Why Docklands fireworks must stay on the water

The Docklands community is now galvanised and will do everything in its power to protect Melbourne’s “most liveable” reputation.

We are probably the only city in the world that grossly underutilises one of our greatest public assets – our waterways and harbour. Getting boats on the water is a nightmare of red tape. Just look for yourself. Have a look on the harbour. Have a look on the Yarra. Why is movement virtually non-existent?

It is hard to imagine, but the City of Melbourne is actually considering moving one of the most important activations we have on the water, the Docklands’ fireworks.

Our fireworks are one of many features that delivers our most liveable reputation because of its water location. If you move the fireworks, you potentially damage that reputation.

Local residents and businesses are now recommending an alternative activation that could be spread around the harbour with:

Staging at “MAB corner” – this would spread down NewQuay Promenade and down Harbour Esplanade;

Staging at Victoria Harbour Promenade at Merchant St (where the Regatta had its staging). This would spread down Victoria Harbour Promenade and across Harbour Esplanade;

Different genre of music/entertainment at each site would bring in diverse attendees – and spread the share of people around the area; and

This would provide diverse entry and exit strategies to dissipate traffic in and out of the area.

Views of the fireworks would be all around the precinct and would support both land-based and water-based business.

There are 7km of waterfront in Docklands and this is the unique point of difference compared with other cities.

The Docklands Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the lack of consultation on the proposal to move the fireworks from the harbour. Businesses have already started taking bookings for New Year’s Eve based on water-based fireworks as a focus. Activation of the waterways is the high focus for the DCC and the Docklands Community Forum.

The council is saying that water-based fireworks are a risk but this needs to be examined so we can eliminate the perceived risk and keep the fireworks safe and on the water.  The DCC executive has voted to commission an independent risk assessment to be completed.

The chamber has received emails, phone calls and letters of concern from publicans, boat operators, accommodation providers, restaurants, retail businesses and residents.

The Chamber of Commerce will work with Cherie Fraser, the council’s director of events and Victoria Police with one objective – to ensure the continuation of safe water-based fireworks events from Victoria Harbour. We will ensure that all councillors and council staff are aware of the Docklands community’s position.

Meet your councillor candidates

Come on Thursday, October 6 and meet your candidates for the Melbourne City Council. Come and see who are the friends of Docklands and who understands how the precinct can to continue to grow and prosper.   The Meet the Candidates event is being held at Library on the Dock from 7.00pm.  We currently have 16 candidates attending.

Docklands Chamber of Commerce AGM deferred

Due to the focus of your executive on the continuance of water-based fireworks on New Year’s Eve the AGM has been deferred until November. This is to maintain continuity on the team working to resolve this issue.  We will confirm a new date as soon as this has been set.

Now is the time to become a chamber member!

Join the chamber, protect the Docklands fireworks and connect your business to people with like minds who are actively encouraging the development of the Docklands community.

If you have anything you wish to share, or you want to join us simply email: [email protected] or visit our web site http://www.docklandscc.com.au