Framework final

The state government has released the final framework and planning controls for Fishermans Bend.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne, Member for Albert Park Martin Foley, City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Mayor Bernadene Voss and the City of Melbourne’s (CoM) chair of planning Nicholas Reece gathered at South Melbourne Primary School in Southbank on October 5 for the announcement.

The framework, which will soon be supported by an infrastructure funding plan, is the product of 12 months of public consultation and over 250 submissions.

While the final framework remains generally similar to the draft framework released in October 2017, planning controls have been strengthened in many areas including lower interface heights in the Montague Precinct.

The 26 tower proposals, which were “called in” by the Minister for Planning in February, will also now be assessed by a Statutory Advisory Committee against the new planning controls.

The 480-hectare site represents Australia’s largest urban renewal project. Under former Liberal Minister for Planning Matthew Guy, Fishermans Bend was rezoned under capital city resulting in skyrocketing land values and a windfall of apartment applications.

This final framework is the product of a full Andrews’ Labor Government term effort to consult with planning experts and the community for a sustainable plan that maps out the vision for a world class residential, business and community precinct.

“This framework will make Fishermans Bend a community – rather than a concrete jungle – with schools, public transport and open spaces,” Minister Wynne said.

Read Montague Community Alliance convener Trisha Avery’s column of this edition for an insight into how the Montague Precinct will be impacted.