Latest articles by Jackie Watts
Schools in Docklands
After a regrettably long delay, we are delighted to welcome news of a new campus for Docklands Primary School. But we say, this is not enough! Now is the time to ramp up pressure on the state government for a Docklands Secondary School.
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State agencies continue to fall short – Docklands deserves better
Three State Government agencies – Parks Victoria (PV), Melbourne Water (MW), and Development Victoria (DV) – continue to fall short in their obligations to the Docklands community.
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Momentum building for Harbour Esplanade revitalisation project
Progress! The Maritime Museum Heritage Network (MMHN) in collaboration with CBRE has proceeded to the next stage of assessment for the Harbour Esplanade Revitalisation Project.
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Time for council and DV to “lift its game” for Docklands
Earlier this month Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN), as a Docklands stakeholder, was invited to participate community consultations convened by the City of Melbourne and Docklands Chamber of Commerce.
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Maritime futures, port pressures and Antarctic legacy
This first Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) Docklands News column for 2026 comes amid ongoing global turbulence. Regrettably, the socio-political instability that escalated in late 2025 has continued into the new year, with clear implications for the maritime sector.
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Maritime Heritage Trails Guide
This has been a complex and evolving project – a first for Victorian maritime heritage tourism.
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Some boats are “special”
Sadly, for Victoria Harbour and Docklands community there threatens to be yet another loss of significant maritime heritage.
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Protest! Wharf activism – not a new phenomenon
Much of the news this past month has concerned protest in our city.
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Shipping Control Tower: Hopes for heritage recognition
Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) has consistently championed the overdue heritage registration of the Shipping Control Tower (SCT) located at the end of North Wharf.
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Showcasing Victoria Dock to the world
Unsurprisingly, given that we are an island continent, media coverage of global naval activity by the RAN, USA, UK, China and others seems to have intensified recently.
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Shipping Control Tower update
When port infrastructure in Docklands (Victoria Harbour, Central Pier) was heritage listed, it was inexplicable that the Shipping Control Tower was omitted.
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Beyond Greenline
Despite not getting the support of a majority of councillors, Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) commends Crs Philip Le Liu and Owen Guest on the recent motion relating to Greenline funding commitments, status and permit approvals.
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Community and stakeholder forum report at Docklands library on March 25
Triggered by alarm at Development Victoria’s intention to evict the heritage fleet from North Wharf, Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) convened a forum to enable the community and maritime heritage stakeholders to discuss the impacts.
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Heritage fleet eviction – tell us what you think
A reminder that the core concern of Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) is advocacy and the proactive support of maritime heritage in many forms.
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Yachting continues Melbourne’s proud maritime traditions
From a maritime perspective, Docklands is fortunate indeed, uniquely aware of the water and magnificent yachts. No matter if you don’t sail yourself, the exhilarating power of wind and waves can’t help but capture the imagination.
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Evidence of Melbourne’s maritime heritage is everywhere in Docklands
Acknowledging the immense significance of the area in generating great prosperity for Victoria should be an opportunity for pride and celebration.
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Big builds? Past Docklands maritime “Big Builds” and a “Big Build” MMHN
The Docklands precinct community may or may not be aware of the crucially important role of Victoria Harbour in the evolving story of Melbourne’s port infrastructure.
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Are you interested in what could happen with Central Pier?
In response to the Docklands precinct community’s interest, Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) now invites you to join us at a presentation about our proposal to replace the demolished Central Pier with a large floating pontoon pier.
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Docklands and maritime art
Maritime art and maritime heritage really matter – the oceans, ships, trade routes, seafarers, sea life, ports, etc., are inextricably entwined. Throughout history, maritime art has captured this maritime world for us all.
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Missing in action: Development Victoria – Central Pier Waterfront Place Principles and Vision Strategy
Many in Docklands, like members of Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN), have been eagerly awaiting the Central Pier Waterfront Place Principles and Vision Strategy. This is a matter of immense importance to maritime heritage in this State.
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