Fishermans Bend Tram Routes and the 109 Service

In March, Infrastructure Victoria released draft recommendations about infrastructure needs. The organization is required to revise a 30-year strategy every 3-5 years. Included in the report is advice about new tram routes into Fishermans Bend.

Two trams to Fishermans Bend

The strategy proposes extending tram routes 11 and 67 to connect Fishermans Bend with the city. The Carnegie service (route 67) would be extended from Anzac Station along Park Street, South Melbourne to Fishermans Bend north. The West Preston service (route 11) would be extended across the Yarra River into Fishermans Bend south. Both services are shown on a map above and at page 39 of Infrastructure Victoria’s report.

Expand the 109 service

A section of the report proposes more services on existing, busy routes. The 109 service is considered a busy service.

Infrastructure Victoria states “The government should add around 300 more services a week on key routes where more homes are planned and trams are already very busy, like routes 86, 96 and 109. It should run more evening and weekend tram services so people who live near tram lines are less dependent on cars and new housing developments do not require as many parking spaces.” (Infrastructure Victoria, 30-year strategy, page 37).

Infrastructure Victoria is an advisory body. The government is not obliged to adopt recommendations but is expected to respond to the recommendations in November 2025.

The Age published an article about the report last month. Click/tap here to read (paywall).

BCNA Meeting with Nina Taylor MP

The BCNA arranges regular meetings with Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, to discuss local issues.

Topics discussed at a recent meeting included:

• Fishermans Bend infrastructure - it is estimated that development has added 3000 apartments and over 6000 new residents and their cars onto existing roads. Ms. Taylor said there would be a new assessment of transport infrastructure once Metro 1 is completed. This is expected early in 2026.
• Barak Beacon redevelopment - once completed, this will drive a big increase in population on the site without any consequential improvement in public transport. The proposed Fishermans Bend tram service would help Barak Beacon and Garden City residents as the route shown in the 2018 Fishermans Bend Framework shows the tram terminating in Garden City. Ms. Taylor said she understood community concerns about traffic. She plans to contact the Minister for Transport about a transport plan for the area. 
• Hoon driving and related noise - Ms. Taylor is aware of the impact and welcomes constituents contacting her about this. She is seeking funds for an acoustic camera trial in the City of Port Phillip vicinity through the State Budget.
• The 109 tram service - the timetable for track duplication at Beacon Cove remains unknown, despite a recent meeting with Yarra Trams. Ms. Taylor undertook to ensure a Yarra Trams representative contacts BCNA to discuss this.

BCNA Meeting with Ward Councillors

BCNA representatives recently met Heather Cunsolo (Port Melbourne Ward) and Alex Makin (Montague Ward) to discuss local issues. Topics included:

• Hoon driving and related noise continues to detract from residents' quality of life, particularly in summer. Councillors stated that the City of Port Phillip has been planning to assist the Victorian Government should funds be provided to the EPA for an acoustic camera trial.
• The skatepark underneath the Graham Street overpass attracts comment about the lack of fence and graffiti. There are plans for fencing and screening around the site.
• Noise from vehicles using the Graham Street overpass due to its elevated position as well as incidents with speeding drivers. It was agreed that a permanent speed camera would help in managing noise and speed. However, it is noted that Graham Street is the responsibility of the Department of Transport.
• The Barak Beacon Housing redevelopment will mean a sizeable increase in population on the site. The BCNA is disappointed that the Victorian Government is persisting with the current design without any acknowledgement of local resident concerns as described here, or steps to mitigate the impact. Better transport infrastructure is needed for the population influx.
• The timetable for the planning and construction of transport infrastructure in Fishermans Bend, promised by the Victorian Government in the 2018 Fishermans Bend Framework, has not been met. The BCNA and both the City of Port Phillip and the City of Melbourne have made numerous representations about this.

BCNA AGM – Summary of Meeting

The BCNA held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 14th November. For those who could not attend click/tap here for a summary of the meeting.

The Guest Speaker was Craig Walker, CEO of Ports Victoria. Craig spoke about the maintenance and improvements to Station Pier, the preparation of a Cruise Ship Strategy, and that Ports Vic may open the Pier to the public on occasions with special events on the Pier and precinct.

Ms. Nina Taylor, MP, State Member for Albert Park, spoke about the freight yard adjoining Station Pier may become a community area, hoon driving, and that she will investigate the installation of road humps to control hoon driving near Station Pier.

Port Melbourne Ward Councillor Heather Cunsolo spoke about collaborating with police on hoon driving, Fishermans Bend and public transport, E-scooters and 1 and 7 Waterfront Place.

Fishermans Bend Primary School

In June we advised that the state government proposed a new primary school for Fishermans Bend to cater for the increasing population. The location for the school has been announced as 299 Williamstown Road, which is on the corner of Smith Street. The school is projected to house a student population of around 650 students and provide welcome relief from the population pressures on the existing Port Melbourne Primary School. The BCNA welcomes this announcement but urges government planners to provide accessible green space for the student population. Primary school students need room to run and play!

Click/tap here for more details.

Fishermans Bend Insight Event

Recently, we highlighted an event to be hosted by Fishermans Bend Business Forum. The event was held on 15th October and provided a range of details about the Fishermans Bend development. Speakers reported that over 6,000 new residents had arrived since the start of development. The Fishermans Bend population is projected to increase from 1,902 residents and 28,156 workers in the 2021 census to approximately 16,000 residents and around 36,000 workers by 2030.

The BCNA notes that this influx of residents is occurring without any change to roads, available green space, or transport infrastructure. Significant additional bus services have been announced but it must be noted that this adds to the congestion on existing roads. The BCNA urges the state government to accelerate plans for trams and trains that will provide residents with alternatives to road transport.

Click/tap here for more details on this event.

What's Next for Fishermans Bend?

The Fishermans Bend Business Forum is hosting an event on Tuesday 15th October, 4pm to 6pm at CBCO Brewery, 89 Bertie Street, Fishermans Bend.

The event has been designed to bring together property owners, leading consultants, and key industry representatives for an exclusive, important, and informative update on the status of key projects in Fishermans Bend and plans for the near future.

Speakers will focus on what lies ahead for the next 3-5years, with presentations and panel input from the Fishermans Bend Taskforce, Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct Delivery team, the University of Melbourne, FB IDEAs, and Fishermans Bend Business Forum. Click/tap here for more details, as well as registration for the event.

Council Election Pledges 2024

The BCNA contacted the five candidates standing for Port Melbourne Ward on Saturday 20th September and invited them to respond to four questions by cob Friday 4th October.

Responses, in order of receipt, were received from David Wright, Richard Whitfield, Heather Cunsolo and Adrian King. Details are shown below.

Vehicle Noise and Hoon Driving

Hoon driving is a particular problem at Station Pier, in the Waterfront Place precinct, and in nearby streets. The candidate’s discussion includes mention of mobile CCTV by police, an acoustic camera trial, parking restrictions, more regular monitoring of parking restrictions, and traffic calming measures. Click/tap here for a summary of responses.

Waterfront Place Precinct

The area is the ‘gateway’ to Melbourne for cruise ship visitors. It is also the community hub for the Beacon Cove community. The candidates acknowledge the poor state of the area. Their discussion includes the development of a masterplan, leadership by the Victorian Government, and the role Council can play. Click/tap here for a summary of responses.

Fishermans Bend

The Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area (FBURA) is next door to Beacon Cove. Timely infrastructure provision in FBURA, or not, has an impact in nearby areas. In 2018, the Victorian Government made a commitment to introduce tram services by 2025. Click/tap here for a summary of responses.

Barak Beaon Housing Development

The Victorian Government’s redevelopment of the public housing site between Barak and Beacon Roads is underway. The candidates discuss improvements to traffic flow, parking around the estate, problems with design, problematic traffic analysis and entry/egress plans, and the lack of public transport, and amenity issues. Click/tap here for a summary of responses.

The full response from each candidate can be accessed here (click/tap on the name) for David Wright, Richard Whitfield, Heather Cunsolo and Adrian King. Sabina Sablok did not respond by the deadline for this post. We will post her response when it is received.

Don't forget that the BCNA is hosting a candidates’ forum at the Liardet Street Community Centre, 154 Liardet Street, Port Melbourne on Wednesday, 9th October commencing at 7.15 pm. Click/tap here for details.

State Housing Target for the City of Port Phillip

In June 2024, the State Government released draft local government housing targets as part of statewide plans to reach 2.24 million new houses by 2051. Comments on the draft are expected by 30th August 2024. The targets are explained here.

The draft target for the City of Port Phillip (CoPP) is 56,000 new dwellings by 2051.

The draft target and CoPP’s response to the State Government was discussed at a Council meeting on 7 August. Council officers believe the city has enough existing capacity (without rezoning) to accommodate up to 59,000 new dwellings across the municipality if every site is developed to its full potential. Crucially, this potential includes Fishermans Bend which requires the provision of transport infrastructure promised by the Victorian Government but which has yet to materialise. Population growth in established residential areas also strains existing infrastructure - the State Government’s draft target does not include plans for the provision of updated or additional infrastructure. More details can be found in this CoPP paper.

The CoPP resolved to respond to the State Government seeking details about the methodology to determine housing targets, stressing the importance of State Government provision of infrastructure in Fishermans Bend and for updated and additional infrastructure in established areas.

Fishermans Bend Primary School

The Victorian Government has announced that a primary school will be built on Williamstown Road in the Wirraway precinct of Fishermans Bend. Click here for details about the new school as well as a map showing location.

An earlier site for the school was thought to be 509 Williamstown Road as explained here. That site and area was designated open space under the Victorian Government’s 2018 Fishermans Bend Framework. The City of Port Phillip purchased the site to ensure it was retained as open space. This decision was welcomed by the BCNA, and we continue to advocate for adequate green space for residents as the precinct develops.

The school is expected to open in 2026 with places for 650 students from Prep to Grade 6. Currently in the design phase, a builder for the project is expected to be appointed in late 2024.

New Underground Rail Route through Fishermans Bend

A recent article in The Age (paywall) reports that a new cross-city rail route, dubbed Melbourne Metro 2, has been endorsed by the Department of Transport and Planning.

The proposed line rail line, which would run from Clifton Hill to Newport, would include two stations in Fishermans Bend as shown in the map here:

The BCNA, Council and the Fishermans Bend Business Forum have urged the State Government to meet its 2018 commitments regarding rail and tram services into the Fishermans Bend. This would promote greater certainty for developers that the promised services will be available for residents on completion of projects.   The current uncertainty has led to delays in projects (see Age article).

There has been no announcement as to when funding for the promised rail and tram services will be provided.

Making Williamstown Road Safer for All Users

The City of Port Phillip is advocating to the Department of Transport and Planning for the installation of a signalised crossing and improved pedestrian and bike riding infrastructure on Williamstown Road and Beacon Road. They are seeking community input on design options.

Traffic volumes have increased on Williamstown Road as new apartments are completed in Fishermans Bend and this is making use more difficult for all road users. The BCNA has been advocating for the State Government to honour promises made in the 2018 Fishermans Bend framework to introduce tram services into Fishermans Bend.

The BCNA strongly encourages community feedback to Council about their proposals. The consultation period closes on 9 June 2024. Click here to provide your feedback.

BCNA’s Meetings with Nina Taylor MP and Ward Councillors

BCNA arranges regular meetings with Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, and with our City of Port Phillip Ward Councillors to discuss local issues. A report from recent meetings follows.

Nina Taylor MP

Your BCNA representatives covered topics including height, traffic, and infrastructure concerns with the Barak Beacon public housing redevelopment, the delay in providing public transport commitments in Fishermans Bend, and the lack of EPA funding to progress an acoustic camera trial in the City of Port Phillip.

The BCNA remains keen to meet Ministers with responsibility for Station Pier and Waterfront Place to discuss redevelopment. Nina offered to arrange meetings for us. Updates will be discussed at future meetings and reported on here.

City of Port Phillip Ward Councillors

At our meeting with Councillors Heather Cunsolo, Marcus Pearl, and Peter Martin we discussed the future of the Waterfront Place precinct and Council support for arranging a forum with stakeholders to discuss precinct planning, Council support for an acoustic camera trial to detect hoon noise, maintenance and improvements at the mouth of the Princes Street stormwater drain, tram track duplication adjacent to 103 Beach Street, and BCNA’s concerns with the Barak Road housing redevelopment. Future news items will report progress.

BCNA Submission on the Funding of Infrastructure in Fishermans Bend

Since our earlier item about this, the BCNA decided to comment on three items in the draft consultation plan released by the Victorian Government. The BCNA’s comments covered:

• The importance of the Victorian Government honouring announced commitments, such as the provision of tram services, if development is to proceed.
• The Victorian Government should underwrite the fund (holding development contribution levies) so that infrastructure can be provided in a timely way.
• Some establishment costs, such as land for public transport and flood and drainage work, should be funded by the Victorian Government rather than through development contribution levies.

Click here to access the BCNA submission.

The BCNA meets regularly with Nina Taylor, the State Member of Parliament for Albert Park, to discuss community concerns. We will be discussing BCNA’s the three concerns (see above) at our next meeting with her.

Higher Rates? Funding of Infrastructure in Fishermans Bend

In December 2023, the City of Port Phillip (CoPP) considered the Victorian Government’s draft funding plan. It sets out how development contributions will be paid by residential and non-residential ratepayers in the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area (FBURA). This area comprises the precincts of Wirraway, Sandridge Montague, Lorimer shown on page 8 of the Framework. Funds raised from this area will be used to fund infrastructure such as open space, community facilities, and roads.

The CoPP has developed a preliminary submission. In their report, CoPP officers have expressed concern that the capital requirements, particularly for local infrastructure, appear to have been underestimated. The CoPP agreed to submit a more detailed submission once details have been clarified with the Victorian Government.

The final, agreed, Development Contribution Plan will influence rates for the rest of the City of Port Phillip for years to come. For this reason, the BCNA considers it to be a very important task. The Mayor, Councillor Cunsolo is encouraging submissions on the draft plan.

A meeting for residents has not been arranged. However, a business and industry briefing has been organised for Tuesday 6th February at the Dusty Fox Café, Woolworths Fishermans Bend, 481 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne from 4.30 to 5.30pm and residents can attend. Registration is necessary (click here to register).  

Submissions need to be made by 23 February. The BCNA is reviewing the draft and will consider a submission.

Council Purchases Site at 509 Williamstown Road

Since our earlier post, the City of Port Phillip has announced that they have purchased the site. 

The area at 509 Williamstown Road had been earmarked for open space as part of the Fishermans Bend Framework released by the Victorian Government in 2018. The site is adjacent to North Port Oval and is currently occupied by Australia Post’s Port Melbourne Business Centre. The Business Centre will relocate nearby.

The BCNA welcomes the City of Port Phillip’s decision to purchase the site as it ensures that the area is used in ways consistent with the Fishermans Bend Framework.

A decision on exactly how to the site will be informed by community consultation. Feedback will be sought from residents and stakeholders including local sporting groups. More information can be found here.

BCNA AGM – Summary of Meeting

The BCNA held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 9th November. For those who could not attend click/tap here to read a copy of the President’s report and click/tap here for a summary of the meeting.

The Guest Speaker was The Hon. Nina Taylor MP. She spoke about the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement, the State Electricity Commission, Fishermans Bend, E scooters and vehicle noise and hoon driving.

Gateway Ward Councillors Heather Cunsolo and Peter Martin attended. Mayor Cunsolo spoke about Fishermans Bend, implications of the Victorian government’s Housing Statement, that Port Phillip will be trialling the use of acoustic cameras, E scooters, dogs off leash areas, an application from the owners of 1 and 7 Waterfront Place to delete three conditions of the planning permit, and re zoning of the area near Station Pier. BCNA will obtain details on these issues and assess the implications.

Key Services Delayed in Fishermans Bend

The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) has recently drawn attention to the lack of Victorian Government commitment to plans for Fishermans Bend.

In 2018 the Victorian Government released the Fishermans Bend Framework. This framework makes a clear commitment to deliver significant open space, transport, and infrastructure for the growing community. This masterplan was the product of collaboration between the CoPP, the City of Melbourne, Victorian Government, the community, and other stakeholders over several years.

Unfortunately, the promised open space and infrastructure (such as Light Rail) have not been delivered as agreed by the Victorian Government. Consequently, our local community is increasingly having to contend with congested roads and public transport.

The CoPP is encouraging residents to support their efforts to get the Victorian Government to honour its commitments. Further information and how to support Council is shown here.

No Commitment to a Tram Service for Fishermans Bend

Recently, the Minister for Public Transport, the Hon. Ben Carroll MP, released the Victorian Government’s Melbourne Tram Plan. The Minister’s statement is shown here.

Unfortunately, there was no mention of the proposed tram service for Fishermans Bend. This was promised by the Victorian Government in the 2018 Fishermans Bend Framework.

The proposed route for the Fishermans Bend service was an extension of the Collins St/Docklands route 11 service to Fishermans Bend. The service would have a line into the northern area (known as the Employment Precinct) and a service along Plummer Street to service the southern area.

The BCNA has supported the early provision of transport services into Fishermans Bend since inception of discussions about development of the area. Services are required to encourage development and new residents and to ease congestion on nearby roads. More information about the issues and the significance of a tram service was explained in a recent article in The Age.

Our Newsletter is Out

Volunteers will be delivering the latest BCNA newsletter to local residences over the coming days. This issue includes news on:

• Hoon driving and related noise
• Foodstore redevelopment at 103 Beach Street
• Council news affecting Beacon Cove
• E-scooters
• Traffic congestion in Fishermans Bend
• BCNA’s Annual General Meeting

I'f you'd like an electronic version, you can download it here.