The Andrews Labor Government has announced a Fishermans Bend Development Board to ensure the project remains on track and adheres to the highest levels of governance.
The Andrews Labor Government has announced a Fishermans Bend Development Board to ensure the project remains on track and adheres to the highest levels of governance.
Government says that the Board will play a critical role in implementing the Fishermans Bend Framework, guiding the transformation of the precinct into a new community on the doorstep of the city with 80,000 residents and 80,000 jobs.
The Board will be chaired by Meredith Sussex AM – an expert on city planning and the chair of the former Fishermans Bend Ministerial Advisory Committee.
She is joined by five experts in planning, industry, finance and transport:
• Martyn Myer AO
• Susan Oliver
• Cheryl Batago
• Gary Liddle
• Janet Bolitho
UDIA has been advocating for the establishment of a separate authority to take responsibility for the strategic planning and administration of Fishermans Bend, so we can finally de-politicise the planning of this extremely important precinct.
“Provided they have appropriate autonomy, the Fishermans Bend Development Board is a welcome announcement – we need a one-stop-shop that can put the political games aside and keep this major urban renewal project on track.
“The government has been consulting on various iterations of its vision for Fishermans Bend since 2015; it’s time to get on with the job of delivery. The Development Board is a step in the right direction, but we’re still calling for government to show some leadership and provide practical and consistent direction around height, design, transport and amenity for the precinct. Only then can the development industry get on with transforming Fishermans Bend into the thriving new community we need it to be,” said Danni Addison, Victorian CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia.
The Board will lead engagement with the community and advise on precinct plans and major decisions for Fishermans Bend to ensure that the interests of the community continue to be at the forefront of development.
Government says that the role of local government is critical in the successful development of Fishermans Bend. A Mayors’ Forum will be established with the Mayors of the City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip and the Chair of the Development Board CEO, Meredith Sussex, to keep the councils up to date and engaged.
“It is important the Board engage with all sectors working hard to deliver the homes, jobs, infrastructure, services and amenities our growing population needs. Only then will we achieve a truly optimal outcome for Victoria,” said Ms Addison.
