Fair play for Fishermans Bend

Mayor Alex Makin said the delay is a critical setback to what is envisaged as one of Melbourne's fastest-growing communities, further undermining confidence in the future of Fishermans Bend.

"Young athletes are being left on the sidelines because the infrastructure they need simply isn't being built," Cr Makin said.

"Council has done its part. We invested $38.9 million to secure the land and remove existing buildings so the Sandridge Recreation Precinct could become a reality,” he said.

"We were told developer contributions would help fund this vital project, yet years later we're still waiting. Instead of multi-purpose sports fields and community facilities, we're left with a desolate concrete slab and growing frustration from local families and clubs.

“In fact the Victorian Government’s draft Development Contributions Plan, approved by an independent panel, supports development of the SRP from 2025-35.”

The Sandridge Recreation Precinct, a pivotal project for the Fishermans Bend urban renewal area, is critical to relieving pressure on Port Phillip sporting facilities already stretched beyond capacity. Every day more families are moving into Fisherman Bend,  with 80,000 residents expected to be living there by 2050.

This year alone, more than 120 children have been turned away by a local football club because there is nowhere for them to play.

At nearby JL Murphy Reserve, local clubs report that up to six teams and 80 players are sharing a single pitch during peak training times, while every lit sporting field across Port Melbourne and nearby Fishermans Bend is effectively fully booked throughout winter.

As participation in sport continues to rise, particularly among women and girls, the lack of investment is limiting opportunities for local residents and undermining efforts to achieve gender equity in sport.

Local sports clubs report that plans to substantially grow women's and girls' participation over the coming years will be constrained unless additional playing fields are delivered.

"This isn't just about sport. It's about giving young people the opportunity to be active, healthy and connected to their community," Cr Makin said.

"The Victorian Government continues to collect developer contributions intended to fund community infrastructure, yet families of our growing population are being shortchanged and locked out of much needed open space and sporting facilities.

"Every year of ongoing torpor and procrastination means more children missing out, further delaying Fishermans Bend and placing greater uncertainty for sporting clubs trying to plan for the future."

Council is calling on the Victorian Government to release the Fishermans Bend Development Contributions Plan, which allocates a projected $2.45 billion worth of developer contributions to deliver community infrastructure such as sporting fields.  

“The draft DCP has been with the Government since April 2025 and it must be approved before the election caretaker period,” Cr Makin said. “I’m seeking an urgent meeting with the Premier to get Fishermans Bend back on track.”

“We’re doing our part including endorsing a masterplan for the delivery of the Sandridge Recreation Precinct.”

Cr Makin said new homes, jobs, transport connections, sporting facilities, open space and community infrastructure should be planned and delivered together.

“Fishermans Bend is Australia's largest urban renewal project. If we're serious about building thriving communities, we must deliver the parks, sports grounds and public infrastructure that residents were promised," Cr Makin said.

"The community has waited long enough. We need action now."

Learn more on our Fishermans Bend advocacy page