MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - An Australian local government has chosen not to repair a monument dedicated to the British explorer James Cook, citing concerns that it would likely face further vandalism. Yarra City Council, led by Mayor Stephen Jolly, reached a unanimous decision on this matter, rejecting accusations that the choice signifies a victory for the vandals.
Statues and memorials honoring Lt. Cook, who charted the eastern coast of Australia in 1770, are abundant across the country. These tributes are frequently defaced by individuals protesting against Britain’s colonization of Australia, which occurred without formal treaties with the Indigenous populations. The Cook monument in Melbourne's Edinburgh Gardens was notably vandalized shortly after the controversial holiday, known as Australia Day, which many Indigenous Australians refer to as “Invasion Day.” The day marks the anniversary of the British settlers' arrival at Sydney Cove and has become a focal point for debates over the appropriateness of Australia’s national day.
The monument itself, crafted from granite and bronze, was broken at its base and spray-painted with the phrase “cook the colony.” The council's decision involved a proposed expenditure of 15,000 Australian dollars (approximately $9,700) for its repair. Due to its history of vandalism, the council decided to store the monument instead, viewing the repair costs as a financial burden on ratepayers.
Mayor Jolly stated, “It’s just a waste of ratepayers’ money. We can’t afford to do that,” emphasizing that the action was taken from an economic standpoint rather than as a reflection of cultural conflict. His comments came amid growing dialogues surrounding Australia’s colonial history and the memorials associated with it. In contrast, conservative opposition leader Brad Battin criticized the council’s decision, framing it as a capitulation to vandalism. Battin emphasized the importance of preserving historical monuments, arguing that succumbing to activists undermines the significance of Australia’s history.
In response, Jolly refuted claims that the council had conceded to the vandals’ demands, expressing that ongoing repairs and replacement would merely perpetuate a cycle of destruction at the site. He suggested that the vandals may be more disappointed that the monument will no longer be reconvened, as that would deny them the opportunity to continue their acts of protest.
As of Wednesday, the base of the monument remains at the park, marked by a traffic cone to alert visitors to the trip hazard it poses. Strikingly, someone has adorned the cone with a playful scrawl, resembling a smiling face, which appears to mock the memorial that once occupied its place. Additionally, a local branch of the Captain Cook Society has expressed interest in preserving the bronze plaques from the monument, indicating that they are in discussions to find a temporary display location, possibly a museum.
Bill Lang, a member of the society, voiced disappointment over the council's decision, stressing that there are numerous historical narratives worthy of celebration and examination within Australia’s past. In summary, the council's decision reflects a complex intersection between financial practicality, historical context, and ongoing cultural debates regarding colonial legacy and Indigenous rights in Australia.
