City of Yarra mayor questioned over council’s decision to remove Captain Cook memorial

City of Yarra mayor Stephen Jolly has been questioned after the council unanimously voted on Tuesday night to permanently remove the Captain Cook memorial from the Edinburgh Gardens in North Fitzroy.

Jolly denied the council has given in to vandals, but claimed the vandal attacks in recent years has meant the council has had to pour more and more money into its maintenance.

“I’m not saying that this is a perfect solution, but it’s probably the best thing that we can do right now,” Jolly told Ross and Russ on 3AW Breakfast.

Press PLAY to hear the mayor questioned on removal of the memorial

“This statue has only been in the park since 1993, we’re not talking about the Shrine of Remembrance here or the Eiffel Tower, it’s just a new thing.

“From my perspective I’ve got to look after the ratepayers’ money.”

Images: Nine News/Supplied