Maribyrnong Council moves motion to bin old rules from Footscray Park

A list of archaic rules banning orange peels, cyclists and certain sports from a Footscray park without written permission, could soon get the axe.

Tough rules which have barred cyclists, sport and orange peel at Footscray Park may be abolished under new regulations.

The tough rules which have barred cyclists, sport and orange peel at Footscray Park may be abolished under new regulations.

Maribyrnong Council moved a motion at last week’s council meeting to undertake statutory procedures to remove the uptight regulations.

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Currently, the historic rules state people are not allowed to ride bikes or play sports, including cricket, football, tennis or lacrosse, without written permission from the council.

The rules are controlled by the Crown under the Government Gazette 1911.

“No Person shall ride a bicycle … engage in Cricket, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, or any other like game in the Park without the authority in writing of the Council,” it states.

Councillor Simon Crawford said the new regulations would make the land more versatile for public use.

“This historical arrangement we had was extremely limiting and it went into detail which was quite ridiculous in today’s day and age,” he said.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) will lead the change in regulation.

Cyclist Jo Walker told the Leader the strict rules were “absurd”.

“I can’t help but laugh at these absurd rules … they are so outdated,” she said.

“It’s long overdue — families should be able to come here and play games and sport.”

Others said the rules prevented them from being active.

Items banned include bikes, orange peels, bottles, paper, removal of clothing and sports including football, tennis, cricket and lacrosse.

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