Looking back in time, this is a story published in Docklands News - April 2009, Issue 41

Looking back in time, this is a story published in Docklands News - April 2009, Issue 41

Doyle’s Docklands attack “confusing”

VicUrban is confused by recent comments by Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle attacking Docklands.

The Victorian Government’s Docklands development authority appeared perplexed by the Lord Mayor’s apparent lack of awareness of work being carried out by both the council and VicUrban.

But in an interview with this paper, Ms Sanderson refused to criticise Cr Doyle, preferring instead a diplomatic approach.

“We actually welcome Cr Doyle’s interest in the Docklands community,” she said.

“Any debate on community needs within Docklands is a positive sign that the council is keen to progress and commit to a number of community projects.”

“We are actually working very closely with council on a number of projects that will deliver the very thing the Lord Mayor is talking about,” she said.

“Importantly, we recognise we do now have a fantastic and engaged community on which we can draw to influence the direction of these plans.”

The multi-million dollar projects include plans for a library and community rooms, as well as state-of-the-art sport and recreation facilities.

“We’re very keen to finalise discussions with council regarding a location for the library and learning hub, and we know the proposal to locate the sporting hub in Waterfront City has the full support of the developer,” Ms Sanderson said.

“We’ve been having productive talks with council officers and management team for some time. In light of this positive working relationship, the recent criticism is disappointing and somewhat counterproductive.”

The City of Melbourne has been the municipal authority responsible for Docklands for close to two years. Other projects VicUrban is hopeful will now move ahead include the implementation of updated directional and information signage throughout Docklands, for which a number of key sites have been agreed.

VicUrban is also keen to talk to the Lord Mayor about its plans to redevelop Harbour Esplanade into a major waterfront park.

“This project represents a critical point in Docklands’ evolution,” Ms Sanderson said.

“It would be great to now get the Lord Mayor on board and we’re looking forward to taking him through these plans when he accepts our invitation for a tour of Docklands.”

VicUrban says it has been trying to facilitate a tour of Docklands for the Lord Mayor since before Christmas.

So – does VicUrban believe planning controls are best left with them?

“Planning controls rest with the Minister for Planning, and the council is consulted on all planning matters - they are involved every step of the way. But, as the project makes that transition to a place – ultimately, it’s about what’s best for the community,” Ms Sanderson said.

“What we’d say is that social fabric takes time to build and requires input from the type of community that does exist down here.”

“Hopefully, we can all work together to deliver on the vision for Docklands.”

Cr Doyle refused to speak with the Docklands Community News.