Port Planning - Domestic Ferry and Cruise Ship Operations

The Victorian Ports Corporation Melbourne (VPCM) received $5.8 million in the recent State Budget. This is to undertake planning works to facilitate the growth of domestic ferry and cruise ship operations. As part of this process the VPCM will be convening a series of stakeholder engagement meetings over the next six months to hear from the community. The BCNA has been invited to participate.

The VPCM is taking a wide view of the problems in the area. They are committed to exploring solutions to improve traffic flow. Given this, the BCNA has developed an initial list of issues for discussion with the VPCM. The list includes:

• Traffic issues (adequacy of the queuing lane and the Princes Street roundabout)
• Station Pier (cruise ship visitors need easy movement from ship to shore)
• The need for a taxi/bus area for cruise ship visitors
• Public realm improvements (the whole area is very weather exposed)
• Lack of shops and amenities
• Parking
• The need to work closely with Melbourne Water so that the storm water drain can be realigned as part of any capital works program.

Our complete list of issues can be downloaded here.