Arron Wood calls for action on new movie-themed infrastructure project

Independent Lord Mayoral candidate and small business owner Arron Wood will deliver a blockbuster community infrastructure package to revitalise Docklands if elected to the City of Melbourne.

Mr Wood wants to establish a $10 million grants program to deliver community infrastructure projects that tell the story of Docklands as an international movie-making destination.

In recent years, Docklands Studios has become the home for some of the world’s biggest movie and television productions including Predestination, La Brea, Where the Wild Things Are and many more.

The package funded through the City of Melbourne’s capital works budget would be able to be used to upgrade public spaces with interactive displays, public art and signage.

Mr Wood said Docklands was one of the world’s great hubs for screen industries, but it hadn’t told its story to Melburnians.

“This package could deliver a new kids’ park with characters from Where the Wild Things Are or it could provide a boulevard of blockbusters with info and fun facts for even the most hardened movie buffs,” Mr Wood said.

We want to really highlight and celebrate that Docklands is a critical part of the success of so many blockbuster movies and TV productions.

All proposals for the community infrastructure package would have input from a committee of Docklands residents and businesses before being decided.

“Town Hall needs to get back to listening to the community and that’s why it’s critical that this package includes a committee for locals to provide feedback on any potential project,” Mr Wood said.

If elected in October, Mr Wood’s decision to scrap Greenline would allow for further investment into other greening projects.

In addition to delivering movie themed infrastructure projects for Docklands, at the Meet The Candidates event run by Community3008 in September Mr Wood floated the idea of bringing the Harbour Esplanade Master Plan back to life.

He is also committed to working closely with the Victorian Government to support the growth of the screen industry in Docklands.

This is something that independent Lord Mayoral candidate, Docklands resident and current councillor Jamal Hakim has previously said he would look to address if he was sworn into Town Hall in October.

Cr Hakim wants the council to explore the ways that they can help facilitate education that is specifically tailored to the film and television industry, as well as the emerging gaming industry.

A balance needs to be struck, according to Cr Hakim, that finds a way for Docklands to be an area that embraces and showcases its rich maritime industry, screen industry and community.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said Docklands was becoming synonymous with the film industry and that he wanted to see it go from strength to strength.

“The District has been capitalising on the film reputation of Docklands by hosting different exhibitions including the upcoming; The Fans Strike Back: Star Wars Exhibition this November,” Cr Reece said. 

“As Lord Mayor, I want to work with VicScreen, the District and other businesses to make sure we are building on this momentum.” •