First Look at Multi-Tower in Fishermans Bend
Melbourne developer Ross Pelligra is preparing for a significant project in Fishermans Bend, with plans underway for a sprawling precinct located at 99-109 Lorimer Street, which was secured in 2021. Managed by Citinova, the development will comprise four towers, accommodating residential, commercial, and hotel spaces, aiming to address Melbourne's ongoing housing shortage. Architectus will design the towers, featuring a raised podium with laneways and retail outlets. Mala will design the landscape which features 3,075 sqm public open space, with Tract Consultants providing planning consultancy. Positive feedback has reportedly been received from council, with the project intended to blend in with its surroundings, contributing to the expansion of Melbourne's 'Green Spine' with landscaped pedestrian and cycling connections.
Fishermans Bend Digital Innovation Challenge 2024
The City of Melbourne 2024 Fishermans Bend Digital Innovation Challenge: A Regenerative City has been announced following the success of the 2022 Challenge and the subsequent implementation of the Remix Raingardens pilot. Entrepreneurs, community groups, researchers, and organisations are invited to submit innovative ideas. Under the theme "A Regenerative City," participants are tasked with proposing solutions to enhance resource efficiency, circularity, resilience, and health in urban environments. The winning idea will receive $90,000 for development and piloting in Fishermans Bend in 2025.
The Gladstone in Fishermans Bend Tops Out
US-based developer, Greystar (International), has achieved the structural completion of the groundbreaking $500 million build-to-rent project in Fishermans Bend. Designed by Scott Carver architects and delivered by Icon, the project, located on Gladstone Street in Montague, features three towers housing a total of 700 residential apartments, catering to approximately 1,500 residents. Slated to open its doors in September, it represents a substantial expansion of the city's rental housing market. 'The Gladstone' aims to achieve a Green Building Council of Australia five-star Green Star Design and As-Built rating upon completion, with features including rooftop solar panels, a recycled water pipe network, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Build-to-rent is increasingly recognised as a vital solution to the current housing crisis, offering stability for investors and providing renters with longer-term leases and improved living conditions.
CSIRO Programs for Small Medium Enterprises
For startups and small to medium-sized enterprises seeking R&D opportunities, CSIRO offers tailored support through SME Connect. The CSIRO team bridges the gap between SMEs and world-class research, guiding businesses from idea conception to implementation for enhanced growth. They facilitate connections with relevant research expertise, provide access to funding support, premier facilities, training, and networking opportunities within the Australian research sector. SME Connect offers four programs, including matched-funding grants and placements, assisting SMEs throughout the collaboration process, from defining business problems to accessing funding and finalising project agreements.
Preparing for Digital Drivers Licenses
Digital driver licences will become available to all Victorians in 2024. If your business requires licence verification, digital licences offers a secure and efficient method of obtaining the necessary information directly from official driver licence records. The introduction of digital driver licences in Victoria responds to the demand for more convenience, allowing for easier identity verification while giving users control over personal information shared. A key feature of the digital driver licence is a secure QR code, which can be scanned to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use. While traditional licence cards will still be accepted, digital licences streamline the verification process. Guides for licence checkers are available to support your business in adapting to this new system. These resources include guidance on how to verify digital licences and a "Digital driver licence accepted here" poster. To check digital licences, scan the QR code using the Service Victoria or myVicRoads apps, available for download on Apple and Google Play stores.
An Upgrade for Melbourne City Wi-Fi
Melbourne's free city Wi-Fi is undergoing a significant upgrade as the network infrastructure, initially piloted by iiNet almost a decade ago, nears end-of-life. Serving approximately 50,000 unique users per month in the City of Melbourne area since its launch in 2016, the Victorian Government aims to enhance speed, capacity, and functionality to align with modern mobile devices and computing standards. With a shift in the role of public Wi-Fi towards promoting digital inclusion and enhancing emergency resilience, the upgrade will integrate additional technologies such as transport monitoring, IoT, CCTV, digital signs, and a public address system. Fishermans Bend is earmarked for inclusion in the upgraded service. Now operated by TPG Telecom and overseen by the Department of Government Services, the refreshed service is set to maintain its status as one of Australia's largest Wi-Fi deployments.
Digital Jobs Program
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions Digital Jobs Program is a $63.8 million nation-leading initiative up-skilling 5,000 talented mid-career Victorians for high-demand digital jobs, supported by wage subsidies to alleviate costs. Join the online session on 1 May from 10 am to 10:45 am to explore the program's offerings, and learn how you can access to a unique pool of talent with up-to-date skills in data analytics, digital marketing, and web development. Employers involved in the free program receive a $5,000 wage subsidy for each 12-week work placement or entry-level job, with the opportunity to retain participants as ongoing employees. All participants have completed industry-recognised digital skills courses delivered by leading Victorian education providers. If you're aiming to streamline recruitment for digital roles and enhance diversity in your digital team, hosting a Digital Jobs participant could provide valuable and immediate contributions to your business.
