Thursday, 8 July, 2010

Victorians will have an unprecedented opportunity to help shape the future of Docklands, as new figures reveal the waterfront precinct is set to become home to more than 15,000 people and attract a further $9 billion in investment by 2021.

Unveiling plans for Docklands' second decade, Planning Minister Justin Madden, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and Member for Melbourne Bronwyn Pike today announced a feasibility study for an urban primary school at Harbour Esplanade.

A library, recreational facilities including the 'Docklands Run' - the equivalent of the Tan Track - designated bike paths, space for playgroups and a community boating hub are all being considered as part of future plans for Docklands.

"Over the last ten years, Docklands has gone from being the city's poor relation to a central part of our economic and social fabric,” Mr Madden said.

"Although only 50 per cent has been developed, it is already a $7 billion economic hub, home to more than 40 major national or international companies employing more than 19,000 people.

"But Docklands is much more than just an extension of Melbourne's business heart. It is also one of our newest suburbs, home to more than 6,000 people living in 3,400 homes, and the challenge now is to strengthen the community within this important growth area."

Confirming that the City of Melbourne would be given increased planning powers for the area, Mr Madden and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle agreed it was critical that future planning for the harbour-side precinct married community infrastructure alongside private development.

"Private development needed to be the impetus of the first decade of Docklands,” Mr Doyle said.

“But as we head towards 2020 we need to ensure the 'fine grain' of the precinct - the community infrastructure which gives a development site its soul - is equally planned for.

"We are delighted with Minister Madden's decision to include the City of Melbourne at the table to plan for this next decade, and are confident the genuine partnership between the Brumby Government and the City of Melbourne will benefit our waterfront precinct as it moves into its second decade.

“To ensure we get this planning right, we call on the residents, workers, investors, visitors - everyone who has a stake in Docklands - to participate in the Second Decade consultation process. We want to hear from you about your aspirations, what works, what doesn’t work and what needs improving.

“With you we will work together to ensure Docklands realises its full potential and is fully integrated into the city.”

Mr Madden said the feasibility study into a primary school located at a site set aside on Harbour Esplanade would be undertaken by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Department of Planning and Community Development and VicUrban.

“What distinguishes Docklands from other growing areas in the state is the unique mix of residents and workers” Mr Madden said.

“This feasibility study will examine the projected demand from parents working in the area as well as future residents of Docklands and neighbouring developments.

“As this is a new approach to providing primary education, public consultation will take place with parents, employers and families of potential students to assess the suitability of a primary school at this location.

“The study, conducted over the next 12 months will help shape the future of the Docklands community, and will feed into the broader community consultation program.”

Member for Melbourne Bronwyn Pike said any new community infrastructure would complement existing facilities including two medical centres, child care centres, gyms, pharmacies, four local bank branches, a post office and a supermarket.

“Community feedback has already identified a library and sporting facilities as the number one priorities going forward and I’m pleased to say plans for these are well advanced along with selected sites,” Ms Pike said.

“The proposed Docklands Library will provide library and community facilities including a student study lounge and space for playgroups.

“Two hectares have also been set aside in western Docklands with a range of outdoor and indoor recreation activities.

“VicUrban will now undertake a comprehensive community engagement program which will be integral to shaping the next decade of Docklands.”

Mr Madden said economic indicators showing the success of Docklands first decade included: