Time for council and DV to “lift its game” for Docklands

Earlier this month Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN), as a Docklands stakeholder, was invited to participate community consultations convened by the City of Melbourne and Docklands Chamber of Commerce.

MMHN takes such opportunities very seriously but as we were unable to attend in person we made a written submission outlining our concerns about the management of Docklands i.e. what we see as necessary changes or “solutions”.

First and foremost, the City of Melbourne must recognise that Docklands’ waterways are both an economic asset as well as a community asset currently hampered and severely under-utilised through the inept control of multiple responsible agencies or authorities.

Waterways drive both local economic activities, increase tourism and build stronger local businesses. MMHN has found that, compared to other port cities around the globe, specifically in relation cost-efficient and effective use of waterways, the council has been found wanting. It is also apparent that ill-informed, inadequate and competing state bureaucracies prevent the council from implementing necessary changes to enable it to “lift its game”.

To understand the extent of the opportunity, and to realise opportunities attached to Docklands waterfront MMHN recommends that:

The council undertake serious research which compares its approach to waterways management (environment, community and economic) with that of four comparable cities (one in Australia and three overseas). The council actively lobby for greater control of its waterways, noting that Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and Development Victoria (DV), Visit Victoria, as agencies, all demonstrably fail to understand the concept that waterways are “economic drivers” and fail to optimise value of Docklands’ unique heritage waterways site.

The council proactively pursue taking over control of Docklands, including the waterways) sooner than 2030 given that DV are now stating that their ONLY responsibility in relation to Docklands is addressing the state “housing” crisis.

Greater activity on the waterways brings people and their spending power, to the precinct. The overly bureaucratic event permits system must be streamlined.

The council proactively advocate to state government to incorporate ferries into the public transport system. Docklands has the terminal and the population density and ferry companies are keen to expand services. Bureaucracy must “get out of the way”.

The council proactively advocate for a Docklands Secondary School – a critical asset in any properly functioning community. Docklands has the connectivity and the population base to replicate the success of the primary school with a well-located secondary school. This will attract and anchor families and diversify Docklands with more families to offset the commuter office workers and “dormitory” apartment dwelling. Docklands has the added asset of Kangan TAFE nearby.

The council proactively advocate for DV to replace the Central Pier, which was obviously an economic asset and a community asset in the precinct. DV abdicated its obvious responsibility to adequately compensate the Docklands community. MMHN has explored replacement options and determined that a floating pontoon pier built off site and towed into place on Harbour Esplanade presents a viable option for this site. This option is not only cost effective but environmentally appropriate in this densely populated precinct.

Please note that this MMHN submission was also sent to selected councillors.

Heritage Fleet gone: profound loss inflicted upon Docklands

The presence of the Heritage Fleet in Victoria Harbour was widely and fondly recognised as an enduring reminder of Melbourne’s rich maritime port heritage. In prioritising real estate construction, DV has now achieved dubious success in removing the Heritage Fleet. Just as was the case with Central Pier, Docklands has lost another unique heritage asset.

Victoria Harbour Waterways Trail

MMHN recommends that you access the Victoria Harbour Trail via the link on your phones to be reminded what has been lost. See mmhn.org.au/heritage-trails/victoria-harbour. Note that there are actually three MMHN Waterways Trails.

Invitation:

MMHN has invited Tim Stone to share his latest research into the fate of the brig Cyprus and its pirate crew – Australia’s first contact with Japan in 1830.

When: Wednesday 4 March at 5pm

Where: Waterways Branch, City of Melbourne, Suite 120 (upstairs) at 425 Docklands Drive, New Quay Docklands. •