Successful Community 3008 Forum

Community 3008 conducted another successful forum in July with many residents attending. They got to discuss concerns and ideas with representatives from Development Victoria, City of Melbourne, Parks Victoria, the AFL and Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek.

Community 3008 co-president Jamal Hakim opened the July forum by providing an overview on recent activities of Community 3008, including the provision of feedback to the City of Melbourne in relation to their proposed budget. Predominately the feedback related to the need to increase how much of the budget was allocated to Docklands to address infrastructure issues and enhance “greening”.

A specific submission was also made to the council in relation to the “urban forests” initiative. The submission highlighted the limited “green canopy” in Docklands and the need for a more comprehensive and targeted approach for areas where trees can provide greater shade and shelter, and for more understorey planting.

An AFL representative provided an overview on planned activities at Marvel Stadium. They also acknowledged concerns of residents in relation to traffic congestion during major events and advised that the AFL was working on options to improve traffic management.

Parks Victoria, City of Melbourne Waterways and Active Melbourne did a joint presentation. Parks Victoria spoke to what they had achieved to acquit undertakings provided at the March Community 3008 forum. This included engaging directly with various community groups associated with Docklands’ waterways. As a result, maritime exclusion zones in Victoria Harbour have been significantly reduced to allow greater use for recreational activities.

This presentation was a very positive outcome from an earlier Community 3008 forum, as previously there was no apparent collaborative approach between agencies with responsibility for service delivery and infrastructure within Docklands. The previous forum had also identified the need for greater community consultation by the agencies, which this joint presentation indicated had now improved.

The Docklands’ Neighbourhood Partner from City of Melbourne, detailed several initiatives being progressed in Docklands. These initiatives can be found on the council’s website “neighbourhood” page. He also indicated that there are several small grants available for residents wishing to conduct their own community-led programs or activities. The grant application process can be found on the council’s website. Residents may also seek support through Community 3008.

In response to concerns raised about parking, especially around building sites, the council indicated that a review of parking across Docklands is under way.

Cr Rafael Camillo was also in attendance. He spoke of the benefits of the “Snap, Send, Solve” app and encouraged residents to use it to report any graffiti and rubbish dumping.

The executive general manager at Development Victoria provided an update on the condition of Victoria Harbour Promenade. Due to the significance of the works required he was unable to provide a timeframe for rectification. Development Victoria are considering options for more visually appealing fencing to replace the current temporary structures.

Development Victoria confirmed they are aware that at the March Community 3008 forum the community had indicated its preference to retain as open water the area where Central Pier had been. He also indicated that the contentious Echo light installation was temporary.

The Hon. Kelvin Thomson spoke to the background of the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and activities undertaken by the “Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek” over the past three decades. Specifically, he spoke to the Docklands section at the mouth of the creek, expressing concern about the closure of the trail at the rear of Docklands Studios.

He indicated that community support, through Community 3008, would assist in getting the trail reopened. Kelvin also called for support from the Docklands community to engage with the Chain of Ponds “Adopt-a-Creek” initiative.

I highlighted Megan Healy as one of the great outcomes from the previous Community 3008 forum. Megan at that time was not a member of Community 3008, but came to the forum with a passion to enhance the “greening” of Docklands, increase local biodiversity and protect its wildlife.

Community 3008 provided Megan with a framework, network and support to progress this interest. She has passionately progressed the activities and supported Community 3008 more broadly, in the interests of Docklands residents. She is a role model for other residents who may have an area of interest they wish to pursue in the interest of the Docklands community.

Megan provided a brief overview on the council’s new Garden City Community Guidelines encouraging residents and businesses to create gardens along their local streets, laneways, nature strips and tree plots, without the need for a permit. Further information is available at: melbourne.vic.gov.au/garden-city-guidelines

In conjunction with the council’s Gardens for Wildlife team and Bili Native Nursery, Megan announced that an inaugural Balcony Gardening Workshop will be held on September 12, 2026 at the Library at the Dock, specifically for Docklands residents. Bookings available. 

The forums conducted by Community 3008 are vital in ensuring residents have input into shaping the future of Docklands. High levels of Community 3008 membership and attendance at forums, increases the commitment of relevant agencies to attend forums, consult on emerging matters and answer resident’s questions. We look forward to seeing even more residents at the next forum.

Please visit community3008.org.au and select the “Join Our Community” tab on the home page. •