Update on Fishermans Bend

The BCNA representatives recently met Tania Quick, General Manager of the Fishermans Bend Taskforce to hear about progress. We heard that the project has been delayed due to losses of staff, no quick replacement of staff, and changes in Ministerial responsibilities. This means that the draft Precinct plans have not been released (they were due first half 2019) and the Infrastructure Contributions Plan has been delayed (this was due in the First Quarter 2019). The Infrastructure Contributions Plan and a Funding and Finance Strategy are now expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

The Department of Transport is developing a Business Case for tram and rail provision which will be considered in the May 2021 Victorian Government Budget. Two tram spur lines are being considered once the line crosses from the CBD into the Lorimer Precinct:

• One would be into the Employment Precinct to service businesses such as the proposed University of Melbourne School of Engineering and the former GMH site
• the other would be along Plummer Street in the Wirraway Precinct where residential apartments are being constructed.

Indicative tram (dashed blue) and rail (red/orange/yellow) routes can be seen in the 2018 Fishermans Bend Framework:


The BCNA will be writing to the Hon. Gavin Jennings MP, Minister for Priority Precincts, and to the Treasurer urging early provision of tram and rail services. This is needed to encourage investment and new residents into Fishermans Bend. It will also ease congestion on Williamstown Road and other nearby roads.