Docklands deserves its share: a winter moment to reclaim our future

As winter sets in and Docklands lights up for the Firelight Festival this July, it’s also time for residents and traders to turn their attention to something equally important: our city’s future.

The City of Melbourne’s 2025–26 Draft Budget and the Melbourne 2050 (M2050) strategic vision are both currently open for public consultation or are being debated in council. These documents shape the future of our neighbourhood, from how we live and move to how our local businesses survive or thrive.

And for Docklands, this moment is critical.

While the Draft Budget includes more than $730 million in citywide spending, including $44 million for greening and open space, there is little detail about how much will land in Docklands, despite election commitments and it being home to tens of thousands of residents, workers, students and visitors.

The budget references priorities from the Docklands Neighbourhood Plan calling for better waste management, improved public realm, and safer, cleaner streets but we need to ensure those words are backed with real investment and action.

Harbour Esplanade remains one of the biggest missed opportunities in the city. A green, people first transformation is long overdue; one that supports walking, cycling, small businesses, and connection to the waterfront. Similarly, our growing community needs permanent, accessible community spaces, not just short-term activations.

With M2050 in public consultation, Docklands must be included in Melbourne’s long-term vision. That means planning for more families, more gathering spaces, and more vibrant local culture; not just towers and temporary installations.

This winter, while Firelight Festival (July 4 to 6) gives us a taste of what’s possible when the city shows up for Docklands, we must also show up for ourselves. You can do this by submitting feedback on the budget and the M2050 vision.

Because without our voices, Docklands risks being left in the dark.

What you can do:

Contribute to the Melbourne 2050 vision (closes August 21): participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/m2050-vision

Let’s make sure Docklands gets its fair share, not just this winter, but for every season to come. •