THE move to Epping of Melbourne’s fresh fruit and vegetable market is still two or three years away, if it happens at all, an independent report has found.
Auditor-General Des Pearson said the market’s move from its present site in Footscray to a site at Cooper Street, North Epping, due in 2008, now won’t take place until 2014 or 2015, with the cost expected to $670 million – more than double the $230 million predicted in 2004.
He said stallholders were still not committed to the move. “As a result, the relocation is not assured.”
However, Major Projects Minister Denis Napthine said the government had inherited an “absolute debacle” but was on track to move the market to Epping.
“We have absolute confidence that we can deliver this project,” Mr Napthine told reporters.
Mr Pearson claimed poor management had led to an alliance of market participants opposing the relocation; a group of tenants launching legal action against the Melbourne Markets Authority, and some tenants threatening to establish rival markets.
– Fran Cusworth
