Montague's Future Unveiled: Draft Implementation Plan Open for Feedback
The Department of Transport and Planning has released the much awaited draft 'Making Montague' Precinct Implementation Plan (MPIP) for public consultation, seeking community and stakeholder input to shape the final plan. Montague, one of five neighbourhoods in the Fishermans Bend urban renewal precinct, is undergoing significant development and is expected to experience substantial growth in the next decade. The consultation, closing on 23 February 2024, offers engagement opportunities through activities like the Montague Survey, submission process, and a mapping activity.
Have Your Say: Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Infrastructure Funding Plan
The Department of Transport and Planning invites your input on the proposed funding approach for essential infrastructure in Fishermans Bend's urban renewal. The endorsed plan aims to secure funding sources for the area's development through the Draft Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area Development Contributions Plan and the Open Space Uplift development incentive. This initiative seeks to provide planning certainty and enhance essential infrastructure for the area's urban renewal. Your feedback as a potentially affected party is valuable and sought after in shaping this plan. Join in and contribute your views to this vital urban renewal initiative in Fishermans Bend.
Unveiling the Future: Fishermans Bend Seed Toolkit Propels Sustainable and Innovative Urban Renewal
The Fishermans Bend Seed Toolkit has just been unveiled, a groundbreaking initiative to drive place-based economic development and propel the urban renewal area toward its ambitious 2050 vision. Anchored by the Fishermans Bend Framework, the area aspires to accommodate over 80,000 residents and jobs, fostering sustainability, liveability, connectivity, diversity, and innovation. Recognising the need for economic evolution, the Toolkit empowers collaboration among government, industry, institutions, and investors to shape a specialised, innovative, and inclusive Fishermans Bend economy. With a focus on fostering innovation connected to business, the Toolkit provides a diverse set of tools to define place, generate activity, and seed economic opportunities, ultimately contributing to a thriving and innovative economy that supports a stronger Victoria.
Proudly Port Phillip Awards Introduce 'Small Business of the Year' Category
The Proudly Port Phillip Community Awards, formerly known as the Port Phillip Civic Awards, commend outstanding community contributions that enhance our city. These awards acknowledge individuals, groups, and projects of all scales that contribute to the character of our neighborhoods. An exciting new inclusion in the awards is the 'Small Business of the Year' category, designed to engage our community. This category celebrates the vibrancy of small businesses in the City of Port Phillip. Nominations will be accepted starting from 1 November on the Proudly Port Phillip Community Awards page, and the awards presentation is scheduled for 14 March 2024.
Melbourne Airport Rail Link Secures $5 Billion Funding Amid Infrastructure Cuts
The Melbourne Airport Rail Link has been given a federal funding lifeline of $5 billion, while fifty other projects have been axed as part of the federal government’s long-awaited infrastructure review. This vital injection of funds signifies a significant leap towards improved connectivity. However, it also highlights the broader issue faced by Fishermans Bend, underserved by adequate public transport infrastructure. With the area's potential for massive growth, this funding underlines the pressing need for comprehensive transport development to support its expansion and functionality effectively.
Heather Cunsolo Reelected Port Phillip Mayor for a Second Consecutive Year
Heather Cunsolo has been re-elected as Mayor of Port Phillip for the second consecutive year, with Louise Crawford as Deputy Mayor. They will hold these positions for the final year of the Council's term. Mayor Cunsolo's priorities include advancing projects like the Station Pier transformation and the Green Line park project in Balacava. Deputy Mayor Crawford is committed to supporting traders and the creative community impacted by COVID-19. Both leaders aim to serve the community, progress essential projects, and ensure Fishermans Bend meets its potential.
Delayed Planning Approvals Dilemma: Port Melbourne Development Stalled
An application for a three-level office building in Port Melbourne, supported by the City of Melbourne in July, has been awaiting Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny's consideration. The prolonged delay, now several months, adds uncertainty and holding costs to the project. The proposed development aligns with the council's aim to support new and innovative businesses, featuring 50 canopy trees and over 5000 square meters of landscaping. The lack of progress raises concerns about the impact on the site and the broader community's development landscape.
Hobsons Bay Main Sewer Upgrade
Melbourne Water is addressing critical sewerage needs in the city, home to over five million people. The Hobsons Bay Main Sewer, serving 30% of Melbourne's wastewater, is undergoing essential upgrades as the existing sewer, built in the 1960s, approaches the end of its service life. To ensure uninterrupted service, Melbourne Water is investing $206 million in a duplication project to support the network during the modernisation of the original main. Expected to conclude by mid-2024, this collaborative effort involves tunnelling works using the tunnel boring machine, "Lucey", a name chosen by the students Spotswood Primary School after Lucey Alford, the first female Bacteriologist and the first woman employed by the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (now Melbourne Water) as a scientist at the Spotswood Pumping Station. The new 670m Hobsons Bay Main Sewer will stretch from Westgate Park to Scienceworks in Spotswood.
Expressions of Interest Opportunity Continues with FB IDEAs
FB IDEAs Expression of Interest process is ongoing, welcoming ideas and project proposals for development in Fishermans Bend. Unlike traditional grant cycles, their approach involves ongoing refinement and development, fostering a responsive and active partnership. FB IDEAs encourage early-stage ideas, aiming to collaboratively shape and bring them to fruition in Fishermans Bend. Get in touch to explore the possibilities and contribute to the area's development.
Construction underway on Montague build-to-rent project
Melbourne-based build-to-rent platform Local Residential has began construction of the 40-storey tower, comprising 406 apartments, was purchased from developer Blue Earth Group and Hamilton Marino Builders have been appointed. The project, valued at $280 million, includes amenities like a pool, exercise studios, co-working spaces, a cinema, pet wash bays, and more. The development is fully electric, with a large solar array on the roof for renewable energy. It sits almost directly across from The Canopy by GAMUDA LAND, a mixed-use project with 200 build-to-sell apartments, and next door to R.Iconic, an $845 million apartment project designed by Plus Architecture with interior design by David HIcks Design.
Advancing Aerospace Apprenticeships
Boeing Aerostructures Australia, the country's exclusive designer and producer of advanced composite aerostructure components for commercial airplanes, is actively addressing skills shortages and demographic changes through apprenticeship programs. The focus includes a women in aerospace initiative to enhance gender diversity in manufacturing. Boeing aims to expand its apprenticeship program to accommodate 40 apprentices over the next four years, aligning with its commitment to fostering a diverse workforce that mirrors the broader community. Located in Fishermans Bend, Boeing has a significant legacy in Australian aviation since 1927, contributing to the production of aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force during World War Two.
