Update on Fishermans Bend

The final version of the Fishermans Bend Vision was released in September 2016. The Vision has helped to inform the development of the Fishermans Bend Framework which is expected to be released in July 2017. The Framework is designed to guide planning and will include strategies for transport infrastructure (road, rail, trams, and road network), community infrastructure, public space, density, sustainability and activity centres. It will be finalised after community comment.

Precinct plans will then be prepared to reflect the fine grain detail.

The BCNA continues to have concerns about decision-making and funding for the redevelopment.

The project requires consistent decision making if the Vision is to be realised around 2050. Without consistency, investors and buyers will not have the certainty they require to make it worth their while to be involved. Similarly, the local community will not have confidence that the Vision can deliver benefits that they can share in. At present, decision making is complicated with decisions split between the Melbourne and Port Phillip Councils, the Victorian Government and VCAT (when there are disputes). Co-ordination and decision making is slower than if one organisation was responsible for all decisions.

There is no agreed funding. This means each Council and the Victorian Government must seek funds through their normal budget processes. Inevitably this means delays. The BCNA and South Port Urban Responsible Renewal (SPURR), an umbrella group representing 49 local organisations, has advocated on these issues and will continue to do so.

To date 6,594 residential dwellings have been approved with permit applications for a further 7,070 dwellings. There have been no applications for commercial developments.