The City of Melbourne has published a “to-do” list of activities it hopes will improve Docklands over the next three years.

February – March 2008, Issue 30
Council writes
“to do” list

By Shane Scanlan

Entitled “Delivering for Docklands”, the strategy was launched before Christmas and comprises 89 tasks under the general headings of residential, business and economic wellbeing.

Nearly half of those promises fall within the residential category where the council has identified 10 specific categories for support and improvement – childcare, recreation, public space, retirees, community groups, the arts, council information, pedestrian and bike paths, precinct character and the environment.

Some of the 43 actions listed here include:

Encourage business such as cinemas, theatres and book shops to locate in Docklands;

Introduce a comprehensive tree planting program;

Create additional public toilets where needed;

Investigate methods to reduce the impact of high winds;

Develop a Docklands-specific arts grants program; and

Work with the State Government to provide a pedestrian bridge between Lonsdale St and Telstra Dome.

The seven areas where the council hopes to support local business are: transport connections, parking, public transport, water transport, new business development, promotion and sustainable design.

In publishing the strategy, the council acknowledges that Docklands will need additional support “until it is a fully-developed precinct”.