Commonwealth and Port Phillip Back the Bend
The City of Port Phillip has welcomed the announcement that the Sandridge Recreation Precinct Masterplan Project will receive $1.5 million through the Australian Government's Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, recognising the precinct's importance to one of Australia's most significant urban renewal areas.
Mayor Cr Alex Makin said the funding demonstrated that the Commonwealth shares Council's vision for a thriving, connected and liveable Fishermans Bend.
"This funding is a strong endorsement of the future we're building in Fishermans Bend and recognition that community infrastructure must grow alongside new homes and jobs."
"The Commonwealth has recognised the importance of planning for the next generation of community facilities. We thank the Albanese Government for backing that vision."
Fishermans Bend is expected to accommodate 80,000 residents and 80,000 jobs by 2050, making it Australia's largest urban renewal project. As new residents continue to move into the precinct, the need for sporting fields, community facilities, open space and transport connections is becoming increasingly urgent.
Over the past year, Council has worked closely with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive masterplan for the Sandridge Recreation Precinct, which will transform the former Australia Post site and create much-needed sporting and recreation infrastructure for a growing community.
However, Council said planning alone will not deliver the infrastructure local residents need.
The Federal Government's investment comes at a critical time, with key State Government decisions still required to unlock delivery across Fishermans Bend.
"The Commonwealth has demonstrated it shares our vision. Now it's time for the Victorian Government to come to the table and help deliver it."
Council is calling on the Victorian Government to release the long-awaited Fishermans Bend Development Contributions Plan (DCP) and provide certainty around funding for priority community infrastructure projects, including the Sandridge Recreation Precinct.
Despite being identified as a priority project to support growth in Fishermans Bend, uncertainty remains around the timing of State funding, while existing sporting facilities across Port Melbourne are already operating at or near capacity.
"The homes are coming, the community is growing and the need for infrastructure is real. It is time for the State Government to Back the Bend just as the Commonwealth Government and Council are doing.”
"We cannot tolerate any further torpor and procrastination, we need the State Government to finalise the DCP so we have immediate funding streams for the Sandridge Recreation Precinct so Fishermans Bend becomes a vibrant and liveable community."
Council will continue advocating for investment in the transport, recreation and community infrastructure needed to support Fishermans Bend's continued growth and ensure Melbourne's newest neighbourhood is backed by the facilities residents deserve.