Yarra Council Permanently Removes Captain Cook Memorial After Repeated Vandalism

Yarra City Council in Melbourne has unanimously voted to permanently remove the Captain James Cook monument from Edinburgh Gardens after repeated vandalism, including its toppling and defacement with graffiti. The council cited the $15,000 repair cost, poor condition, and ongoing risk of further damage as reasons for the decision, alongside budget constraints and community contention regarding Cook as a contested historical figure. Despite some opposition, including criticism from the Institute of Public Affairs, council officials emphasized that reinstalling the statue would likely provoke repeated attacks and require costly security measures. The council plans to find an appropriate institution to take ownership of the monument, with the Captain Cook Society expressing interest. This decision aligns with a broader pattern of vandalism targeting colonial memorials in Melbourne, and while some argue for preserving historical statues, local authorities prioritize financial prudence and social cohesion. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the vandalism as disrespectful but acknowledged the complexity of the situation.