Reimagining Fishermans Bend

The Committee were pleased to host important speakers at our event in June on remimaging Fishermans Bend. It was a timely event, with the welcome announcement by the Victorian State Government of the preferred route for the Melbourne Metro 2 rail line, just days before the event.

Gilbert + Tobin’s Energy and Infrastructure Law Partner, Zac Kerr, welcomed Committee members and stakeholders to their offices, highlighting the importance of the precinct for Melbourne’s future. Committee for Melbourne CEO, Mark Melvin, provided an overview of the crucial role that Fishermans Bend should play in supporting Melbourne’s growth, noting that connected, environmentally sustainable, and liveable precincts need to replace the current low-density urban expansion growth model.

City of Melbourne Deputy Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, was optimistic about the precinct and recapturing the promise of Fishermans Bend. He applauded the Victorian State Government for identifying its preferred MM2 alignment, which will allow authorities, stakeholders and developers to plan with greater certainty, with timing and funding details welcome in due course.

City of Port Phillip Mayor, Heather Cunsolo, welcomed the increase in bus services to Fishermans Bend and welcomed additional plans like MM2 as well as other types of community infrastructure. With sporting clubs in Fishermans Bend thriving for example, then demand for services and community infrastructure is increasing.

Department of Transport and Planning’s Director Precincts – Fishermans Bend, Tania Quick, pointed out that there is a great deal of investment in the precinct with $7 billion worth of development activity. She also highlighted the significant improvement in bus services to Fishermans Bend with a doubling of services over recent years.

Nicholas, Heather and Tania participated in a panel discussion following their presentations, discussing issues of planning, transport priorities and governance. All of them expressed great optimism in the future of Fishermans Bend whilst acknowledging the unique challenges in the precinct, including significant private land holdings, managing density, transport planning, funding and financing of infrastructure, and meeting sustainability challenges.

Committee for Melbourne thanks Gilbert + Tobin for their generous support and looks forward to continuing the important conversation on Fishermans Bend.

To see the Committee’s recommendations for Fishermans Bend in its pre-budget submission see here

To see the Committee’s submission to the consultation on DTP’s draft Development Contributions Plan (DCP) for Fishermans Bend