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In an interview, MP Mertton emphasized that "New South Wales is the home for Cook's Cottage", citing the state's historical connection through Cook's expedition. She pointed out that the cottage, originally built by Cook’s parents in Yorkshire and later shipped brick-by-brick to Melbourne in the 1930s, does not deserve to remain in Victoria, especially given that Cook never actually set foot in Melbourne or Port Phillip Bay. Instead, Cook’s explorations led him to Botany Bay, near present-day Sydney, a fact that she believes lends more authenticity and relevance to relocating the cottage there.