begin structural works in preparation for the show early next year. We hope newcomers to Council can de-mystify why ratepayers’ money is used extensively to support the event, despite community being locked out of this public space and ongoing incremental damage to the gardens. We, the Community have never received answers from Council except to say “there is no damage to the gardens..” As we have always said – we have no quarrel with MIFGS – we just object to the use of this UNESCO World Heritage site as its location. Here’s why..DoyleCRACoRBAApril62011-2 CRACoRBAMIFGSsubmission6April2011
Given that what you are defending is a UNESCO site, are the Feds involved? If so how? If you were to get it moved, where should it go- Treasury/Fitzroy gardens? – Alexandria gardens? Are these sites really better?
Hi John – Thanks for the comment. Yes the “Feds” have been written to and have passed the buck to the State, who in turn pass the buck to MCC. The standard comment is satisfaction that “there is no damage to the gardens..”. Regarding a better site – we have suggested “Jeff’s Shed” and the riverside walk, with trees & grassed area for outdoor exhibits.Parking is optimal, with ample public transport, hotel accomodation etc at hand.. but no, they want Carlton gardens despite the dislocation of traffic,lack of parking and inconvenience to the community.Adam Bandt favours the Showgrounds site at Flemington – being still part of City of Melbourne with revenues and returns to the city. We at R3000 would be equally happy with this arrangement.The community has agreed in the past to all MIFGS exhibits being moved to the hard surfaces of the REB and the REB itself. It was promised but never delivered.Do come on board- it is a very mysterious journey!