Community 3008 – capturing the views of the Docklands community

Retaining Victoria Harbour as an open waterway, expanding the floating wetlands on the Yarra River, reflecting Docklands’ maritime history and greening Docklands were some of the key themes emerging from recent Community 3008 community consultation.

Community 3008 facilitated a community forum on March 11 in relation to Enhancing Docklands Waterways and Strategic Infrastructure. The forum was well attended by passionate residents and community members. This consultation was in addition to a written submission process that Community 3008 had facilitated in February.

Development Victoria, City of Melbourne and Parks Victoria were also in attendance. All three provided updates on their relevant themes and participated in general discussions. This was important as Community 3008, as Docklands’ community representative, is working across different levels of government to drive positive enhancements that are consistent with the needs of the Docklands community and a shared strategic vision.

There was a significant focus by attendees on the Yarra River along Yarra’s Edge and Victoria Harbour, including the waterway interfaces of Victoria Harbour Promenade, New Quay Promenade and Harbour Esplanade. Our waterways were emphasised by attendees as a unique point of differentiation between Docklands and other parts of inner-city Melbourne.

The removal of Central Pier has provided an opportunity to see what Victoria Harbour was like without such a major piece of infrastructure impacting on the waterway’s footprint. And in many ways, the community like it. Community attendees were strong in their shared view that Victoria Harbour should remain a broad open waterway.

Recreational activity on our waterways was seen to be a critical component to the sense of vitality in the precinct. There was especially a passion for the dragon boats, their presence in Victoria Harbour being a unique spectacle for visitors and locals alike. The existence of Central Pier had previously hampered the ability for dragon boat regattas. With that area of the waterway now being open there is an opportunity to showcase the dragon boats, much like the rowing boats that are showcased on the Yarra River.

Victoria Harbour was recognised as a busy waterway utilised by commercial ferry services, recreation boats, casual hire boats, dragon boats, small sailing vessels and others. The greater usable area of the harbour increases the level of safety for these users. It was noted that plans are already in place for increased docks near the mouth of the harbour which will adversely impact on navigation safety. Any further encroachment would exacerbate safety concerns.

The expanded Victoria Harbour waterway footprint is also seen to enhance the visual amenity of the area. This being evidenced by the increased number of people now seen sitting around the harbour, and the many social media posts of photographs at sunset or of balloons coming across it at sunrise.

Recognising the need for balance and other waterway infrastructure opportunities, there was strong support to retain the size of the floating wetlands within Victoria Harbour and to expand them within the restricted vessel transit areas of the Yarra River around Webb Bridge. The City of Melbourne indicated they would explore this opportunity and how to improve welfare protection of the associated birdlife.

Attendees expressed disappointment in the loss of the heritage fleet and believed there was a need for Docklands to have a precinct that reflects its maritime history in some manner. There was also a strong view of the need for more green areas, canopy cover for heat protection, dog parks and children’s playgrounds across the neighbourhood.

There were many more issues explored at the community forum which can be found detailed in the forum minutes for Community 3008, so make sure to sign up as a member to get more information here.

Community 3008 will continue to engage with City of Melbourne, Development Victoria, Parks Victoria and other relevant departments, on these and other matters, to progress the interests of the Docklands community.

If you have any other matters you would like Community 3008 to address, email us. •