Fishermans Bend vision released

The State Government has released its 2050 vision document for Fishermans Bend, which establishes a clear direction for future planning work and delivery.

The vision recognises the 491-hectare area near Melbourne’s CBD as an opportunity to set new benchmarks for inner city urban renewal.

Fishermans Bend is expected to accommodate 80,000 residents and 60,000 jobs by 2050 and the vision document spells out the desired planning framework for the four separate neighbourhoods and a new employment precinct.

The vision sets new planning benchmarks for inner city urban renewal, which include an integrated transport strategy, open space within 200 metres of all residents and workers, schools, activity centres and diverse and affordable housing options.

However, one of the more controversial elements of the document is its car-free vision, which sets a target for 80 per cent of transport movements to be made via public transport, walking or cycling.

The Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, said achieving the target was going to be a challenge of good planning and a balance needed to be struck between public transport and roads in order to encourage a sustainable future.

“This is an extraordinary urban renewal opportunity in Australia where you’ve got nearly 500 hectares of land virtually on the door step of the city and we want to make sure that we actually get this right,” he said.  

“The key to success is to ensure that we find a balance between public transport, which is going to be critical for this precinct and the road network.”

The minister said design and engineering would be at the heart of the employment precinct, following his government’s recent purchase of the 37.7 hectare Holden site.

Mr Wynne said former Liberal planning minister Matthew Guy’s decision to rezone Fishermans Bend had made his government’s job of planning more difficult.

“He increased the value of this land by three to four times without giving any consideration to the public realm, which is schools, public transport, childcare and libraries.”

“Virtually all of this land, with the exception of the Holden site that we purchased recently is under private ownership so it’s a massive uplift for the private sector without any consideration of the amenity that is required to support a population of 80,000 people.”

Written submissions together with the vision and a public engagement report are available on the Fishermans Bend website www.fishermansbend.vic.gov.au