Boat Show on NewQuay Promenade prompts concern
Some members of the Docklands community have raised concerns over the City of Melbourne’s decision to hold the 2024 Melbourne Boat Show on NewQuay Promenade despite the council restricting vehicle access due to repair works.
According to a City of Melbourne spokesperson, the council has identified that some of the piles supporting the promenade require upgrades. However, the council states that it has ensured that the piles are included in a regular maintenance regimen.
While pedestrian, bicycle, business, residential and pontoon access has been maintained at all times, vehicle access has been restricted to some parts of the promenade.
Former Docklands Chamber of Commerce executive officer, Shane Wylie, questioned the reasoning behind holding the Boat Show on NewQuay Promenade despite it having restricted vehicle access.
“It makes no sense at all to have hundreds of tonnes of boats and then to just cut off vehicle access again,” he said.
“Why close it off to the public and markets for two months and then have thousands of tonnes of boats and vehicles on it for four days straight.”
However, the City of Melbourne a spokesperson confirmed that NewQuay Promenade remains structurally sound and accessible to the community.
“We are currently in the planning phase of the project and working to determine construction schedules,” the spokesperson said.
Temporary concrete bollards have been installed to delineate the areas that have been identified for work. •

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