Heritage fleet eviction – tell us what you think

A reminder that the core concern of Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) is advocacy and the proactive support of maritime heritage in many forms.

MMHN is therefore alarmed that Development Victoria (DV) has announced that it will evict heritage vessels from berths on North Wharf (Collins Wharf) in Victoria Harbour.

This has caused great distress. DV responded by delaying the eviction by six months.

This “reprieve” is simply inadequate for the vessels to become or remain operational.

The vessels require both on-water berths and nearby shed space for around two years. DV, the responsible authority, has provided no viable options for relocation of the heritage vessels.

On March 25, MMHN hosted a community forum at Docklands Library so that represenatives from the heritage vessels Alma Doepel, Wattle and Enterprize, as well as the community, could meet to discuss the future of the heritage fleet in Victoria Harbour.

In an engaging discussion around the challenges posed by DV’s actions, we heard of the skilled work done by heritage vessel volunteers over so many years. We discussed relocation options and the next steps toward developing a combined, coordinated response to the looming eviction. Around 70 people attended the forum, yet DV, the responsible authority, refused to appear.

MMHN is coordinating a report summarising the comments that arose at the forum, to be sent to DV and the Minister for Precincts Harriet Shing. Share your thoughts via email at [email protected].

Drama sailing under the Bolte Bridge

What a marvellous thing to be in the right place at the right time? You may have noticed the mini-maxi yacht Alive at the Melbourne City Marina on NewQuay, awaiting its scheduled start on the gruelling Melbourne to Osaka yacht race (M2O).

Given that its mast is taller than the Bolte Bridge, entry into Victoria Harbour was not easy!

Some Docklanders may have watched the drama unfold under the careful scrutiny of the City of Melbourne Waterways Branch, who were nearby and ready to assist if necessary.

As the yacht slowly approached the Bolte Bridge, a crew member sat atop the mast, effectively forcing the mast to bend sideways. No good – the mast was still too tall!

The Alive circled back downstream, working on the next strategy to pass under the bridge. Plan B involved filling an enormous orange rubber bladder with water and hoisting it up the mast, tilting it further sideways before another attempt at passing under the bridge was made.

The Waterways Branch boat tied a rope to the prow of the yacht and delicately (and successfully) towed Alive under the Bolte. Just.

HMAS Cerberus Base Open Day

An invitation: MMHN encourages the Docklands community to consider a day trip (one hour and 15 minutes away) to visit the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The HMAS Cerberus Base Open Day will take place on Sunday, April 6 from 10am to 3.30pm at Sheean Avenue, Somers.

This is a special day for all maritime enthusiasts – a full day program of brief talks on a fascinating range of maritime topics.

In addition, you can attend the eagerly anticipated “soft opening” of the recently refurbished Cerberus Learning and Heritage Centre. Curator, Lawson Rennie, will share his insights into the Cerberus collection.

Program:

11am – Presentation: Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force 1914

12:30pm – Official Reopening

1pm – Presentation: Royal Australian Navy in the Korean War

2pm – Presentation: Women in the Royal Australian Navy

3pm – Presentation: N-Class Destroyers

For more information, see the RAN website •