
NEXTDC’s $200-million Data Centre Set for Fishermans Bend
Fishermans Bend is set to strengthen its position as a hub for innovation with the announcement of NEXTDC’s $200-million data centre at 127 Todd Road, Port Melbourne. This new facility will expand the company’s Melbourne footprint and meet the surging demand for data processing capabilities across Australia. When contacted about the new deal, Fishermans Bend Business Forum President and NSL Property Group Managing Director, Guy Naselli said: “The prime city fringe location coupled with the need to expand their footprint highlights the terrific access Fishermans Bend and Port Melbourne provide these type of businesses. Our community welcomes this decision as the precinct continues to lead in innovation.” With its prime location and infrastructure designed to support cutting-edge industries, Fishermans Bend continues to attract transformative developments like NextDC’s M4 facility, cementing its role as a hub for growth and technological advancement.

City of Port Phillip Environmental Leaders Taking Action
Read a fantastic interview with Sally, a recent graduate of the City of Port Phillip Environmental Leaders course, who shares how the program gave her the skills and confidence to take action. This free 10-week course supports participants to develop their own sustainability projects while building connections with like-minded locals. During the course, Sally was inspired by the Melbourne Pollinator Corridor, which is transforming underused spaces into thriving gardens to support native pollinators. Stretching from the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to Westgate Park through Fishermans Bend, the initiative shows the power of collective action to protect biodiversity and improve urban spaces. With 46 gardens already established and a goal of 200 by 2030, the corridor is proof of how collective action can protect biodiversity and beautify urban spaces. Read more about Sally’s journey and how the free Port Phillip Environmental Leaders course can help you lead your own community-based sustainability project.

Reviving Port Phillip Bay’s Seafloor: Kelp Restoration in Action
A groundbreaking kelp restoration project is breathing new life into Port Phillip Bay’s seafloor. Led by The Nature Conservancy in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, and Parks Victoria, the initiative addresses the devastation caused by an overpopulation of sea urchins, which have wiped out vast stretches of kelp forests. By culling urchins and transplanting lab-grown and mature kelp, the project has already seen significant success, with thriving new kelp forests supporting marine life and improving ecosystem health. With support from the Victorian Government and ongoing efforts, this project aims to restore balance to the bay’s underwater ecosystem and protect its rich biodiversity for the future. The lessons and insights being learned here in Port Phillip Bay are being shared around the world and also closer to home, where the information flows regularly across the Bass Strait, where researchers have been working to save Tasmania's giant kelp.

Port Phillip Expands its Urban Forest with 54,500 New Plants
Port Phillip’s public spaces are greener than ever, with nearly 54,500 trees and plants added during the 2024 planting season. Under the Urban Forest Strategy, over 850 trees have been planted to enhance shade, biodiversity, and climate resilience, including 141 new trees along the Ferrars Street/Canterbury Road corridor through a partnership with Metro Rail Projects. As part of “Operation Findaspot,” the City’s Green Team has surveyed 40% of the area, identifying 650 potential sites for new plantings, which will complement resident requests in the 2025 planting season. With a focus on climate-adapted species and ongoing community input, Port Phillip is taking meaningful steps to create a sustainable urban forest for future generations.

Discover the Future of Clean Technology at the Australian Cleantech Showcase
Join industry leaders, researchers, and innovators at the Australian Cleantech Showcase, a full-day event at Fishermans Bend’s Timber Yard. Explore cutting-edge technology demonstrations from 50 companies, hear inspiring presentations and panels, and connect with over 500 professionals during networking sessions. Don’t miss startup showcases and pitches highlighting groundbreaking ideas. Early bird tickets are $175 and include a 12-month Victorian Cleantech Cluster membership. Secure your spot now to engage with the forefront of clean technology and drive sustainable solutions