Latest articles by David Schout
Once-per-decade strategy reveals renewed vision for Southbank
Southbank’s local population will almost double by 2040 according to a once-per-decade planning blueprint that pledges to develop the local area into “truly walkable neighbourhood that provides a great environment for people”.
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A “dynamic, engaged community”: Martin Foley reflects on Southbank
After 15 years as the state member for Albert Park, Martin Foley has announced he is stepping down and will not contest the November state election. He spoke with Southbank News about how he has seen the local area evolve during that time, its challenges going forward, and being health minister in a once-per-century pandemic.
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New court at Fawkner Park opens, but anger remains
A new sports court at Fawkner Park is now open for public use, but some locals remain frustrated it was allowed to be installed.
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Concerns raised as millions earmarked for open space reallocated to Greenline
More than $6 million of developer contributions set aside for public open space in Southbank has been reallocated to the City of Melbourne’s “city-shaping” $300 million Greenline trail after a last-minute budget change.
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Population doubles in a decade as census reveals Southbank to be a young, multicultural hub
Southbank’s population has more than doubled during the past 10 years, and two-thirds of locals are aged in their 20s and 30s according to the 2021 national census.
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Council looks to solve “really difficult” Queens Bridge traffic issues
Queensbridge St is Melbourne’s most-complained about thoroughfare since the introduction of separated bike lanes, and the City of Melbourne has proposed ways to ensure a smoother traffic flow across the river.
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Foley retires after 15 years as Albert Park member
After 15 years as the state member for Albert Park, Martin Foley has announced he is stepping down and will not contest the November state election.
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Promenade works finally underway, but concerns remain about cyclists
Much needed upgrade works on Southbank Promenade have begun more than two years after originally flagged.
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An unwanted tag: Singapore meeting exposes City of Melbourne’s dilemma
The City of Melbourne is coming down harder than ever on graffiti, yet street art remains one of the city’s biggest selling points. Can the council have it both ways?
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Arts Precinct works to start in June
Early works on the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation will begin in June, ahead of major construction getting underway in 2023.
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Open space pledge, Greenline, headlines budget as rate rise returns
Around $25 million will be spent on securing new open space in Southbank over the next four years, as the City of Melbourne released its latest budget that signalled a return to rate rises.
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Burns win delivers Labor majority amid big Green swing in Southbank
Labor’s Josh Burns has retained the seat of Macnamara after a tense wait following the May 21 federal election, to deliver a majority to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new government.
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New Riverkeeper to fight for Melbourne’s iconic waterway
In a wide-ranging interview with Southbank News, newly-appointed Yarra Riverkeeper Charlotte Sterrett shares her vision for the river, her thoughts on the proposed Greenline project, and the importance of pushing towards a “swimmable Birrarung”.
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The Fox to “rival Tate and Met”, but how will transformed Arts Precinct intersect with Southbank?
Speaking at a Yarra River Business Association (YRBA) forum in April, Melbourne Arts Precinct director Michael Parry answered questions as to how the $1.7 billion project will impact Southbank directly to the west of the site.
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Vegemite factory one of three Fishermans Bend sites given heritage protection
The industrial and social heritage of Fishermans Bend has been recognised, after an independent panel recommended three local sites be granted heritage protection.
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Plans for large rooftop “oasis” at Southbank Promenade
Under-utilised rooftop space at a prominent Southbank location would be transformed into “a green oasis with views back towards the city” under new plans from developer Mirvac.
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Council wish list goes begging in state budget
A City of Melbourne list of short-term priorities has been left largely ignored in the latest state budget.
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Softening the transition from sleepwear to workwear
Like many office workers, Southban\ntrepreneur Nicola Nemaric has never particularly embraced the morning ritual of slipping out of pyjamas and into corporate-appropriate attire.
Read MoreCouncil pushes government to fund remaining City Rd projects
The state government should “fully fund” outstanding projects in the City Road Master Plan according to the City of Melbourne, as the council pushes the Andrews Government to deliver ahead of a state election in November.
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“It’s only natural council will be defensive”: Overshadowing concerns for linear park
Early indications from designs suggest the new NGV Contemporary (NGVC), while impressive, could overshadow Southbank Boulevard’s linear park, leading one City of Melbourne councillor to suggest the state government should offset the impacts with a new Southbank park.
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