Golden Square Bicentennial Park, a small reserve in the heart of the historically significant Golden Square precinct in Burnley, will be upgraded with new play equipment and landscaping after Yarra City Council last night approved the Final Concept Design.“Locals told us that they wanted the new playground to have more play options for more ages and abilities, and more shade and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” said City of Yarra Mayor, Stephen Jolly.The design of the new playground improves accessibility, includes more play options for more ages and abilities, as well as providing better shade with the addition of nine mature trees.

Yarra City Council has determined not to return the Captain Cook Memorial to Fitzroy’s Edinburgh Gardens, citing the Memorial’s condition, structural integrity and ongoing costs associated with vandalism.Instead, the Memorial will be shelved while Council explores an appropriate institution to receive and take ownership of it, including an offer from the Captain Cook Society.City of Yarra Mayor, Stephen Jolly said the decsion was simply a “boring economic issue”.“I’m not in favour of demolishing statues of people in the past, even problematic ones, but don’t think if we put it back up, it wouldn’t be just damaged again.