711 . 4099 451 MAR:M Detailed Strategic Framework Plan
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A Message from the Mayor ···•~t.11.W.i,,----
Council 's vision for the planning and development of the municipality is expressed in the City's Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS).
Forming part of Council's planning scheme, the Statement guides the planning and development of the City and is used by Council when it decides on planning applications and changes to Council's planning scheme.
During 2005 Council must review the MSS to make sure it is up to date, addresses relevant planning issues, and t1as regard for current policies anrl community aspirations. Our City is very special in what it offers to residents, workers and visitors. We have all seen an extraordinary amount of development occurring in the City as its potential is discovered and new development opportunities are realised. In the past five years there has been a lot of change, including the residential redevelopment of the former Defence sites, increased access to the Maribyrnong River, improved open space and new commercial developments, all of which support the well being of our growing population and our economic prosperity.
We need to make sure our vision for the City sets the right direction for the future by addressing the key planning issues we are likely to face and by meeting the aspirations of those who live, work, visit and conduct business in the City.
This Issues Paper starts us thinking about the City's future and what we want to achieve over the next 10 - 15 years. I invite anyone with an interest in the planning and development of the City to provide their comments and ideas to Council, for consideration as part of the MSS review.
Our response to the issues facing the City and the input from our community will help inform our review. It will ensure that our next MSS provides a strong and clear vision that meets the challenges, and that we keep what we value, build a sustainable city and maintain our City as an attractive place to live, work and visit.
Council will also be hosting a series of public workshops on the Municipal Strategic Statement, which I encourage you to attend. For further information on workshop dates and venues, please refer to the enclosed Information Sheet.
We look forward to receiving your submission by Wednesday, 17 August 2005, and wish to thank you for your input into this important process.
Michelle MacDonald Cr 00114011 Mayor 711 . 4099 451 MAR:M Municipal strategic Detailed statement : our vision towards a sustainable Maribyrnong
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 1 Summary Information in Community languages
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Introduction Council's vision for the planning and development of the municipality is expressed in the City's Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). During 2005, Council must review the MSS to make sure it is up to date, addresses relevant planning issues, and has regard for current policies and community aspirations. This Issues Paper outlines Council's thinking about the City's future and what we want to achieve over the next 10 - 15 years. Maribyrnong City Council invites anyone with an interest in the planning and development of the City to provide their comments and ideas to Council by completing a written submission (see the 'Your Feedback' section of this publication). We look forward to receiving your submission by Wednesday, 17 August 2005. In addition, Council will be hosting a series of community consultation workshops on the Municipal Strategic Statement in July and early August. For non English speakers (NES) who require the assistance of an interpreter, please call the Telephone Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language. Once you are connected to the interpreter, ask the TIS National Operator to connect you to Maribyrnong City Council on 03 9688 0200 and quote this number: 236. A council officer will then talk to you through the interpreter. This service is free.
Vietnamese: Vien kien cua H()i E)()ng ve vi$c hOG!Ch dinh va phat trien khu Vl,/C thanh pho dllc;IC trinh bay trong Ban Cong Bo Chien Lllc;lc cua Thanh Pho (City's Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). Trong nam 2005, H()i Dong phai tai duy$t Ban Cong Bo Chien Lllc;lc cua Thanh Pho de bao dam la Ban Cong Bo nay dl.fc;IC C~p nh~t, neu len dllc;IC nhClng van de hOG\Ch dinh lien h$ Va quan tam toi CaC chfnh sach hi$n hanh cOng nhll nhClng khat v9ng cua c()ng dong. An ban nay phac thao SI,/ suy nghi cua H9i Dong ve tlldng lai cua Thanh Pho va nhClng gi chung ta muon dGit dllc;IC trong 10-15 nam nCla. H()i Dong Thanh Pho Maribyrnong xin mai tat ca nhClng ai quan tam den vi$c hoGich dinh va phat trien cua Thanh Pho dong g6p y kien va phe blnh voi H9i Dong bang each dien m()t ban kien nghi (xin xem phan 'Y Kien D6ng G6p' trong an ph~m nay). Chung toi mong nh~n dllc;lc ban kien nghi cua quf vi trlloc ho~c trong ngay Thu Tu, 17 Thang 8 Nam 2005. Ngoai ra, trong Thang 7 va dau Thang 8, H9i Dong cOng se to chuc m()t loGit nhClng buoi h()i thao tham van c()ng dong ve Ban Cong Bo Chien Ll.fc;lc cua Thanh Pho. Doi voi nhClng ngllai khong n6i tieng Anh va can thong ngon giup dB, xin g9i cho Dich Vt) Thong Ngon Di$n ThoGii (TIS National) qua so 131 450 va hoi xin thong ngon bang ngon ngu cua quf vi. M9t khi quf vi da dllc;lc noi di.fang day voi m()t thong ngon vien, quf vi hay yeu cau di$n thoGii vien cua TIS noi di.fang day voi H()i Dong Thanh Pho Maribyrnong qua di$n thOG!i so 03 9688 0200 va n6i so 236. Sau d6, quf vi se dll<;jc n6i chuy$n voi m9t nhan vien cua h9i dong qua nguai thong ngon. D!ch v1,1 nay hoan toan mi~n phi.
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2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 3 ' .,. I ' ,._. ~ ' . ' . . . . ·- . ... " ;, . . '. .. ., . .. . -...... ""' ... . .~· ~ : .~. . ' ' .. . ~ Table of Contents ttilttfaftll~.__,-
A Message from the Mayor ...... J
Summary Information in Community languages ...... 2
Table of Contents...... 4
Introduction...... P..
Background to the MSS Review...... ?. What is tile Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS)?
The 2005 MSS Review - Consultation Process...... ? Maribyrnong Planning Scheme - Structure and Influences ...... 8
SECTION ONE: Setting the Scene: The Local and Regional Context...... 9
City of Maribyrnong in a Regional Context...... J 0
Geographic Location ...... JO
People & Households...... JO
Diverse Community ...... J 1
Local and Regional Services & Facilities ...... 11 Regional Growth Pressures...... J2
SECTION TWO: Our Vision towards a Sustainable Maribyrnong ...... 13
Our Vision ...... J4
Overarching Directions...... J5
SECTION THREE: Key Land Use and Development Issues...... J9
a. Ecologically Sustainable Development ...... 21
b. Urban Design of the Public Realm...... 24
c. Community Well-being ...... 26
d. Economic and Industrial Development ...... 30
4 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper e. Activity Centres and Commercial Precincts ...... 33 i. Activity Centres and Commercial Centres (generally) ...... 33 ii. Highpoint Principal Activity Centre ...... 35 iii. Footscray Principal Activity Centre & Transit City...... 37 iv. Central West Major Activity Centre ...... 39 v. Neighbourhood Activity Centres ...... 40 vi. Victoria University - Specialised Activity Centre ...... 42 vii. Western General Hospital and Environs. ···························································· ...... 43 f. Housing ...... 44 g. Neighbourhood Character...... 47 h. Cultural Heritage 49 i. Open Space ...... 51 j. Recreation...... 53 k. Waterways...... 55 i. Maribyrnong River...... 55. ii. Stony Creek ...... 55
I. Biodiversity - Flora and Fauna ...... 58 m. Access and Transport n. Relationship with the Port of Melbourne ...... 67 o. Physical Infrastructure...... 70
Your Feedback ...... 73.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 5 Introduction....
Council's vision for the planning and development of the municipality and its suburbs is expressed in the City's Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). During 2005, Council must review the MSS to make sure it is up to date, addresses relevant planning and development issues, and has regard for current policies and community aspirations.
The MSS Review Detailed Issues Paper provides an in-depth analysis of 15 key land use and development issues in the City of Maribyrnong and the strategic directions required to address them.
Section 1 - provides an overview of the City of Maribyrnong, its local and regional services and facilities, and the regional growth pressures that are currently impacting upon the City.
. Section 2 - builds on the four overarching principles established in the 2004 - 2008 Council Plan to guide the City's future planning and development. These include:
• Ecologically Sustainable Development - Respect for the environment and promotion of an environmentally sustainable Maribyrnong. The allocation of finite resources will be made on the basis that they are ecologically sound and contribute to improving the quality and conservation of our waterways, land and air for the benefit of future generations.
• Urban Design of the Public Realm - Well designed spaces and places that promote vibrant and equitable communities. Good urban design will ensure that public spaces are improved for the benefit of the community, and that proposed adjoining developments are sensitive to the future use of the public realm, complement or preferably enhance it.
• Community Well-being - Social justice, cultural diversity and vitality to enable local communities to express their values, and build our community through enhanced health, well being and safety opportunities.
• Economic Prosperity - Land use and development that promote prosperity, enrich local identity, facilitate community strengthening, and enhance job opportunities and investments in the City.
Section 3 - examines 15 strategic land use and development issues that will form the basis of the revised MSS, guided by the overarching directions outlined above. Each issue provides the following analysis:
• Background (What is the situation?)
• Present Policy (What are the strategic directions provided in Council's policies?)
• Issues and Influences (What does this mean & what are the strategic implications?)
• Council will: (How is Council addressing I going to address the identified issues?)
Council has also produced:
• An Issues Paper Outline - a 20 page booklet which provides an overview of the major land use and development issues facing Council over the next decade and the strategic directions required to address them.
• Suburb Issues Sheets - with analysis of the key land use planning and development issues in each of Council's nine suburbs.
With input from the community, Council will produce a revised MSS that clearly expresses Maribyrnong's key strategic planning, land use and development objectives, and provides a sound strategic framework for statutory planning and corporate decision making.
Further information about the MSS review can be obtained from the Council offices, libraries and via Council's web site at www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/planning. The MSS review documents can be downloaded from Council's web site in pdf format.
6 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper Background to the MSS Review
What is the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS)? The Municipal Strategic Statement provides a vision for land use planning and development in the City of Maribyrnong and forms part of the Local Planning Policy Framework in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme. It reflects the objectives of Council and the community, and sets in place a framework for the application of actions and controls to achieve the desired land use outcomes. Council's current MSS was introduced in December 1999 and includes the following key themes:
• Residential Land Use • Industrial Development • The Maribyrnong River and Valley • Activity Centres and Retailing •Open Space • Education, Health and Community Facilities • Economic Development • Access and Transport
This review builds on the current MSS themes and seeks to address the strategic land use and development issues that have emerged since 1999, and those that will continue to impact upon the City of Maribyrnong over the next decade.
Local Planning Policies are used to implement the strategic directions of the MSS. They outline Council's view on planning issues and intentions for a particular area, and provide guidance about how planning decisions will be made. Council's local planning policies will be reviewed during the course of the MSS review to ensure they are relevant to the revised MSS, and are clear in their direction.
The 2005 MSS Review - Consultation Process The MSS review will involve significant community consultation which will help inform the preparation of the revised MSS. The public consultation process will engage a broad range of stakeholders such as residents, traders, major property developers, educational institutions, relevant community groups, service agencies and State government departments.
Consultation will include professional stakeholder facilitation, media releases and a series of community workshops, and will explore issues of importance to the community.
The community workshops will be held in July and early August at locations around the City of Maribyrnong. For further information on workshop dates and venues, please refer to the enclosed Information Sheet.
Council also encourages anyone with an interest in the MSS review to provide their comments and ideas to Council, for consideration as part of the review. For further information, please refer to the 'Your Feedback' section on page 73 of this paper.
Following the consultation process, a position paper will be prepared that will synthesize the key issues and themes resulting from the public consultation process. The position paper will then be used to guide the preparation of the revised Municipal Strategic Statement and local planning policies. Any changes to the MSS will be publicly exhibited during 2006.
The MSS review will involve significant community consultation which will help inform the preparation of the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 7 1-
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Maribyrnong Planning Scheme - Structure and Influences The following flow chart provides an overview of the structure of the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme and the State, regional and local policy directions and influences that impact upon it.
The chart also highlights the structure of the Local Planning Policy Framework and the relationship between the Municipal Strategic Statement and the Local Planning Policies.
MARIBYRNONG PLANNING SCHEME: STRUCTURE AND INFLUENCES
Planning and Environment Act (1987): Section 6: What a planning scheme provides for Section 7(5): Form & Content of Planning Schemes Section 12A: Municipal Strategic Statements Section 46M( 1): Development Contribution Plans
Melbourne 2030: State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF): Ministerial Directions: The State government's sustainable Contains strategic issues of State planning strategy for the growth and importance which must be considered No. 1 Contaminated Land development of metropolitan Melbourne H when planning and development decisions .,.._ No. 9 Metropolitan Strategy over the next 30 years. are made. Policies include: Settlement, No. 11 Strategic Assessment of Amendments Environment, Housing, Economic (Proposed Clause 12 of the SPPF) Development and Infrastructure.
Regional Policies: Maribyrnong Planning Scheme - The following regional projects are Maribyrnong City Council Local Planning Policy Framework linked to Melbourne 2030, and will 2004 - 2008 Council Plan: (LPPF): impact upon land use and development Contains the corporate directions and The Framework identifies long in the City of Maribyrnong. priorities of Council, and provides an term directions about land use and Housing Statement H agreed set of principles for Council - Western Regional development in the City of Maribyrnong and decision making and programs I actions - Western Region Employment and provides the rationale for the Industrial Development Strategy for the allocated period. zone and overlay requirements and - Maribyrnong River Valley Project provisions in the Scheme. - Inner West Integrated Transport Strategy
I
Local Planning Policies Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) (Clause 22): (Clause 21): Local planning policies assist with the Provides a vision for land use planning implementation of the strategic directions and development in the City of of the MSS. They outline Council's view Maribyrnong and sets a framework for on planning issues and intentions for a the application of actions and controls to particular area, and provide guidance about achieve the desired land use outcomes. how planning decisions will be made.
Zones and Overlays: Provide a suite of specific land use and development requirements which must be met, and are used to implement the strategies of the MSS (Clause 21 ).
8 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper SECTION ONE Setting the Scene: The Local and Regional Context City of Maribyrnong in a Regional Context
Geographic Location The City of Maribyrnong is 31.2 sq km in area and has a population of 60,000 persons making it the smallest Moonee Valley and most densely populated municipality in the Western Region.
It comprises nine suburbs: Braybrook, Footscray, Kingsville, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Seddon, Tottenham, West Footscray and Yarraville.
Geographically, the City of Maribyrnong is located ·within easy access to all of the benefits of the Melbourne CAD and the Western Region, including major highways, public transport links, the Port of Melbourne and airports, major tourist attractions, and large areas of land suitable for redevelopment.
People & Households In 2001, the City's population was 60,000 persons. By 2011, the population is projected to grow by approximately 14,000 persons to 7 4,000 persons - representing a 23% increase in the total population since 2001, and giving the City a greater residential focus than exists today.
Population growth over the past 10 years has primarily occurred in the suburbs of Maribyrnong, Footscray, Braybrook and Maidstone where significant numbers of well designed, higher density, town house type developments, ranging in size from dual occupancies to large estates, have occurred. This trend will continue.
Between the 1996 and 2001 ABS Census, the City experienced an increase of 877 new dwellings - from 24,887 to 25, 764. By 2030, it is anticipated that a further 10,000 - 12,000 new dwellings will be accommodated in the municipality, mostly in the north east section of the City on former industrial sites and former Department of Defence land holdings.
Data collected from the 2001 Census and from post occupancy surveys of new residential estates indicates that there is an emerging trend for young professionals to live in the City of Maribyrnong.
2001 - 2011 population and household forecasts based on the 2001 Census also indicate that:
• Pre-school age children and persons aged 12 - 24 years will increase, particularly in the suburbs experiencing increased redevelopment activity;
• The population is ageing, particularly in the 75+ years age group;
• The average household size is becoming smaller;
• There is a need to accommodate a greater proportion of 1 and 2 person households than in the past;
• The greatest population gain will be experienced in the suburbs of Braybrook, Footscray, Maidstone and Maribyrnong.
10 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper Diverse Community
Maribyrnong has a diverse community. In 2001, 40% of residents were born outside Australia, representing more than 135 different countries and more than 80 languages. The ten main languages spoken in the City are: Vietnamese, Cantonese, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Spanish, Mandarin, Serbian, Croatian and Tagalog. The City has the largest proportion of Vietnamese born people (11 %) within Victoria.
Around 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in the City of Maribyrnong, some of whom are related to the original Marin-balluk tribe that hunted and fished along the banks of the Maribyrnong River. They are part of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
Local and Regional Services & Facilities The City of Maribyrnong provides a number of local and regional services and facilities of significance. The most notable are:
• The Footscray Business Centre (Transit City & Principal Activity Centre) which plays an important regional role in providing mixed-use development, bargain retail shopping, fresh food, multi-cultural cafes and restaurants, and inter-modal transport facilities.
• The Highpoint Shopping and Entertainment Centre (Principal Activity Centre) which provides a regional focal point for destination shopping and entertainment.
• The Victoria University of Technology (Specialised Activity Centre) which offers regional tertiary education facilities for the west, with two campuses in the Footscray Principal Activity Centre and a student village in Maidstone.
• The Western General Hospital, which together with other private and public health services located close by, provide the most comprehensive range of health services in the region.
• The Maribyrnong River and parklands form the northern and eastern boundary of the City, and provide 16km of recreation, open space and environmental resources for Melbourne and local residents alike.
• The Stony Creek forms a significant open space corridor for residents in southern Maribyrnong and has the potential to provide further public open space in specific locations.
• Footscray Park and Whitten Oval respectively provide a significant heritage parkland and the largest sporting arena in the west.
40% of residents were born outside Australia, representing more than 135 different countries and more than 80 languages.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 11 .,..
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Regional Growth Pressures
Situated alongside the Maribyrnong River, Port of Melbourne, Docklands, West Gate Bridge and City Link, the City of Maribyrnong is a major gateway to the Melbourne CAD and to Melbourne's west.
The centrality of Maribyrnong and the availability of land (on former Department of Defence holdings) has led to an inevitable boom in residential, commercial and industrial activity within the City.
The advantages of the Western Region have been recognised in Melbourne 2030, the State government's Metropolitan Strategy, which estimates that of the 620,000 new dwellings that will be established across metropolitan Melbourne by 2030, 149, 100 dwellings (or 287,000 people) will be accommodated in the Western Region. Situated alongside the Maribyrnong River, Port of Melbourne, Docklands, West Gate This represents an overall increase in the Western Bridge and City Link, the City of Maribyrnong Region's share of population growth from 15.4% in is a major gateway to the Melbourne CAD and 2001, to 18.1 % in 2030; and over 24% of the entire to Melbourne's west. dwelling growth for metropolitan Melbourne. The City of Maribyrnong is expected to accommodate · approximately 10,575 new dwellings (or 7%) of the total regional increase. (Victoria In Fact, 2004) The combined influence of Melbourne 2030 and the strategic advantages of the Western Region are impacting upon land use and development activities in the City of Maribyrnong, and are influencing the need for the Region and local government to:
• Provide a range of increased local employment opportunities and infrastructure to:
Keep pace with regional population growth; and
Provide employment that meets the higher skill levels of the changing population - especially in service jobs such as administration, government, health and education services, and advanced manufacturing.
• Provide appropriate physical, social and transport infrastructure to accommodate the increased development activity.
• Provide a range of housing options, sizes and types that respond to the changing demographic profiles, and the diverse housing needs of the anticipated population.
• Promote new housing that improves or respects local amenity, and protects the built and environmental features of the Region.
• Address environment related issues associated with the preservation, development and management of regional parks, waterways and main shared pathways (especially along the Maribyrnong River), and the legacy of contamination.
The Strategic Framework Plan (on the Inside Cover of this document) provides a snapshot of the key land use and development influences that will continue to impact upon the City of Maribyrnong over the next 10 - 15 years.
12 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper SECTION TWO Our Vision towards a Sustainable Maribyrnong Our Vision
The City of Maribyrnong Council Plan 2004-2008 provides a vision and strategic directions for the delivery of Council services and activities over a four year period.
The key commitments of the Plan are outlined below, and are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that they continue to reflect community needs and aspirations.
-~---, I COUNCIL PLAN 2004 - 2008: VISION
Our vision is for a sustainable community that values. its diversity, protects the environment and · makes decisions today that will enhance the future of the City for generations to come. J
--~------~-----· KEY COMMITMENTS
The key commitments to achieve our vision are:
Our Community:
In partnership, we will strive to build our diverse community through enhanced health, well being and safety opportunities.
Our Environment:
We will develop, encourage and promote an environmentally sustainable Maribyrnong. The allocation of finite reSOL!rces will be made on the basis that they are ecologically sound and contribute to improving the quality and conservation of our waterways, land and air for the benefit of future generations.
Our Economy:
We will provide a framework for facilitating a strong, viable economy through leadership that enhances job opportunities and investments in the City. J
The Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) will build on the vision and values established in the Council Plan and will reinforce the concept of sustainability, which embodies the following values:
• Ecologically Sustainable Development - Respect for the environment and promotion of an environmentally sustainable Maribyrnong. The allocation of finite resources will be made on the basis that they are ecologically sound and contribute to improving the quality and conservation of our waterways, land and air for the benefit of future generations.
• Urban Design of the Public Realm - Well designed spaces and places that promote vibrant and equitable communities. Good urban design will ensure that public spaces are improved for the benefit of the community, and that proposed adjoining developments are sensitive to the future use of the public realm, complement or preferably enhance it.
• Community Well-being - Social justice, cultural diversity and vitality to enable local communities to express their values, and build our community through enhanced health, well-being and safety opportunities.
• Economic Prosperity - Land use and development that promote prosperity, enrich local identity, facilitate community strengthening, and enhance job opportunities and investments in the City.
14 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper Overarching Directions
The City's future planning and development requires a set of overarching directions to produce desired outcomes for the municipality. The Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) will therefore be guided by the following directions:
1. Sustainable Development
2. Urban Design of the Public Realm
3. Community Well-being
4. Economic Prosperity
Sustainability is the most truly overarching, while the latter three directions expressed below are largely subsets of Sustainability.
1. Sustainable Development
The following principles will guide Council in reviewing the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) and its associated policies in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme:
• Decision making processes should effectively integrate both long and short-term economic, environmental, social and equity considerations.
• Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.
• The global dimension of environmental impacts from actions and policies should be recognised and considered.
• The need to develop a strong, growing and diversified economy which can enhance the capacity for environmental protection should be recognised.
• The need to maintain and enhance international competitiveness in an environmentally sound manner should be recognised.
• Cost effective and flexible policy instruments should be adopted, such as improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms.
• Decisions and actions should provide for broad community involvement on issues which affect them.
(Source: Commonwealth Department of Environment - Principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development)
For further information on the implementation of Ecologically Sustainable Development in Maribyrnong, see Section 3(a).
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 15 2. Urban Design of the Public Realm
The relationship between good urban design and sustainability may not always be obvious; however, it is now common practice to embrace Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) principles within the urban design process. Some aspects of urban design that incorporate ESD are:
• Proper orientation of buildings for sunlight and heating.
• Water sensitive urban design.
• Design of spaces to allow sunlight penetration at all times of the year.
• Development of new building typologies that are more energy efficient.
•. More reliance on the 'commons' for external amenity.
• Designing new developments to achieve high standards of clarity and connectivity.
• Achieving a greater mixture of uses that provide the opportunity for localisation of employment and services.
• Designing buildings and places so that they are sufficiently robust over time to be transformed to the needs of the day.
• Improved sustainable transport options and access, including public transport, walking and cycling.
See Section 3(b) for further information on the municipality's Urban Design directions.
16 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 3. Community Well-being
Community well-being is about building strong communities, with quality education, health and community services. It also relates to the provision of convenient and affordable services, so that the community's quality of life is enhanced and enriched.
Many services that relate to community well-being are not wholly related to land provision and development, but are related to the quality of human services available and the resources underpinning this. Urban design and sound strategic planning can assist in establishing community well-being through:
• Creating attractive, safe and walkable neighbourhoods.
• Offering a variety of urban development outcomes and economic activities - such as residential areas, activity centres for shopping, industrial precincts, open space and recreation opportunities, tourism, and entertainment facilities.
• Promoting a variety of transportation choices.
• Providing balanced communities with accommodation for all incomes and lifestyles.
• Creating public places that are friendly to a variety of users.
• Providing footpaths, bicycle paths, street parking and attractive streetscapes that encourage opportunities for spontaneous community interaction.
See Section 3(c) for further information on advancing Community Well-being in Maribyrnong.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 17 . . ~
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4. Economic Prosperity
Economic prosperity relies on many types of interventions and changes in community and business practices that are beyond the scope of planning schemes. However, planning schemes can provide for economic prosperity indirectly through:
• Providing adequate land for the development of residential, commercial and industrial developments.
• Creating well designed and maintained urban spaces for employment activities, so that demand is increased relative to other parts of metropolitan Melbourne.
• Ensuring that land for employment uses is accessible to the local population and the major arterial road system (and in the case of Maribyrnong, the Port of Melbourne).
• Achieving a high standard of infrastructure provision to support industry and commerce.
• Planning controls that provide clear directions and support good development.
These basic actions need to be carried out having regard to sustainability principles (as noted earlier in this section).
See Section 3(d) for further information on how Economic Prosperity can be advanced in Maribyrnong.
18 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper SECTION THREE Key Land Use and Development Issues ' ~ I
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Background: In recent years, ecologically sustainable development or ESD, has become an increasingly accepted principle in both government and the business world. Ecologically sustainable development has been defined in many different ways. One of the most widely used definitions, from the Brundtland Report - Our Common Future, 1987, states:
"Sustainable development is development th.at meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Australia's National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development, 1992, defines ecologically sustainable development as "using, conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased".
Because of its close links to the community and development processes, local government is generally seen to be well positioned in the promotion and implementation of sustainability practices.
ESD development practices and technologies are continually improving and new ideas for implementing sustainability are regularly introduced. The diagram below illustrates some of the more popular ESD development practices that are currently in use.
• Energy efficient design •Building orientation for. heating & cooling • Appropriate insulation & glazing Ratings Systems • Natural ventilation systems & Design Tools • Use of trees for shade & winter light • Renewable energy Water Savings • ESD Rating Systems eg. 5 Star, • Solar hot water Firstrate, NAThers • Water sensitive urban design • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) • Water saving infrastructure eg. • EcoSpecifier - materials selector rainwater tanks & greywater systems • 'Your Home' web site and CD • Water efficient appliances & fittings •Utility Tracker eg. reduced flow taps, AAA dishwaters • Low water use gardens
Waste Minimisation
•Reuse Materials Selection •Recycling • Composting & worm farms • Non-toxic building materials & fittings • Greywater systems • Use of materials from sustainable • Cradle to Grave production sources eg. plantation sourced and design timbers, recycled materials • Consideration for Embodied Energy in materials
Other Approaches • Excellent connections to public & buildings • Marketing of ESD homes transport, walking & cycling networks • Minimisation of site impacts • Excellent connections to activity • Retrofitting of existing buildings centres, local schools & open space • Discouragement of single occupant & private automobile use t< ····~~·~~!!- Some ESD practices can be implemented through land use development policy, but much will need to be achieved under other State and local government policy and regulation (for example, building regulations).
Present Policy: The existing Municipal Strategic Statement is silent on ESD; however, there are many Council and State government policies that advance the concept.
The 2004-2008 Council Plan has identified sustainability as a cornerstone for Council's actions. Maribyrnong's residential policies and Environment Strategy refer to ESD approaches to new development and subdivisions. The Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy (MITS) also seeks to influence the development of land in an ecologically sustainable manner.
Maribyrnong has recently introduced new policies and programs to encourage sustainable lifestyle practices such as improved recycling facilities in new flats and apartments and Green Travel conditions for some new development applications.
Council is also looking to expand its role in sustainable water management and renewable energy. Examples include smarter use of water in municipal parks and reserves, and energy saving appliances and light fittings in Council buildings.
Water sensitive urban design techniques are beginning to influence thinking on future housing estates, such as the former Defence Site Maribyrnong, and infrastructure design generally.
Issues and Influences:
To reflect the ESD foundations of Melbourne 2030 and ResCode, Council needs to establish ESD principles for the strategic development of the City. In doing so, Council would bring the Municipal Strategic Statement into line with other existing Council policies that embrace sustainability, some of which are currently reference documents in the planning scheme.
As advocated in Melbourne 2030, ESD should play a particularly important role in strategic planning - from the preparation of strategic planning policy and urban design frameworks, to urban design guidelines for key development sites and the assessment of corresponding planning applications.
The recent introduction in Victoria of a Five Star Energy Rating for new housing, as part of Rescode, will improve energy efficiency in the majority of new residential developments. However, with higher density development planned for Footscray, Highpoint and Central West Activity Centres, Council needs to consider the most effective means of encouraging the comprehensive site planning and design of larger scale developments.
22 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper Council also needs to be conscious of the financial costs associated with higher design standards (for example, through the commissioning of architects). Education, training and demonstration projects are an effective method of promoting the benefits of sustainable design.
Overall, Maribyrnong needs to further examine the implementation of ESD directions promoted in Melbourne 2030 and other State government policies such as Our Water Future, both in terms of land use planning and development, as well as general service provision, asset management and infrastructure development. This task will be considered as part of Council's proposed Sustainability Strategy.
Council will:
• Incorporate Ecologically Sustainable Development as a guiding principle in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Incorporate ESD strategic land use planning and development directions in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Prepare a Municipal Sustainability Strategy.
Policy References: • Council Plan 2004-2008.
• Maribyrnong Environment Strategy 1999-2001.
• Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy, 2001.
• Guidelines for Waste & Recycling Collection from Flats, Units & Apartments, 2004.
• Clean Stormwater Planning Framework, Association of Bayside Municipalities, 2004.
• Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002.
• ResCode, Department of Infrastructure, 2001.
• Our Water Future - White Paper, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2004.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 23 b. Urban Design of the Public Realm 9 9 tl f ~ t. I ~....._n __,
Background: Urban design relates essentially to streets and open spaces, commonly called the 'public realm'. Good urban design ensures that these public spaces are enhanced through their development for the public and that proposed adjoining developments are sensitive to the future use of public space, complement or preferably enhance it.
The need for urban design is paramount in this municipality that has so many distinctive places, which have been created over time and need protection or enhancement. Examples of these areas include the urban landscapes of Yarraville Village and Footscray Activity Centre, the suburban landscapes of several inter-war suburbs and the wide natural landscapes of the Maribyrnong River Valley.
Techniques of assessing the future development of spaces and places and the impact of proposals on them are continually improving, and Council now has a capacity to apply good design and assessment processes through its recently established City Design and Place Making Unit, and improved skills base in its Open Space, Strategic and Statutory Planning units.
Over .the last few years, much more effort has been put into complete design concepts for new residential developments, such as the Edgewater Estate. Urban Design guidelines have been strictly applied to this and other estates. The application of urban design through, in the first instance, structure plans for · principal and major activity centres will improve the comprehensive design of these important places.
Present Policy: The State Planning Policy Framework provides the basis for Urban Design and Built Form for all developments, including higher density residential development and buildings of four or more stories.
Council's MSS and local policies do not explicitly 'promote' urban design. However, the principles and techniques established in the State Planning Policy Framework and by the Department of Sustainability and Environment are applied by Council on a regular basis when preparing broad strategic studies, urban design guidelines, and in assessing town planning applications.
Key local policy documents referenced in the MSS which encompass urban design principles, promote good design and achieve integrated development outcomes include the:
• Yarraville Village Enhancement Study, 1990.
• Footscray Central Urban Design Framework, 1999.
• Footscray Riverside Master Plan; 2000.
• Seddon Urban Design Framework, 2004.
Policy references currently being developed by Council for inclusion in the revised MSS include:
• Footscray Skyline (Building Height) Study, Stage 2.
• Footscray Transit City Structure Plan.
24 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper ~ a aa tit. I~..._____,
Issues and Influences: Melbourne 2030 promotes 'urban design' to create built environments that look good and facilitate high quality, safer and more liveable communities.
Council has embraced the urban design principles in Melbourne 2030 and the State Planning Policy Framework, and has applied as guiding principles, the urban design guidelines prepared by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
The review of the MSS provides Council with an opportunity to incorporate integrated sustainability objectives in the MSS that promote and facilitate urban design, ecologically sustainable development, community well-being and economic prosperity. These overarching principles will reflect the directions of Melbourne 2030, support triple bottom line planning, and elevate the prominence of urban design in the City of Maribyrnong.
The preparation of a Municipal Urban Design Policy will further advance the application of urban design techniques to guide land use and development, and will ensure that the urban design implications are covered in other local thematic policies to ensure their completeness.
One key component of the proposed Urban Design Policy will be the inclusion of the Footscray Skyline Study (Heights Policy) for the Footscray Principal Activity Centre. The Study is being developed in response to Melbourne 2030 which recommends that strategic reviews be conducted of activity centres to reflect their new classification under Melbourne 2030, and to guide the preferred direction of change in these areas.
The Footscray Skyline Study will assist Council in identifying where higher densities and taller building heights should be located in the Footscray Activity Centre, and will articulate how built form, interface and heritage issues will need to be addressed in the Centre and its surrounding residential areas. The development of the Study is timely given the surge in development interest in Footscray for mid to high rise developments offering commercial and residential accommodation.
Council will:
• Incorporate urban design guidelines (prepared by the Department of Sustainability and Environment) as a guiding principle in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Prepare a Council policy on urban design that relates to the whole municipality - a Municipal Urban Design Framework.
• Ensure urban design implications are covered in a number of other thematic policies, such as Ecologically Sustainable Development, to ensure their completeness.
• Review all existing and future policies and guidelines in the light of the overall urban design policy framework, including existing policies for Yarraville Village, Footscray riverside and Barkly Village Shopping Centre, as well as emerging structure plans and associated policy for Highpoint, Footscray and Central West Activity Centres, and the former Defence Site Maribyrnong.
Policy References: • Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002. • Maribyrnong Planning Scheme - State Planning Policy Framework. • Footscray Central Urban Design Framework, 1999. • Footscray Riverside Masterplan, 2000. • Yarraville Village Enhancement Study, 1990. • Draft Seddon Urban Design Framework, 2004. • Footscray Skyline Study (Heights Policy) - Stage 2 (unpublished).
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 25 ',1,.1110''.. ;~,..,...-~.,,...i:., .. ,.
L'S c. Community Well-being •••• ~ ... ~------'-· Background: Community well-being is about building strong communities, with quality education, health and community services. It also relates to the provision of convenient and affordable services, so that the community's quality of life is enhanced and enriched.
This section explores Council's social planning and infrastructure directions, and _the range of services required to advance the well-being of the community, even though the services themselves may not be directly related to land provision and development. i. Community Facilities 'Community facilities' refers to community centres, neighbourhood houses, libraries, kindergartens, community based child care centres, maternal and Community well-being is about child health centres and senior citizens centres. building strong communities, These provide vital infrastructure for the health and with quality education, health well-being of Maribyrnong's diverse communities, and community services. and are essential for the provision of a variety of -~--~------· programs and services managed by Council and other providers.
There is a high and ever increasing demand for community facilities and space from new and emerging community groups and networks seeking accommodation, as well as from existing service providers that are trying to meet the changing needs and expectations of the community. Community and neighbourhood planning need to drive and support the direction of services and facilities. ii. Education, Libraries and Community Learning Footscray is a major centre for tertiary education, encompassing several campuses of the Victoria University and a student village in nearby Maidstone. For further information, see the section entitled Victoria University- Specialised Activity Centre on page 42.
There are four State secondary schools in Maribyrnong, with longer term demand for places expected to rise in the Yarraville area, where there is no local secondary school or land available for acquisition. The municipality is reasonably well served by primary schools. However, there is no State primary school in northern Maribyrnong where most new residential development will occur over the next 15 years.
Maribyrnong encompasses four municipal libraries, located at Footscray, West Footscray, Yarraville (Wembley Avenue) and Maribyrnong (Highpoint). iii. Major Health Facilities Council also needs to support the development of regional and local health services in the Maribyrnong area. The Western General Hospital, together with related private and public health services located in its vicinity, provide a comprehensive range of health services for Maribyrnong residents. For further information, see the section entitled Western General Hospital and Environs on page 43.
26 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper . ;·~-:.t·.... "•. ..i; , •
~ ft 9 ft tit. I~...._____, _ iv. Planning for Community Health Local government has an important role in planning and managing the type of environments - built, social, economic and natural - that support and enhance health. There is a growing recognition that good urban planning is a key factor in determining the health and safety of communities. It can help to establish safe and walkable neighbourhoods, positive environmental conditions (eg. air quality, noise levels}, opportunities for recreation and entertainment, as well as good access to employment, community services and shopping facilities.
Governments at all levels are adopting a more holistic approach, where programs that target the behaviour and treatment of individuals are supported by strategies that foster positive physical environments for health. For instance, at the City of Maribyrnong, social planning policies such as the Municipal Public Health Plan 2003-2006 and the Safer Communities Policy and Action Plan 2003-2006 are backed by physical design approaches such as:
SEPA Principles (Supportive Environments for Physical Activity): Key principles include:
• Destination - having a reason to leave home and participate in community life (for example, to visit the local shops or park);
• Sharing the Road - balancing the needs of a range of road users, including pedestrians and cyclists; and
• Community Spirit - discouraging people from living in isolation, and encouraging people to engage in and build local communities.
Further information on SEPA Principles can be found in Healthy by Design: A planners guide to environments for active living, produced by the Heart Foundation in 2004.
Safer Design Guidelines: The main premise of the Safer Design or CPTED: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design approach is that the physical environment can be manipulated to produce behavioural effects that will reduce the incidence and fear of crime, thereby improving the community's quality of life. These behavioural responses can be accomplished by reducing the. propensity of the physical environment to support criminal behaviour. The Department of Sustainability . and Environment have recently produced draft Safer Design Guidelines for Victoria.
v. Child Friendly City Urban planning is an important tool in enabling a city to become child and family friendly. The built environment influences quality of life and the provision of safe and enjoyable spaces for children and their families.
Council is currently developing a new strategic plan (Municipal Early Years Plan) to guide the development of children's services and facilities. This plan will provide a basis for Maribyrnong to become a 'Child Friendly City'.
The child services system is supported by several levels of government including the Commonwealth, Staterrerritory, local government and community sector, with each playing a role in the planning and funding of services.
Key issues for Maribyrnong Council in this sector include an increasing demand for services, especially child care, and funding for the maintenance and improvement of associated facilities.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 27 .,. -
• •• ~, ., • • ): '' " "' ·~, - ... •<. ' . _,.·-;" "·. _.,.,. -~"' ·:· ,.,,.,, ' "-"· ~- • L"S ••• f11111 I~.______!-·
vi. Ageing Well Although the Commonwealth government is primarily responsible for funding aged care and accommodation, Maribyrnong City Council supports a variety of housing and support options for the aged through the Ageing Well Strategy, 2004. Access to public transport, community safety and opportunities for social interaction are key issues of concern for older persons in Maribyrnong.
vii. Diverse Community The City of Maribyrnong prides itself on being one of the most culturally diverse municipalities in Victoria. Council is committed to ensuring that the needs of its Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALO) communities are addressed in the planning process. Council's policies in this regard are set out in the Diversity Policy for CALO Communities, 2003.
viii. Arts and Culture Council believes that building cultural vitality can enhance the health and well-being of its residents, enrich local identity, and facilitate community strengthening and innovation.
The Cultural Development Plan, 1997, which provides a strategic framework for arts and cultural development in Maribyrnong, will be reviewed in 2005. This review will involve wide consultation with residents, artists, community groups and arts organisations, and will result in the production of a new Arts and Cultural Development Plan for the years 2005-08.
Present Policy: Council supports a broad range of social planning policies. A list of key policies is provided at the end of this section (see Policy References).
Issues and Influences: Council will continue to pursue strategies that enhance the community's quality of life. Key issues include:
• In coming years, the provision of community services (including schools) will require constant review to ensure that they meet the needs of incoming residents, generated through new housing development and anticipated population increases in established suburbs. Council is planning to undertake a major review of community facilities to determine priorities in this area.
• Footscray Transit City and the former Defence Site Maribyrnong (redevelopment site) form two significant, long-term challenges for the City. Planning for the appropriate provision of community services and facilities for these areas is essential.
• Public support for safe, attractive and walkable neighbourhoods has been demonstrated through a number of community consultation processes associated with major commercial and residential development proposals.
• The well-being of children, older persons, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities form key social policy directions for Council.
• Community planning is an increasingly important focus for Council. Two major community building initiatives include the Maidstone and Braybrook Neighbourhood Renewal Project Uoint partnership between the Department of Human Services and Council) and the Maribyrnong Community Strengthening Strategy. currently being developed by Council.
28 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper • The Social Impact Assessment for Significant Residential Developments - Policy and Guidelines were adopted by Council in 2002. This policy outlines Council's commitment to balancing social and physical factors in land use planning, and requires significant residential developments and rezoning proposals to include social impacts as part of the planning application process. The guidelines are currently being reviewed and advice is being sought from the Department of Sustainability and Environment as to its potential status in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme.
Council will:
• Ensure that the revised Mu.nicipal Strategic Statement incorporates key community well-being directions with links to land use planning and development.
• Review the Social Impact Assessment for Significant Residential Developments - Policy and Guidelines, and explore its potential for inclusion as a local planning policy in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme.
• Complete the Maribyrnong Community Strengthening Strategy and incorporate recommendations relating to land use and development in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Undertake a major review of community facilities in order to plan for future development, redevelopment or rationalisation.
• Progressively implement Maribyrnong's community strengthening and social planning policies.
• Continue to support the development of arts and culture in the City of Maribyrnong.
Policy References: • Municipal Public Health Plan 2003-2006.
• Safer Communities Policy and Action Plan 2003-2006.
• Healthy by Design: A planners guide to environments for active living, Heart Foundation, 2004. ·
• Draft Safer Design Guidelines for Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment.
• Youth Services Action Plan 2004-2006.
• Ageing Well Strategy 2004-2016, prepared for the Cities of Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Melton, 2004.
• Diversity Policy for CALO Communities, 2003.
• Cultural Development Plan, 1997 (to be reviewed in 2005).
• Disability Action Plan, 2004:
• Social Impact Assessment Policy for Significant Residential Developments - Policy and Guidelines, 2002.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 29 d. Economic and Industrial Development
Background: The City is a dynamic economic entity. It is home to more than 3,500 businesses, of which, 600 are industrial firms and 10% employ in excess of 100 employees or have a turnover in excess of $20 million.
The four key industries within the City of Maribyrnong are: manufacturing, retail, education, and health and community services, which provide approximately 19,400 jobs. The main manufacturing activities are · chemicals and derivatives, rnetals, heavy engineering, food processing, and vehicle parts and components. The City also has a number of large transport and warehousing firms.
Employment opportunities in the City of Maribyrnong are greater than its available workforce. There are Maribyrnong is home to more approximately 30, 165 people employed within the businesses and has City, and over half of these workers live within the than 3,500 Western Region. a strong manufacturing and
Traditionally, the City of Maribyrnong has been reliant industrial base. upon manufacturing, industry and logistics related '------' land use activities. However, the general thrust of economic planning at State and regional levels is to foster a more innovative and knowledge driven economy, especially in areas of strategic advantage. These include advanced manufacturing, research, tourism, and business services. The economic future of Maribyrnong will therefore require a capacity to attract and develop high technology industries, business services and a diversified economic base, as well as maintaining its traditional industrial base which continues to provide local and regional employment.
Present Policy: The current planning scheme guides the City's land use and development, and its capacity for industrial, commercial and retail activities. The State government's Melbourne 2030 policy also influences the planning and development of the City, particularly in regards to activity centres. Together these policies lend support for the development of our activity centres (as part of containing the outward growth of the metropolitan area), a strong public transport system and the provision of local employment. Given the City's history of manufacturing, industry and logistics, our industrial areas will remain important as key locations for future development. Activity centres will include more mixed use development and residential activity.
The future employment and industrial development capacity of the City of Maribyrnong is currently being explored through the Western Region Employment and Industrial Development Strategy (WREIDS). The strategy is an initiative of the Western Region and will provide vital information about employment and future use of the West's key commercial locations and extensive industrial areas. For the City of Maribyrnong, this includes key areas such as activity centres at Highpoint, Footscray and Central West, the core industrial precincts south of Sunshine Road and along Hampstead Road, and the former Defence Site Maribyrnong, north of Cordite Avenue.
30 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper The Western Region Employment and Industrial Development Strategy (WREIDS) will provide a framework for regional economic growth that will encourage and guide:
• Distribution of commercial I industrial land in the region to offer a good choice and distribution of employment opportunities, and to help moderate commuter transport demands;
• Decisions on sensitive land use in and adjacent to industrial zones, taking into account the impacts on opportunities to develop the industrial zones;
• Decisions on industrial zoning and major developments in the region to occur within a strategic framework that takes into account identified needs;
• · Appropriate employment opportunities to support the forecasted regional population growth;
• Production, commuter travel and freight distribution patterns to be developed in an efficient and energy-conscious manner;
• Industrial, logistics and related commercial enterprises that are competitive.
Employment opportunities in the municipality have also been investigated in the draft Maribyrnong Local Industrial Land Use Policy and Development Framework. The draft Policy, prepared in collaboration with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Port of Melbourne, seeks to encourage, support and guide land use activity and development growth in the City's four core industrial precincts (zoned Industrial 1 and 3) located in the southern half of the municipality, south of Sunshine Rd.
The draft Policy envisages the creation of 20,000 jobs by 2020 within environmentally attractive, vibrant and highly sought after business and employment nodes, which includes the:
• Francis Street West Precinct - as a vibrant advanced manufacturing and warehouse based area that offers 2,500 jobs in an environmentally attractive setting.
• Eastern Riverside Precinct - as a vibrant and multi-faceted employment area, offering 2,500 jobs, comprising business services, riverfront tourism and recreation, and high amenity warehouses and service industry, in an environmentally attractive setting.
• Sunshine Road Precinct - as a vibrant manufacturing and transport I logistics area, with mixed uses on strategic sites, offering 2,000 jobs in an environmentally attractive setting.
• Somerville Road West Precinct - as a diverse and vibrant manufacturing and transport I logistics area, with highway commercial uses, that offers 13,000 jobs in an environmentally attractive setting.
Refer to the Strategic Framework Plan (on the inside cover of this document) for the location of the key economic and industrial precincts in Maribyrnong.
Tourism is another facet of economic development that can enhance the well-being of its residents, enrich local identity and facilitate community strengthening. Council's Tourism Policy Statement was prepared in 1998; however, it requires review to identify new opportunities for tourism facilities and activities in the City.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 31 ~ t' , ~ ' _ • , , ,t • • , i > • ~ t• ~ , .. _ _.,. , ' • .: < .,.. • 4V' ~ / ,., , '-",. , "' , , ;,.. ~ • •L;., I " !
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Issues and Influences: Council will continue to pursue strategies that enhance economic development, manage land demands, and foster a more innovative and knowledge driven economy. Key issues associated with economic and industrial development include:
• Managing regional pressures and opportunities - particularly in relation to the provision of appropriate physical, social and transport infrastructure, and local employment opportunities.
• Balancing population growth, land capacity and job opportunities to ensure that local employment opportunities keep pace with regional population growth, and that residential land demands do not result in a loss of sustainable industrial and commercial land.
• Identifying new high technology industries, and commercial, retail and tourism opportunities, and providing environmentally attractive, vibrant and highly sought after business and employment nodes to attract them to Maribyrnong.
• Improving our activity centre network and ensuring its continued viability and potential growth, so that it continues to provide a large variety of goods and services.
• Ensuring that the redevelopment of the former Defence Site Maribyrnong provides a mix of uses that will support the forecasted population growth and provide local employment and a variety of goods and services.
• Managing changing community expectations and amenity needs, including the implications of these on existing and new industries.
Council will:
• Finalise the local and regional policies for Maribyrnong's industrial areas, designated activity centres and strategic redevelopment sites, to diversify the economic base of the City, increase its prosperity, and expand the range of employment opportunities available to the residents of Maribyrnong.
• Prepare structure plans for key activity centres that support their viability and future development for a range of activities.
• Identify new high technology industries and commercial I retail opportunities, and prepare local planning policies to support their locati,on and development in the City of Maribyrnong.
• Review the existing Tourism Policy Statement, 1998, and identify new tourism opportunities for the · City of Maribyrnong.
• Monitor population changes and employm_e_n_t_n_e_e_d_s_. ~~-~~-----~--~~~-J
Policy References: • Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002.
• Draft Maribyrnong Local Industrial Land Use Policy and Development Framework, City of Maribyrnong, 2003 (unpublished).
• Tourism Policy Statement, 1998.
32 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper e. Activity Centres and Commercial Precincts
i. Activity Centres and Commercial Centres (generally)
Background: Activity centres provide the focus for services, employment and social interaction in the City. They are places where people shop, work, meet, relax and live. Usually well-served by public transport, activity centres vary in size and intensity, and range from principal activity centres to neighbourhood shopping strips.
Tho dovolopmont of a woll located network of activity centres providing for a large variety of goods and services is critical for the future development and well-being of the municipality.
For this reason, the focus of major change in the City of Maribyrnong (and across metropolitan Activity centres provide the Melbourne) over the next 30 years will be focus for services, employment f~cused around activity centres designated by Melbourne 2030. These include: . and social interaction in the City.
---~---,·------~---~------• Footscray Transit City I Principal Activity Centre l
• Highpoint Principal Activity Centre (Maribyrnong)
• Central West Major Activity Centre (Braybrook)
• Victoria University's Footscray Campus, Specialised Activity Centre
• Western General Hospital and Environs (Footscray)
• Neighbourhood Activity Centres (eg Yarraville Village, Seddon Shopping Centre)
The future development of Maribyrnong's principal and major activity centres will be guided by structure plans that outline a preferred vision for each individual centre. Refer to the Strategic Framework Plan (on the inside cover of this document) for the location of key activity centres in Maribyrnong.
Present Policy:
Council's Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy, 1998, provides strategic directions in the Activity (Retail) Centres Framework Plan of the MSS, and is a reference document in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme.
The policy looks at floor space and the nature and strengths of all retail centres from the regionally important Highpoint Activity Centre to small groups of shops. Its key aims are:
To encourage future development to improve the distribution of retailing in conjunction with other community and recreational facilities;
For stakeholders to work with Council to improve existing centres; and
To encourage employment growth in the retailing and service industry sectors.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 33 .,. , " ,l. ~". ~, M " .. 'i"~-"} ~"'' ~'t.f,i'r ~ l":l-.'~), · ""~# ,), .,._,!!..~ M'~ ·~·,,.,.l; •\ .,.l!.. i••i7~'\' • ...... ,
The principles that emerge include encouraging new retail developments in existing or planned new centres; the prime criterion of net community benefit to be applied to new developments as determined by rigorous independent analysis; co-location of non-retail activities and developments, and car parking dispensations where appropriate.
Principles and Planning Policy for New Large Modern Supermarkets (Clause 22.03-8 of the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme) is a local policy that applies primarily to the areas shown in the MSS Activity (Retail) Centres Framework Plan. It discourages supermarkets greater than 2,000 square metres in areas other than preferred locations, as shown in the 1998 Retail Policy and in the Framework Plan. Qualifications are provided where a supermarket may locate in other circumstances.
The Bulky Goods Retailing Policy (Clause 22.03-9) applies to all land within the Business 4 Zone. This zone applies to:
• Land opposite Highpoint (including the Maribyrnong Homemakers Centre);
• Braybrook (Ballarat Road);
• Maidstone (Ballarat Road); and
• Geelong Road (West Footscray).
Bulky goods retailing is to be restricted to these areas unless the site has a main road frontage, there is good landscaping and it can be proven there is no material detriment to surrounding areas.
Issues and Influences: The Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy is now 7 years old and in need of review to ensure that it:
• Embraces the increased emphasis that Melbourne 2030 places on the intensification of identified activity centres, including the preparation of structure plans to guide integrated land use, transport and infrastructure development; and
• Is consistent with the DSE's Out of Centre Retailing Strategy which seeks to discourage retail development activity outside designated activity centres, so as to create a more mixed use environment in activity centres and to maximise the community's investment in physical and social infrastructure.
Council will be reviewing its retail policy separately and will prepare detailed structure plans for principal and major activity centres.
Council will:
• Review the Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy, 1998, having regard to Melbourne 2030 and the network of activity centres both within and adjacent to the municipality.
• Review the Bulky Goods Retailing Policy to:
Discourage bulky goods premises from establishing in industrial zones; and
Incorporate the appropriate recommendations of the Department of Sustainability · and Environment's Out of Centre Retailing Strategy.
• Prepare structure plans for principal and major activity centres.
34 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper ii. Highpoint Principal Activity Centre
Background: Highpoint Principal Activity Centre is one of 7 'super regional centres' in suburban Melbourne with a retail floorspace exceeding 80,000 square metres. The others are Cheltenham/Southland, Chadstone, Dandenong, Frankston, Ringwood and Greensborough.
The critical importFJnce of Highpoint to the inner and middle western suburbs is the wide range of shopping and entertainment that the centre can provide. In addition to the stand-alone centre, there is a substantial Homemakers Centre for bulky goods and associated goods sales, and nearby, a major Bunnings Store is proposed. The Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre will open in early 2006.
Present Policy: The Municipal Strategic Statement and related local planning policies of 1999 provide a number of key statements for Highpoint. These include:
• The designation of Highpoint as a 'Major Regional Activity Centre'. The centre is to be compatible with the future development of nearby large centres including Footscray, Sunshine and Moonee Ponds (Clause 21.04-06);
• Principles and planning policy for Highpoint Shopping and Entertainment Centre that concentrate on strengthening its comparison shopping and non-retailing functions, reducing off-site effects from centre activity and improving car access and parking, whilst improving pedestrian and public transport access (Clause 22.03-2);
• Principles and planning policy for bulky goods retailing (Clause 22.03-09) directly specifies the western side of Rosamond Road as an example of where such retailing can cluster next to a 'conventional retail centre'.
The planning scheme also defines the maximum combined leasable area for a shop at Highpoint at 116,000 square metres (this excludes bulky goods sales). Retail policy (that is a reference document) indicates that the maximum floor space for all uses should not exceed 156,000 square metres.
Issues and Influences: Melbourne 2030 has defined Highpoint Shopping and Entertainment Centre and its environs as a Principal Activity Centre, one of 26 in the Melbourne metropolitan area. It is intended that the centre:
• Provide for ongoing investment and change in retail, office, service and residential markets;
• Connect into an expanded public transport network;
• Encourage more mixed-use development.
Council has commenced the preparation of a Highpoint Structure Plan, which is due to be completed by the end of this year. ·
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 35 ~ tt 9 tt ! ..t. I w.i.1~11-·
The structure plan will indicate the preferred physical location of development and will recommend a number of specific land use, integrated transport and infrastructure development actions for Highpoint and its walkable environs.
Council will:
• Modify the Municipal Strategic Statement to incorporate Melbourne 2030 directions for the Highpoint Principal Activity Centre, and recommendations arising from Council's review of the Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy and Bulky Goods Retailing Policy.
• Prepare a Highpoint Activity Centre Structure Plan with recommendations on broad brush strategies for better integration of transport modes, greater reliance on public transport, cycling and walking; improved provision of infrastructure including the augmentation of physical services, such as road improvements; and better provision of-educational, health and other community services.
• Incorporate the recommendations of the Highpoint Activity Centre Structure Plan in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement. J
'----~-~--~-~
36 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper iii. Footscray Principal Activity Centre & Transit City
Background: Footscray centre is a traditional shopping and commercial centre, and the historic commercial centre of the Western metropolitan region. It comprises about 80,000 square metres of retail floorspace, but sales per square metre are very low when compared with other similar centres. The centre has considerable office floorspace for the lower end of .the rental spectrum and there is no premium office space available.
The peripheral areas of Central Footscray have recently attracted interest for commercial redevelopment --: largely office floorspace and Lonely Planet publications - all of which contribute to the consolidation of employment in the Central Footscray area and its environs.
Present Policy: There has been much work carried out for Central Footscray in the last decade that has guided municipal strategy and local policy. This includes the:
• Footscray Riverside Masterplan, 2000;
• Footscray Central Urban Design Framework, 1999; and
• Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy, 1998.
These are all reference documents in the existing Municipal Strategic Statement.
Footscray is planned as a major activity centre with a 'complex mix of regional retailing and other activities'. The centre has a broad area covering the riverside of the original Saltwater Crossing, as well as the environs of the centre, including the municipal offices, Nicholson Campus of Victoria University, Paisley Street and other areas within the Ring Road. (Physical Framework Plan - Clause 21.03-1)
The Activity (Retail) Centre Framework Plan describes Footscray as a small core area called Footscray Central with mixed retail and entertainment activities' within the ring road, surrounded by a wider area covering Barkly/Hopkins, Paisley and Buckley Streets described as mixed use areas with commercial emphasis and orientation. (Clause 21.04-6)
Local policy applies to the inner core area of Footscray Central that is affected by the Business 1 Zone. The effect of the policy is to provide high quality design that promotes a good public realm, high density housing in selected locations above retailing, waivers for full car parking requirements, and development contributions instead of car spaces. (Clause 22.03-03)
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 37 Issues and Influences: The Footscray Activity Centre is defined as a Principal Activity Centre in Melbourne 2030.
Its purpose is to:
• Provide for ongoing investment and change in retail, office, service and residential markets;
• Connect into an expanded public transport network; and
• Encourage more mixed-use development.
Footscray is one of thirteen Transit Cities under the Department of Infrastructure's Transit City program. The program aims to upgrade railway stations and tram and bus interchanges, and other physical services, to make public transport more convenient and efficient. This, together with practical land consolidation by VicUrban, is designed to encourage commercial and residential investment in the environs of Footscray Station.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Department of Infrastructure are supporting Council in redefining and strengthening the role of Footscray and its walkable periphery. To date:
• Council recently adopted the draft Footscray Station Precinct Redevelopment Report, 2003, for the immediate area around the Railway Station which is largely Government land. The newly created Priority Development Zone seeks to implement some of its recommendations.
• Council has been provided with $500,000 for improvements to Maddern Square and Nicholson Street Mall.
• Council has completed the (Re)Visioning Footscray project, which included substantial community engagement and a thorough policy audit for Central Footscray. A key outcome of this work is the community's expectation that the Footscray area should not lose its special attributes of a diverse social/multi-cultural population and affordable retail and housing opportunities.
• The Department of Infrastructure has commissioned the Footscray Principal Activity Centre and Transit City Master Plan, 2003, which considered the Footscray centre and its environs, and examined opportunities to realize substantial change within the centre.
• A Height Policy for Footscray's central area is being developed by Council due to the significant number of medium to high-rise development proposals. This is being determined through the Footscray Skyline Project, which aims to:
Test development scenarios for central Footscray using 3 dimensional modelling software; and
Provide the basis for strengthening Council's position on building heights in the future Local Planning Policy Framework.
• Council has appointed a strategic planner to prepare a Footscray Transit City Structure Plan for Footscray and its environs. This work will be underpinned by the studies outlined above, and will be prepared once Council has received State government commitment towards the redevelopment of the Footscray Railway Precinct.
Council will:
• Complete the studies outlined above, including the review of the Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy 1998, and incorporate their recommendations in the preparation of the Footscray Transit City Structure Plan.
• Modify the revised Municipal Strategic Statement and Maribyrnong Planning Scheme to include the directions of the proposed.Footscray Transit City Structure Plan.
38 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper ts a 9 tl taf t. I~~' _
iv. Central West Major Activity Centre Background: Central West Plaza is a new shopping centre at the corner of South Road and Ashley Street, Braybrook. It has a floor area of 11,000 square metres of standard retail floorspace (including a small supermarket) and 5,000 square metres of bulky goods premises. It adjoins the Central West Business Park which has significant warehousing and associated offices, is close to the Tottenham Railway Station, and has opportunity to cater for increased development, especially higher density housing.
·Present Policy: Local planning policy that applies directly to the Central West Business Park includes:
• The MSS Physical Framework Plan designates Central West as a significant activity centre. (Clause 21.03)
• The MSS Activity (Retail) Centre Framework Plan provides for retail development opportunities at the Central West Activity Centre. (Clause 21.04-6)
• The Business 1 Zone requires a shop on the land to be restricted to 5,000 square metres without a planning permit, and 5,000 square metres for an office without a planning permit. (Schedule to Clause 34.01) The former amount has been surpassed through planning permission.
Issues and Influences: Central West Business Park is designated as a Major Activity Centre in Melbourne 2030. Its purpose is to: • Continue broadening the range of uses and encourage more mixed use development; • Encourage the provision of higher density housing;
• Connect into an expanded public transport network.
Council recently adopted a planning scheme amendment to rezone the western section of the site from a Business 3 zone to a Residential 1 zone. The rezoning will facilitate the development of medium to high density housing, and will support the objectives of Melbourne 2030. Further development at the Central West Business Park and its environs will be guided through the preparation of a structure plan.
Council will:
• Following the review of the Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy, 1998, prepare a structure plan for the Central West Major Activity Centre, and incorporate broad brush strategies that:
Encourage a broader range of mixed use development;
Provide better integration of transport modes;
Place greater reliance on public transport, cycling and walking; and
Improve the provision of infrastructure including the augmentation of physical services, such as road improvements, and better provision of educational, health and other community services.
• Incorporate the recommendations of the proposed Central West Major Activity Centre Structure Plan in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement and the relevant sections of the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 39 'i - .·•· . . - ~ .: ._ . '
~
•••t,lta,1~_11-1
v. Neighbourhood Activity Centres Background: There are a number of Neighbourhood Activity Centres throughout the municipality. They range in size and function, but importantly, they serve a local function and are close enough to provide services.
Existing neighbourhood centres recognised in Council's Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy, 1998, include: • Yarraville Village; • Seddon (Charles and Victoria Sts); • West Footscray (Barkly Village); • Braybrook (Corner of Ashley St and Ballarat Rd - Supermarket and bulky goods outlets);
• Wembley Avenue, Yarraville; and
• Braybrook (Churchill Ave):
Since 1998, additional centres have been developed that function as local community focal points. These were foreseen in the Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy and include:
• Williamstown Road, Yarraville (Supermarket and supporting shops);
• Edgewater (Small supermarket in the proposed 'hub' of the estate); and the
• Group of shops at Waterford Green (Corner of Williamsons Rd and Wests Rd).
Present Policy: The Municipal Strategic Statement's Activity Centres and Retailing element recognises that the existing network of smaller centres and outlets, that are easily accessible by foot, bike, car and public transport, will continue to function. These should provide both a range of local goods and services, and a community focus. Their continuation as viable centres needs to be supported.
Strategies are aimed at providing supermarkets in the centres, encouraging higher density housing in and around them, encouraging office and restaurant development outside the cores of the centres, and encouraging a coordinated approach from owners, traders and government to plan and fund infrastructure improvement (Clause 21.04-6)
The Activity (Retail) Centre Framework Plan indicates fifteen small centres with up to 20 local retail/ service businesses and a further five sites for future retail development {all apart from a site in Cordite Avenue on existing Defence land have been taken up for new centres). Yarraville is singled out for its historic importance and its status as a larger neighbourhood centre with 20 plus shops and a few small supermarkets.
40 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper ~ •••!1.!t.•~~'
Yarraville, Seddon and Barkly Village have specific local planning policies incorporated in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme.
Yarraville Village is to be planned with reference to the Yarraville Streetscape Study, 1993. Key aspects of the policy are to protect the centre's period character, preserve existing shops and services while encouraging entertainment and restaurant uses, enhance community services, encourage shop-top housing and high density housing nearby, and provide for waiving and shared car parking. (Clause 22.03-4)
Seddon has an almost identical policy except there was no specific study for it when the MSS was prepared. (Clause 22.03-5)
Barkly Village, West Footscray, is to be planned with regard to the Barkly Street West Footscray Shopping Strip Policy of 1996. This covers a range of key matters including off-street parking, improved landscaping and strengthened social and community facilities, as resources permit. (Clause 22.03-6)
For other neighbourhood centres, for which there is no specific policy and are zoned Business 1 ,it is policy to waive the provision of new car parking spaces where developments are to be less than 100 square metres in size. (Clause 22.03-7)
There are a number of local policies that apply to land, formerly commercial and industrial in nature, that are planned for conversion to a mixture of uses. These are zoned as Mixed Use in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme. (see Clauses 22.02-1 to 22.02-4)
Issues and Influences: The protection of existing centres' strengths against aggressive competition from larger centres is important. Protecting them in a sustainable way, and having regard to their importance as local, walkable places that support local identity and community interaction, is imperative.
Therefore, priority must be given to ensure that, where trade areas of neighbourhood centres are impinged upon by principal and major activity centres, that convenience expenditure is not captured solely on the basis of providing free competition. These matters need to be considered in relation to the whole network of centres, both within the municipality and in adjoining areas.
The Seddon Urban Design Framework, 2004, will form the .basis of any changes to the Seddon local planning policy.
Council will:
• Update the local policy directions for Neighbourhood Activity Centres to incorporate the revision of the Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy 1988 and directions arising from Melbourne 2030.
• Review Council's local planning policies for Neighbourhood Activity Centres to ensure that they provide appropriate direction in the Business and Mixed Use zones.
• Incorporate the recommendations of the Seddon Urban Design Framework in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement, and develop (if necessary) land use and development policy to implement its strategic directions.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 41 ~
ea tt !af ta, I 6.J..l.i_ll -1 vi. Victoria University - Specialised Activity Centre Background: The Victoria University provides the largest concentration of tertiary education activity in the west. Its main campus ·is located on Ballarat Road, Footscray, and is supported by a campus in the Footscray Business Centre and a student village in Maidstone. Land on the south side of the Ballarat Road campus, which is owned predominantly by the university and used for student car parking, provides potential for the long term redevelopment and expansion of the Victoria University's campus facilities.
The future of the university's student village, which is located on Williamson Road, Maidstone, is currently being investigated by the university and may involve part disposal of the site.
Victoria University contributes to the local economy through expenditure in goods and services, the provision of student housing, its education and training activities, and its research and development role.
Present Policy: The Municipal Strategic Statement encourages the role and function of Footscray as a university city; and:
• recognises that the City of Maribyrnong has a number of important Western Region activities and functions, including the largest concentration of tertiary education activity in the west, in particular, the Victoria University of Technology campus located in Footscray. (Clause 21.01-3)
• acknowledges that provision must be made for further opportunities for local tertiary and further education colleges to: expand in response to future local population increases, produce a much better educated and trained work force, be inventive in research to create new sustainable jobs. (Clause 21.04-7)
• encourages education institutions to formulate expansion and development master plans in consultation with Council and the community. (Clause 21 .04-7)
Issues and Influences: Melbourne 2030 has identified Victoria University, Ballarat Road Campus as a Specialised Activity Centre. As such, it is anticipated that the Victoria University will prepare a framework to guide the long term vision and master planning of the institution.
Due to the university's close proximity to Footscray Principal Activity Centre, both the Ballarat Road and Nicholson Street campuses will be considered as part of the study area for' the Footscray Transit City Structure Plan, to ensure that their connections to, and synergy with, the Centre are adequately considered.
1 ~o•;::i:: i~put into the development of a framework by the Victoria ::v~rs~y, and consider ___l inclusion of its land use and planning vision in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement. I • Encourage the Victoria University to: lnvestig~te the synergies with, and liriks between, the two campuses and the Footscray . Principal Activity Centre; and Undertake community consultation as part of the development of the Footscray Campus Master Plan.
42 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper vii. Western General Hospital and Environs
Background: The Western General Hospital is located on Gordon Street Footscray, and together with the private and public health services located in its environs, it provides the most comprehensive range of health services in the region.
Present Policy: The Municipal Strategic Statement encourages the further development of the economically important health facilities. It also:
• encourages the Western General Hospital to formulate expansion and development master plans, in consultation with Council and the community. (Clause 21.04-7); and
• identifies, as a future action, the need to develop local policy provisions for complementary development to the Western General Hospital in the surrounding residential areas. (Clause 21.04-7)
Issues and Influences: Access to appropriate health services and social infrastructure is critical to the community's well-being and quality of life. The anticipated expansion of population in the Western Region and in the City of Maribyrnong will potentially intensify the demand for, and supply of, health services in the community.
Potential impacts on the amenity of the residential area which surrounds the hospital precinct will need to be considered, including the impact of increased traffic and car parking on the local road network.
Council will:
• Provide input into the development of a masterplan by the Western General Hospital, and consider inclusion of its land use and planning vision in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Encourage the Western General Hospital to undertake community consultation as part of the development of any proposed masterplan.
• Consider the preparation of a local planning policy for medical land use and development activities adjacent to the Western General Hospital, and in the surrounding residential areas.
Policy References: • Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002. • Maribyrnong Planning Scheme. • Municipal Strategic Statement, 1999. • The Activity (Retail) Centres Framework Plan, Municipal Strategic Statement, 1999. • Retail Development and Activity Centre Policy, 1998. • Bulky Goods Retailing Poiicy, Maribyrnong Planning Scheme. • Footscray Central Urban Design Framework, 1999. • Footscray Riverside Masterplan, 2000. • Draft Footscray Station Precinct Redevelopment Report, 2003. • Footscray Principal Activity Centre and Transit City Masterplan, 2003. • Footscray re Visioning Study, 2004. • Draft Footscray Skyline Study. • Yarraville Streetscape Study, 1993. • Barkly Street West Footscray Shopping Strip Policy of 1996. • Seddon Urban Design Framework, 2004. 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 43 (Ji I l5 f. Housing 0 b (j Q&~ 0 t+:Y1 Background: The City is undergoing a period of significant change. Period homes in Footscray, Seddon and Yarraville are increasingly sought after, public housing in Braybrook and Maidstone is undergoing significant renewal, and mixed housing and commercial developments are establishing in the City's major activity centres and on strategic redevelopment sites along arterial roads.
Major redevelopment opportunities are emerging on land formerly occupied by manufacturing industries, and from the almost wholesale relocation of the area's Commonwealth defence industries.
Much of this land is currently being redeveloped for quality housing. Examples include the Waterford Changing demographic patterns Green Estate (1,050 dwellings), the Edgewater Estate (1 , 150 dwellings) - both of which are currently are creating a greater demand under construction - and the former Defence Site for a variety of housing types to Maribyrnong which has the capacity to provide about 2,000 dwellings. serve a diversity of ages, incomes and household structures. Changing demographic patterns are contributing to 1 gentrification in the City, especially in areas where ---·---·---- ·- ----~ J there is a predominance of 19th and early 20th Century housing stock. Gentrification is a particularly important issue in Maribyrnong as it brings rising house prices and a continuing decline in housing affordability in most parts of the municipality. It also changes employment patterns, shopping and recreational needs, and creates greater residential amenity expectations.
Present Policy: The current Municipal Strategic Statement aims to increase the City's residential focus through the development of new housing on former Commonwealth government and former industrial land, through infill development in existing residential areas, and medium to higher density development in activity nodes. The existing MSS provides the following vision:
"By the year 2011 about 50% of total land area, compared to 44% now (and only 39% in 1980) will be used for residential purposes. Residential areas will be more attractive and more varied than they are today, residential densities will be slightly higher, but there will be better roads, drains and other infrastructure, better landscaping and community facilities and services, and improved amenity and livability".
This vision is supported by the Municipal Housing Strategy, 2000, Principles for the Planning of New Residential Developments, 1996, and the Local Planning Policies contained in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme. However, these policies will need to be reviewed in light of the directions set by Melbourne 2030, the State government's metropolitan strategy.
44 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper ·~· .
Issues and Influences: Melbourne 2030 forecasts that 620,000 new dwellings will he needed across metropolitan Melbourne by the year 2030. The State government is currently working in partnership with western Councils to develop the draft Western Regional Housing Statement, which allocates the Region a forecast of 149, 100 dwellings over the next 20~25 years. The City of Maribyrnong will need to accommodate approximately 10,575 new dwellings or 7% of the anticipated regional increase.
Whilst indicative locations for new and future housing developments are currently being established through additional research, they will generally be encouraged to locate in:
• Principal and Major Activity Centres - with co-located community facilities, business and retail investment, and established public transport networks;
• Strategic Redevelopment Sites - with good access to public transport, so as to reduce pressure for inappropriate developments in established areas which have a valued urban character; and
• Greenfield Locations within the Urban Growth Boundary - which is principally relevant to outer municipalities such as Wyndham City Council and Melton Shire Council.
Refer to the Strategic Framework Plan (on the inside cover of this document) for the location of key residential redevelopment precincts in Maribyrnong.
Infill residential developments in established residential areas will continue to play an important role in providing housing opportunities, particularly when located in close proximity to public transport.
Developers of new housing will be encouraged to:
• Provide a range of housing choices for existing and future residents;
• Facilitate a wide range of housing types that are reflective of a diverse community and will support changing lifestyle requirements;
• Increase and improve the supply of well located affordable and social housing;
• Plan for the development of appropriate and effective physical and social infrastructure;
• Undertake, where appropriate, social impact assessments for large residential redevelopment sites, in order to assess the housing, social and other specific needs of future communities.
Regional policy issues that have been identified as important for the Western Region include:
• Providing housing that responds to the changing demographic profile, including aged persons and smaller households;
• Maintaining or improving housing affordability for persons purchasing or renting private accommodation;
• Providing appropriate physical, social and transport infrastructure;
• Providing a range of increased local employment opportunities;
• Promoting new housing that improves and/or respects local amenity and enhances the unique built and natural environments of the region.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 45 ~
1 ' ,._._A,,:~' .. · • , .. ,_. { ··-:·:.. .• ,,. ',..- c' ~,.· -,, " •,.,_,._·· •.. t.::l. • _,·. ~·· · • ',. ••. ""'~ ' ; ••,, ·,. ·''" ,._
As part of Council's commitment to improving housing affordability, the City of Maribyrnong commissioned the preparation of the Western Region Social Housing Research Study, 2004, to further explore opportunities for social and affordable housing.
The Study concluded that there is a need to define the concept of 'affordable housing' in the private market, and a need to further explore new strategic planning tools (for example, inclusionary zoning) that may be incorporated in the Planning Scheme (with the support of the Department of Sustainability and Environment) to encourage the provision of affordable housing by the private sector.
The Ageing Well Strategy, 2004, prepared for the Cities of Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Melton, also concluded that there is a need for additional quality retirement villages in the region to enable residents to · 'age in place' and remain close to their support networks.
~------~------~----~---· Council will:
• Review the Municipal Housing Strategy and incorporate the principles, directions and action plans recommended in the draft Western Regional Housing Statement.
• Incorporate the housing directions of Melbourne 2030, the Draft Western Regional Housing Statement and the·updated Municipal Housing Strategy in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Update Framework Plans contained in the MSS to identify appropriate strategic redevelopment sites and activity centres capable of accommodating future housing growth.
• Encou_rage the provision of social and affordable housing, particularly in and around principal and major activity centres, arid on strategic redevelopment sites serviced by the principal public transport network.
Policy References: • Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002.
• Rescode, 2001.
• Maribyrnong Planning Scheme - Municipal Strategic Statement, 1999.
• Maribyrnong Planning Scheme - Local Planning Policies (Clause 22), 1999.
• Draft Western Regional Housing Statement (unpublished).
• Municipal Housing Strategy, 2000.
• Principles for the Planning of New Residential Developments, 1996.
• Ageing Well Strategy 2004-2016, prepared for the Cities of Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Melton, 2004.
• Western Region Social Housing Research Study, Dr Beverley Kliger & Associates, 2004.
46 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper g. Neighbourhood Character
Background: Council is committed to retaining residential areas in Maribyrnong that have unique qualities. The essence of Maribyrnong's distinctiveness is in its diversity, not just in terms of land use, but in the many differences between its residential neighboLirhoods.
The dr;;:ift MArihyrnonQ NeiQhbourhood Chciracter StudJ~ 200.3, n~\/ArilArl thrit n'lsirlP.nts vrihie the character of their local area in the following ways:
• In the northern section of the City, Maribyrnong residents appreciated the Maribyrnong River and the 'semi-bushland' qualities in nearby streets, but are concerned that inappropriate development on the skyline has the potential to Council is committed to retaining dominate local character; residential areas in Maribyrnong • In the south, Yarraville residents liked the 'village that have unique qualities. atmosphere' and the reuse of existing buildings, but are concerned about the lack of 'architectural essence' in some new infill developments;
• To the west, Braybrook residents valued the spaciousness and the retention of vegetation, and would like to see more consistent street tree planting; and
• In the east, Footscray residents valued the retention and restoration of older homes in the area, and the 'inner urban' qualities such as narrow streets and intimate scale.
In addition to existing residential areas, the future character of medium to larger redevelopment sites also needs to be considered. Site characteristics such as topography, viewscapes, heritage structures, and established trees and native vegetation, all need to be taken into account in the design of new developments and subdivisions.
Present Policy: In 2003, Council completed the draft Maribyrnong Neighbourhood Character Study. The Study established a framework for managing neighbourhood character in the City through the identification of 32 distinct character precincts. Each character precinct is accompanied by guidelines which contain:
• A character description and list of key characteristics;
• A preferred future character statement; and
• Design guidelines for new developments.
These guidelines would be used in the assessment of development applications, and by designers and developers in the preparation of building and subdivision plans.
The draft Maribyrnong Neighbourhood Character Study is yet to be formally adopted by Council, pending discussions with the Department of Sustainability and Environment about the implementation of the Study recommendations.
The existing Municipal Strategic Statement (1999) is silent on the issue of Neighbourhood Character.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 4 7 Issues and Influences: ResCode, the State government's planning code for new medium density developments, places emphasis on neighbourhood character.
Further discussions with the Department of Sustainability and Environment are required to determine the most appropriate application of the draft Maribyrnong Neighbourhood Character Study.
Council will:
• Seek direction from the Department of Sustainability and Environment about the implementation of the Neighbourhood Character Study.
• Use the findings of the Neighbourhood Character Study to develop appropriate planning controls to enhance protection of neighbourhood character.
Policy References: • Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002.
• . ResCode, Department of Infrastructure, 2001.
• Draft Maribyrnong Neighbourhood Character Study, 2003.
48 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper h. Cultural Heritage
Background: The Maribyrnong area has a rich cultural history that is reflected in the local landscape and built environment. There is strong community interest in the municipality's history and heritage as well as support for its conservation. Council has a planning responsibility to identify and protect important aspects of the City's cultural heritage. In 2001, Council completed a comprehensive review of Maribyrnong's heritage which established an inventory of places that have national, State, regional and local significance. This includes remnants of the natural landscape, evidence of the area's long Aboriginal history, and buildings and physical remains of the various phases of European settlement. The Maribyrnong area has a rich Natural Heritage is discussed in detail in the Biodiversity - Flora and Fauna section of the cultural history that is reflected Issues Paper (see Page 58). in the local landscape and built environment.
Present Policy: The Municipal Heritage Plan was adopted by Council in 2002 and guides Council's efforts to conserve heritage through the introduction of planning controls and other measures that support the conservation of identified places. This includes:
• Development of professional heritage skills in Council and the community;
• Management of heritage places;
• Promoting community awareness of the municipality's heritage; and
• Building partnerships with the community and other levels of government.
Council currently supports a Heritage Advisory Service to provide advice to owners and occupiers of heritage buildings and sites, when they are considering making changes that may affect heritage values.
A large number of Maribyrnong's heritage places are protected through heritage controls in the planning scheme. Following a two year process, Council finalised the review and extended application of heritage controls through Heritage Amendment C31 to the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme in 2005. The Heritage Amendment Panel Report provides a useful overview of the key issues related to protecting and managing the City's heritage places.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 49 Issues and Influences: The Municipal Heritage Plan anticipates an ongoing program by Council to support the identification, conservation and interpretation of the City's heritage. Its recommendations are currently being reviewed in order to establish the strategic direction for heritage planning for the next 2 - 3 years.
Several matters highlighted in the Heritage Amendment Panel Report need to be resolved, including:
• CouncWs approach to industrial heritage, in particular, balancing the needs of operating industrial sites with the requirement of retaining significant historic elements;
• Reference to the strategic importance of the Port of Melbourne in the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS);
• Increased support for the owners of heritage properties; and
• Further assessment of some heritage places to determine their heritage values and significance.
Industrial heritage buildings and the Port of Melbourne heritage sites, together occupy a significant amount of land in the municipality. The local approach to the need for balancing the conservation objectives for those sites with the operating requirements of industry has been partially acknowledged in the 'Industrial Heritage Policy' adopted by Council, as part of Amendment C31 to the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme. The reviewed MSS will provide the strategic basis for decisions involving these issues.
Heritage guidelines are proposed for several of the heritage residential areas to demonstrate to land owners and potential applicants, the significant elements of the heritage areas, and to suggest appropriate approaches to development.
Council will:
• Review and continue to implement the recommendations of the Municipal Heritage Plan.
• Incorporate Amendment C31 into the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme arid resolve outstanding heritage issues highlighted in the Amendment C31 Heritage Panel Report.
• Prepare heritage guidelines to inform the public about significant heritage residential areas and the appropriate approach to development in these areas.
Policy References: • Municipal Heritage Plan, 2002.
• Maribyrnong Heritage Review - Volumes 1- 7, 2001.
• Aboriginal Heritage Study, 2001.
• Maribyrnong Planning Scheme Amendment C31 - Panel Report, 2004.
50 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper £1 i. Open Space ••• ta!t.1 ~.______!
Background:
Public open space needs to support a variety of community activities and requirements, including appropriate sporting and active recreation areas, playgrounds and family friendly spaces, walking and cycling trails, protection of heritage places, and the preservation of wildlife corridors and other natural spaces.
Maribyrnong encompasses a broad range of parks and recreation facilities, many of which are located along the City's waterways. Parks range in focus from heritage gardens, such as Footscray Park, to neighbourhood pocket parks and reserves catering for active sports such as soccer, hockey and football.
However, some parts of the City are poorly served with public open space, including the areas to the south of Francis Street (Yarraville), north of Somerville Road (Yarraville), Footscray (generally), Braybrook to the west of Ashley Street, and Maribyrnong to the north of Raleigh Road.
Council's capacity to meet community needs in relation to active and passive recreation is an ongoing challenge, particularly its ability to provide adequate space for emerging sporting demands.
The important open space roles of the Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek are discussed in the Watetways section of the Issues Paper (see page 55).
Present Policy:
The Municipal Open Space Plan, 1997, aims to establish a satisfactory and balanced open space network through the following actions:
• Establishing parks as a part of new residential developments;
• Improving existing parks and open space;
• Providing a range of recreation experiences in parks across the City;
• Improving access to all open space.
Council is currently developing a new Open Space Plan, concurrent to the review of the Municipal Strategic Statement. This will in turn form the basis for a municipal Open Space Contribution Policy.
Open space improvements are also guided by endorsed park master plans and the strategic plans of other stakeholders such as Parks Victoria.
Maribyrnong encompasses a broad range of parks and recreation facilities
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2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 51 1
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Issues and Influences: • There are a number of important areas in Maribyrnong that are currently in a state of transition from industrial to residential land use. The appropriate reservation and development of public open space in new residential areas is a key priority for Council.
• In securing open space in new subdivisions, Council currently lacks a policy that provides adequate justification to obtain a fixed percentage of land of 5% or greater. This problem will be resolved by the future Open Space Contribution Policy.
• The City has a shortage of appropriately sized open spaces to accommodate organised sport (particularly in the northern part of the municipality) and off leash dog walking.
• Open space development should reflect the unique needs of the local community. Social aspects such as cultural and linguistic diversity, high levels of non car ownership and drug use in public spaces, will all influence how open space is developed and utilised in the City.
• Urban design techniques can be applied to public open space to create safer parks and reserves, better connections between locations, and enhanced park landscapes and facilities.
Council will:
• Develop a new Municipal Open Space Plan in 2005, and incorporate key policy directions of the revised Open Space Plan and the Recreation Strategy, 2002, in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Develop an Open Space Contribution Policy with a fixed schedule of contribution rates, that will facilitate the appropriate reservation and development of open space in Maribyrnong.
• Continue to engage the community in the design and development of public open space.
Policy References: • Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002.
• Municipal Recreation Strategy, 2002.
• Maribyrnong Bicycle Strategy, 2004.
• Linking People and Spaces - Melbourne's Regional Open Space Strategy, Parks Victoria, 2002.
• Open Space Plan, 1997 (currently under review).
52 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper ~
J. Recreation a aa taf t. I 6.IMii ____u _
Background: One of Council's key challenges is the adequate resourcing of new and existing recreation facilities and programs. With limited resources, careful strategic planning is required to ensure the best recreation outcomes possible. Partnership arrangements for the provision of recreation services, that is cooperation with other levels ot !'.Joverririierit and ottier coriiriiuri1ty service providers, is one means of achieving appropriate funding levels.
Council will monitor changing recreation priorities in the community and ensure that recreation opportunities are available to people of all ages, A new aquatic centre is being abilities and backgrounds. A balance between active and passive recreation is required to reflect developed at the Robert Barrett · the differing needs of the community. Reserve in Maribyrnong (near
A key challenge for Council is providing recreational Highpoint Shopping Centre) opportunities for the City's diverse population. In particular, the City needs to provide for groups with special needs, such as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALO) Communities, people with disabilities, women, newly arrived immigrants and the socio-economically disadvantaged.
Present Policy: The Municipal Recreation Strategy, 2002, provides a strategic framework for the provision and development of recreation in the City of Maribyrnong. This will be further supplemented by the draft Municipal Sports Development Strategy, which is currently being developed.
The Maribyrnong Bicycle Strategy, 2004, describes the City's shared trail network and on-road bicycle routes, and suggests improvements in the trail network and its associated facilities, as well as the promotion of cycling in Maribyrnong. Further information is provided in the Access and Transport Section on page 48.
Issues and Influences: • With the forecast increase in population and changing demography, existing recreation and open space facilities are likely to come under increasing pressure. Demand for private or alternative forms of recreation may increase, for example, gym based fitness, martial arts, yoga and dance.
• A new aquatic centre is being developed at the Robert Barrett Reserve in Maribyrnong (near Highpoint Shopping Centre).
• There is growing demand for casual and flexible access to sporting facilities, and unmet demand for some sporting codes, including those using large open grassed spaces.
• Council is committed to working with the Western Bulldogs to improve Whitten Oval Precinct and its facilities for the community.
• There is an opportunity to promote walking and cycling through the State government's TravelSmart program.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 53 ~ oboQ,&~,o~
Council will:
• Update the Municipal Strategic Statement to reflect the land use objectives of Council's key recreation strategies.
• Monitor recreation trends in the City and advance key recreation priorities, such as the development of the Aquatic Centre and revitalisation of the Whitten Oval precinct.
Policy References: • Municipal Recreation Strategy, 2002.
• Maribyrnong Bicycle Strategy, 2004.
• Draft Municipal Sports Development Strategy, 2005.
• Open Space Plan, 1997 (currently under renewal).
54 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper k. Waterways
Background:
The City of Maribyrnong is traversed by two significant waterways - the Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek. These waterways provide a valuable natural and recreational resource for the City, and support a number of sites with significant flora and fauna. i. Maribyrnong River
The Maribyrnong River forms 16km of the municipal boundary, adjoining the Cities of Melbourne, Moonee Valley and Brimbank. The River provides a major open space and habitat corridor for the Western Region. It is a vital link between Port Philip Bay and regional open space, such as Brimbank Park. Riverside walking and cycling paths are some of the City's most popular areas of open space.
Unfortunately, past developments along this corridor have not necessarily been sympathetic to their environs. It is a significant challenge for Council to achieve a balance between protection of the River's natural and open space values, and encouraging appropriate development and design interface.
Although many of the grassland sites along the banks of the River are now seriously degraded, the watercourse itself provides habitat for fish, reptiles and numerous birds. The Natural Heritage Study, 2001, (Heritage Review) lists 6 sites of floral and faunal significance along the River - they are:
• Newells Paddock, Salt Marsh (Regional significance).
• Edgewater Escarpment and Wetlands (Regional, potentially National significance).
• Upper Maribyrnong River Riparian Complex (Regional significance).
• Pipemakers Park Riparian Complex, Woodland and Wetlands (Regional significance).
• Lower Maribyrnong River Riparian Complex (Local significance).
• Middle Maribyrnong River Riparian Complex (Local significance). ii. Stony Creek
Stony Creek flows through the City for 6km, traversing the industrial area of Tottenham and the suburbs of West Footscray and Yarraville. The open space along the Creek is highly valued by the community and there is a plan to gradually establish a shared walking and cycling path along the Creek within Yarraville. Community based revegetation groups are working on several sites along the Creek, including Cruickshank Park and Stony Creek Reserve.
West of Paramount Road, the land alongside the Creek is mostly in private ownership, making future development of this area as a linear open space a major challenge for Council.
Waterways provide a valuable 1 natural and recreational I resource for the City, and
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2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 55 1-
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In terms of floral and faunal significance, the National Heritage Study, 2001, has identified the following sites:
• Stony Creek Lower at Hyde Street includes recolonised (possibly remnant) Salt Marsh of local to regional significance.
• Stony Creek Upper (Tottenham through to Yarraville) has a riparian complex of local significance.
Water quality is poor in all sections of the lower Stony Creek. This issue is currently being addressed through the Stony Creek Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan (NEIP), 2004.
Present Policy: Encouraging appropriate development along the Maribyrnong River corridor is a major urban planning priority for both Council and the State government.
Maribyrnong City Council, in association with key state government agencies and several regional municipalities, is currently developing the Maribyrnong River Valley Project. This strategy, which will be finalised in late 2005, aims to .protect and enhance the surrounds of the Maribyrnong River through a set of urban design and landscape guidelines, and a computer modelling tool.
The Stony Creek Directions Plan, 1999, aims to improve the linear park along the developed section of Stony Creek, to the east of Paramount Road.
Council recently endorsed the Stony Creek Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan, 2004, which commits key stakeholders to improvements in water quality, vegetation and open space.
Major catchment management initiatives applying to the Maribyrnong River include the:
• Two Rivers Project (led by Parks Victoria);
• Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy, 2004-2009; and the
• Port Phillip and Western Port Regional River Health Strategy, 2004.
Issues and Influences: • Inappropriate development is a recognised threat to the integrity of the Maribyrnong River Valley. Strategic planning for key riverside development sites should acknowledge the River as a major asset, and respect values such as topography, viewscapes, heritage elements, riparian vegetation and the peaceful atmosphere of the River environment.
• The transfer of key riverside sites from industrial to residential I office based use, will provide critical opportunities for expanding public access along the Maribyrnong River, and extending and linking existing shared trail networks.
• The interface between private waterside developments and public waterside spaces requires careful consideration. The community are concerned about maintaining public accessibility and the 'sense of public space' along the Maribyrnong River.
• The development of an open space link along the Tottenham section of the Stony Creek (west of Paramount Road) will be difficult to establish due to the private ownership and development of land adjoining the creek. In some places, the Creek has been built over.
56 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper Council will:
• Finalise the Maribyrnong River Valley Project in late 2005 and incorporate key policy directions in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement and local planning policy.
• Include reference to the Stony Creek Directions Plan, 1999, in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Consider referenc~ to key Catchment Management strategies in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement. · ·
• Continue to work with key stakeholders, such as Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria, in the strategic planning and enhancement of the Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek.
Policy References: • Stony Creek Directions Plan, 1999.
• Stony Creek Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan (NEIP), 2004.
• Natural Heritage Study, 2001.
• Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy 2004-2009, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority.
• Draft Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy, Melbourne Water, 2004.
• Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 57 ~ I. Biodiversity - Flora and Fauna oooQ,J2Do~,
Background: Although the natural environment of Maribyrnong has been substantially altered, there are a number of areas that continue to support indigenous plants and wildlife. All vegetation types have been severely depleted since settlement and most remnants are now highly modified from their original state.
Many plant species have become extinct within the municipality and populations of most remaining species are critically endangered. Small, highly degraded remnants of most vegetation types persist, generally occurring close to the perimeter of the City in association with the Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek.
Three plant species of State significance probably still occur within the City of Maribyrnong - Cullen tenax (Tough Scurf-pea), Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypruss-pine) and Minuria leptophylla (Minnie Daisy). Of these, White Cypress-pine is the only confirmed species in existence, occurring at the former Defence Site Maribyrnong. Fifty six plant species of Regional significance may be present within the municipality. The Department of Sustainability and Environment are currently investigating appropriate protection and management of regionally significant Plains Grassland at the Braybrook Rail Reserve.
Generally, identified local habitat is highly disturbed and is of limited value to native fauna. Revegetated parklands, such as Newells Paddock, Pipemakers Park and the Stony Creek Backwash, represent the best quality habitat.
Despite the lack of indigenous riparian vegetation, the environments of the Maribyrnong River are being used by numerous bird species, including those protected under the JAM BA and CHAM BA international migratory bird agreements.
Further survey work was recommended by the Natural Heritage Study, 2001, to establish the status of significant fauna species in the local area, such as the:
• Growling Grass Frog (National significance);
• Pied Cormorant (State significance);
• Great Egret (State significance);
• Nankeen Night-heron (State significance); and
• Water Rat (Regional significance).
Major threats to the remaining biological values in the City of Maribyrnong include weed invasion, and introduced animals. Recommended management approaches include the protection of significant trees and the revegetation of the Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek, in conjunction with a weed control program targeting 45 of the worst weed species occurring in the area.
58 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper Present Policy: Biodiversity issues are not explicitly addressed by the existing Municipal Strategic Statement, and hence there are no Environmental Significance Overlays or Vegetation Protection Overlays in the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme. This policy gap was recognised in the Maribyrnong New Format Planning Scheme Panel Report, 1998, and was subsequently acknowledged in the MSS Three Year Review Report, 2002.
Nevertheless, biodiversity issues have been explored as part of the Municipal Heritage Review. This resulted in the Natural Heritage Study, 2001, which describes the significant flora, fauna and geomorphology in the City of Maribyrnong, and recommends management approaches and additional research to be undertaken.
Issues and Influences: • Rare species are protected under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
• Revegetation work using indigenous plant species is currently being undertaken at Stony Creek Reserve, Braybrook Escarpment and Newells Paddock. An indigenous revegetation plan for Stony Creek exists in a draft form.
• Council is currently producing draft landscape guidelines for new developments. The guidelines will address the issue of managing remnant vegetation on private land and will recommend the use of appropriate local plant species.
• Further information on the Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek is provided in the Waterways section on page 55.
Council will:
• Investigate the use of the Vegetation Protection Overlay or Environmental Significance Overlay along the City's waterways and at the Braybrook Rail Reserve.
• Protect White Cypress-pine at the former Defence Site Maribyrnong.
• Continue revegetation at key sites, especially along waterways.
• Complete the landscape guidelines for new developments and reference in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Undertake additional survey work as recommended in the Natural Heritage Study, 2001.
-· --- -·------.- . ------~
Policy References: • Natural Heritage Study, 2001.
• Municipal Heritage Plan, 2002.
• Draft Stony Creek Revegetation Plan, 2005.
• Maribyrnong Environment Strategy, 1999-2001.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 59 1-
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m. Access and Transport .t tl .t f,I~ I ~..___II-·
Background: The integration of an effective transport system into the land use planning framework is essential for the City's sustainability. Land use activities generate trips that are distributed over the transport network depending on available choices in transport mode and route, distance, time and cost of travel. Demographic and employment characteristics and the location of activities have a bearing on the use of the transport system.
The transport system influences decisions on the location and type of land use activities, and therefore these aspects cannot be planned independently. Transport space is a scarce resource and careful consideration must be given to the available transport space allocated to different transport modes, such as freight, private car travel, public transport, cycling and walking.
The Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy (MITS), 2001, provides the City with a long term transport strategy that addresses the economic, social and environmental challenges and opportunities associated with its local and wider transport systems. It is the key policy for strategic transport planning at Maribyrnong City Council.
Responsibilities for the management of transport services and infrastructure, in and around the City of Maribyrnong, are spread across all three levels of government. The State government has the key role in developing strategies and managing the metropolitan wide transport framework. Surrounding municipalities, the Port of Melbourne Corporation and the private sector play an important role in influencing traffic patterns and movement through the City. The policies and initiatives for each level of government and the private sector therefore provide an important context for Council's position on transport.
Council has direct responsibilities for the management and maintenance of its local road network and is a highway authority under the Local Government Act 1989 and the Road Safety Act 1986. In this capacity, the Council exercises control over all roads within the municipality, with the exception of roads which have been designated freeways, state highways or arterial roads under the Road Management Act 2004 (managed by VicRoads).
Council controls parking on roads and also has primary responsibility for local area traffic management, pedestrian and cycling facilities, school crossings, some bus shelters, signage and line marking, road furniture, management of traffic signals on local roads, public lighting and local community transport services.
The State government has an extensive transport agenda which involves a wide range of strategies and policies for the development of the port, road infrastructure and the public transport network. Many of its policies and strategies are important in guiding transport decisions affecting metropolitan Melbourne.
The Federal Government has a significant impact on the transport system through its policies and initiatives, including funding of transport projects of national significance, regulatory reforms and promotion and co-ordination of transport from a national perspective.
60 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper The City of Maribyrnong has boundaries with the Cities of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley and Melbourne, and the Port of Melbourne Corporation. The policies and plans of surrounding municipalities and authorities have transport impacts within the City of Maribyrnong, for example:
• Increased road transport of containers from the Port and container parks in the region;
• New large residential developments to the west of the City of Maribyrnong;
• Increased through traffic due to motorists avoiding bottlenecks on the arterial road network, for example, the West Gate Bridge.
The private sector is increasing its involvement in the construction and provision of transport services, for example, the construction of roads and the operation of public transport, including rail, tram and bus services. In Maribyrnong, Connex and Yarra Trams have long term contracts with the State government to operate trains and trams. Private bus companies Westrans, SITA, Ryans and Melbourne Bus Link operate suburban bus routes. i. Public Transport
Maribyrnong has good public transport links, with metropolitan rail services connecting to the Melbourne CAD, Williamstown, Werribee and Sydenham, and regional services to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo - all passing through Footscray Railway Station. The existing bus network provides extensive coverage of the municipality with interchange facilities at Footscray, Highpoint and Yarraville. Two tram routes pass through the northern section of thfl m1 mir.irt=ility - the f\IL1mber 82 tram from Footccrny to Moonee Ponds, and the Number 57 tram from Cordite Avenue in Maribyrnong to the City.
The improvement of public transport links and services between activity centres, transport hubs and across suburbs is seen as critical in attracting a greater share of travel onto public transport and out of private cars.
Footscray is an important metropolitan interchange for passengers on trains, trams, buses and taxis. Footscray Railway Station is proposed to be developed into a world class modal interchange, supporting the Principal Activity Centre at Footscray - under the Footscray Transit City program facilitated by the State government's Melbourne 2030 Strategy. This will significantly strengthen Footscray's role as a major transport hub for the inner west.
Council also seeks improvements and extensions to the tram network in the inner west, including provision of a direct tramline from Footscray to the Melbourne CAD and Docklands via Footscray Road and/or Smithfield Road; extension of a new tramline into the proposed new residential estate in the former Defence Site Maribyrnong, and an east-west tram route through the municipality connecting Highpoint to Sunshine.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 61 ""-'. • • , .... ·- '·~ ·,. ~. ! • • ····:\ ·~ .r ,._,, ··"I( / "o' • ·.,. ·' ..... ', • ; t '.:.'·~ '· •• '.
The enhancement of bus routes and their associated services and facilities is critical in attracting greater patronage on public transport across Melbourne. Additional local, long distance and inter-regional services should be provided to better integrate and access key modal interchanges, regional shopping centres, universities, hospitals and other major suburban activity centres within Maribyrnong. Few bus operators currently run 18 hour, 7 day a week services, which discourages many people from using them. Also, the introduction of effective bus services at an earlier time in the development of new estates will encourage· people to use public transport instead of their private vehicles. Accessibility for all levels of ability must be considered, and systems in place to ensure the socio-economically disadvantaged have opportunities to travel, for example, the development of region-wide low cost community transport; or, if accessible public transport exists, the provision of free or low cost tickets to some groups in the community.
· Provision of funding for additional public transport infrastructure and services will be a significant challenge for the State government. Council supports the recommendations contained in the Metropolitan Transport Forum's 'Funding Choices' report which includes a number of funding options, including developer contributions for public transport.
Council's involvement in the Department of Infrastructure's TravelSmart Program will also increase the level of public transport usage to, from and within, the City of Maribyrnong. ii. Roads Maribyrnong's road network is heavily influenced by the presence of State Highways - Geelong Road and Ballarat Road run diagonally through the municipality, with east-west demand catered for along:
• Footscray Road - Napier Street - Buckley Street - Sunshine Road;
• Dynon Road - Hopkins Street I Barkly Street (through the Footscray Activity Centre);
• South Road;
• Churchill Avenue;
• Cordite Avenue - Raleigh Road;
• Somerville Road; and
• Francis Street (Docklands Highway).
North-south routes include Williamstown Road (which has full access to/from the West Gate Freeway), Whitehall Street (Docklands Highway), Hyde Street, Gordon Street, Summerhill Road - Rosamond Road, and Paramount Street - Ashley Street. The West Gate Freeway, on the municipality's southern boundary, provides access to the Melbourne CAD, Port of Melbourne and airports, and major road and rail freight terminals.
A number of these routes carry large volumes of traffic along narrow congested roads through residential areas, severely reducing the amenity of these areas. Few direct north-south routes exist in the region and these do not all connect effectively to the major east-west routes. No effective regional north-south arterial road exists in the 1Okm between the Western Ring Road and the City Link Western Bypass.
Many of these roads also have deficient operational capacity (mainly at key intersections) to cater for future traffic demands and require significant funding for major intersection upgrading works and road widening. Improved connections to and from the Western Ring Road, the West Gate Freeway/Citylink and the port will be required in the future to alleviate traffic problems on Maribyrnong's roads. Travel demand management measures should also be promoted in the outer western suburbs to reduce demand for car based travel through the inner western suburbs.
62 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper The development of the former Commonwealth sites and other infill development in the region, particularly in the northern areas of the municipality, combined with the expanding Highpoint Activity Centre, will generate increased traffic. The arterial road network in this area will need major improvements to adequately handle this traffic, unless there is a significant increase in use of public transport. A decision on a future additional bridge crossing of the Maribyrnong River in the area will also need to be made pending the outcome of the Inner West Integrated Transport Strategy (/WITS).
Issues that will need to be considered in the general upgrading of the road network are:
• Lack of road reservation space, in many cases requiring land acquisition for road widening;
• Ageing road and pavement infrastructure; and the
• Need for quality urban design, incorporating landscaping and noise attenuation in residential areas (particularly on freight routes). iii. Pedestrian and Cyclists Many trips are made by walking and cycling. A framework is required to ensure that policies, facilities and infrastructure, support and encourage pedestrian and cycling accessibility and safety across the metropolitan area. Cycling as a means of travel uses far less resources than car travel in terms of infrastructure requirements, and has significant environmental and health benefits. Opportunities for increased public and private funding of infrastructure, and promotion of cycling as a travel mode, should be pursued.
The Maribyrnong Bicycle Strategy was adopted by Council in 2004 and provides details of the City's shared trail network and on-road bicycle routes. The Strategy suggests improvements to the network and associated facilities, as well as the promotion of cycling for both transport and recreation. A number of on and off-road cycling paths have been constructed or planned for Cycling as a means of travel construction as a result of this strategy. uses far less resources than car A number of walking initiatives have also been . implemented such as improving walkability travel in terms of infrastructure through new estates and creating walking school .1 requirements, and has bus routes. A Walking Strategy for the City is significant environmental and currently proposed. I I health benefits.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 63 iv. Car Parking Parking demand is becoming a major issue around our shopping and activity centres where increased densities and new developments are occurring. Council is addressing this through the development of parking management plans within sensitive areas, such as the recently adopted Yarraville Village, Footscray, Seddon and Western Hospital Parking Management Plans. Council is preparing further parking management plans for the two Victoria University precincts in Footscray.
A detailed Parking Precinct Plan will be developed (and linked to the Planning Scheme for Footscray) to facilitate better long-term development outcomes for the City. Parking constraint management options will be considere_d including car-free precincts in areas of high pedestrian activity with excellent access to public transport.
The trend towards increasing car-parking areas around activity centres should be curtailed and offset with the provision of more effective public transport, cycling and walking options.
A parking permit system review is currently underway which will lead to a more effective parking management system and will provide a clear Council policy on permit parking in the City. v. Water Based Transport Opportunities exist to expand water based transport services across the Bay and into the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers to key activity centres and local attractors, as an alternative travel option. Water taxis or ferries could be used for trips such as commuter travel and to tourist attractions.
The Docklands development is also likely to generate opportunities for increased water based transport in the inner city area. Development occurring along the Maribyrnong River, such as Edgewater, will focus more attention on the use of the River as a potential transport route. vi. Community Transport Community transport is an important resource for many people and organisations across the City. It provides opportunities for people to move around and engage in community life when they may not have an effective means of transport.
To encourage the use of community transport, Council will be developing a Community Transport Policy that will involve a partnering approach with other providers, to link users to a wider pool of transport resources.
64 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper Present Policy: The existing Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) provides Council with strategic directions for integrated land use and transport outcomes in the City and encourages:
• Reduced reliance on car based transport, especially in the population growth areas in the north and north-west precincts of the City, and to major activity centres.
• Improved access by a range of transport modes to all activity centres and other public places such as schools, industrial precincts, and open space and recreation areas .
. • Further development and better usage of the public transport networks, and improved, more attractive and safer train stations, bus/tram shelters and pedestrian access.
• Improved arterial road links from major industrial areas to the highway and freeway systems, and the Port of Melbourne and rail freight terminals.
• A reduction in the impacts of heavy truck traffic on residential areas and activity centres.
• The development of local streets in activity centres to provide safe and pleasant shared pedestrian movement, slower vehicular access and on-street short stay parking.
Since the preparation of the existing MSS, Council has adopted the Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy 2001, Road Safety Study, 2000, Bicycle Strategy, 2004, and various Parking Management Plans for targeted precincts in the City of Maribyrnong.
The Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy (MITS), 2001, is the key strategic transport planning policy in Council; it:
• provides a long term transport vision for its local and wider transport systems, and a focus for Council to address the various transport needs of the community;
• assists Council's planning for change and new development in the City, and
• informs the development of a transport program for future capital works expenditure.
MITS has been used as a major input into the Inner West Integrated Transport Strategy (/WITS), a Department of Infrastructure study for the Cities of Hobsoris Bay, Moonee Valley and Maribyrnong aimed at developing and managing the transport network in the inner west over the next 20 years. IWITS is expected to be completed in the near future.
The State government's Metropolitan Transport Plan and Trave/Smart program also influence transport planning in the City, and seek to increase the level of public transport usage across metropolitan Melbourne and within the City of Maribyrnong.
Both the State and local policy platforms will drive the transport directions and strategies in the revised MSS.
Issues and Influences: Improving public transport links and patronage, reducing private vehicle usage, managing road and rail freight, and promoting sustainable transport options, will continue to be the focus of transport planning in the City of Maribyrnong. Key State, regional and local challenges include:
• Improving public transport links and services between activity centres, transport hubs and across suburbs to attract a greater share of travel onto public transport and out of private cars.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 65 1-
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• Improving the arterial road network to cater for the increased redevelopment activity at strategic development sites in the northern areas of the City, and at key activity centres. Such development pressures will exacerbate localised traffic and parking pressures, and generate increased traffic activity in the City of Maribyrnong. The arterial road network in these areas will need major improvements to adequately handle the increased traffic demands, unless there is a significant increase in use of public transport.
• Reducing freight and general vehicular traffic on Maribyrnong's roads. At present, 20,000 heavy trucks a day - running to and from the Port - travel through our City and its residential areas creating detrimental environmental impacts (ie. noise, air emissions), safety problems and damaging road assets. Improved connections to and from the Western Ring Road, the West Gate Freeway/Citylink and the port are required if traffic .problems on Maribyrnong's roads are to be alleviated.
• Managing increased parking demands around the City's activity centres where increased densities and new developments are occurring. Precincts of particular interest include: Footscray Activity Centre, Yarraville Village, Seddon Shopping Centre, the Western General Hospital and the two Victoria University precincts.
• Improving access for all abilities, and opportunities for the socio-economically disadvantaged to travel on public I community transport.
• Implementing the State government's initiatives arising from the:
Metropolitan Transport Plan and TravelSmart program - both of which seek to increase public transport patronage; and the
Inner West Integrated Transport Strategy which aims to improve the transport network in the inner west over the next 20 years. r --· _.. _... __ -- -· . Council will:
• Incorporate the key objectives, directions and actions of the Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy in the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.
• Implement, where feasible, Parking Precinct Plans for identified sensitive areas, and investigate their potential for inclusion in the Local Planning Policies of the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme.
• Review the regional transport strategies and incorporate relevant regional transport directions in · the revised Municipal Strategic Statement and Maribyrnong Planning Scheme.
• Develop integrated transport plans as part of the structure planning for Principal and Major Activity Centres.
• · Support integrated land use and transport planning strategies that contribute to sustainable urban form, encourage public transport use and promote safe pedestrian and cycling accessibility, across the metropolitan area.
• Advocate to the State government for a greater share of the State's transport budget to be allocated to public transport.
Policy References: • Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy, 2001.
• Metropolitan Transport Plan, 2004.
• Maribyrnong Bicycle Strategy, 2004.
• Road Safety Study, 2000.
66 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper >. •...... ~· .
n. Relationship with the Port of Melbourne
Background: The Port of Melbourne has State significance due to its contribution to the State's economy and its function as the largest container port in Australia. IL also has a major Impact on the City ot Maribyrnong. Roads and rail lines that pass through the municipality are used by traffic travelling to and from the port. Many businesses locate in Maribyrnong due to their association with the port. The City's industrial areas also contain a relatively large number of major container depots and transport terminals.
The activities within the port and neighbouring port related uses often adversely affect areas within the municipality, particularly residential areas, through their emissions, truck traffic, noise, risk and safety concerns. Major hazard facilities such as Goode Island and those on the western side of the Maribyrnong River present particular issues about their health and safety risk management that affects the planning of the neighbouring industrial and residential areas in Yarraville and Footscray.
Currently most of the port is located within the City of Melbourne with only that portion of the port located on the western edge of the Maribyrnong River between Francis Street and Napier Street being situated within Maribyrnong. Located within this area of the port are the Yarraville dry bulk berths and the Kivelos Marina berths. Located further to the south is Holden Dock which provides berths for the Mobil storage facilities in Hobsons Bay.
Present Policy: The Victorian Port Strategy sets the broad directions for all ports and emphasises their economic importance to the State and that their future growth should be protected.
The Port of Melbourne has its own planning scheme which sets out the detailed planning policies and controls for the port. The scheme recognises the importance of the port to the economic well-being of Victoria. It specifically requires land resources adjacent to the Port of Melbourne to be protected for access to, and future development of, the port, and ensures that the port is protected by adequate buffer areas to prevent land use conflicts at the perimeter. The planning scheme is being rewritten, and as part of this, the Port has undertaken research about the future land use needs of the Port and its potential expansion north into the Dynon rail yards.
Council's current MSS specifically mentions the Port of Melbourne with respect to its impact in the regional context (Clause 21.1-2), and refers to the need for improved arterial road and other links to the port from industrial areas and the freeway system. (Clause 21.04-8)
The Port has prepared a draft Port Environs Plan which proposes the protection of the port by using buffers and other measures to prevent encroachment and manage risk, emission and amenity issues that affect the areas adjoining the port. While in draft form the Plan is a seriously entertained planning proposal and must be considered.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 67 .,. . !
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Issues and Influences: Planning for the Port's current and future operations and growth will remain a key issue for Council and the community. Port related road traffic, risk management, emissions and the development of land for port-related purposes will need addressing by Council, the Port and the local community.
The recent Yarraville Riverfront Port and Industrial Framework Plan, 2003, developed by the Port in collaboration with Department of Sustainability and Environment and Council, deals with some of these issues, particularly the interface between the port and the industrial I residential areas to its west and access by trucks and general traffic (including cyclists and pedestrians).
Council's Maribyrnong Local Industrial Land Use and Development Framework 2003 also looks at the future planning of the Yarraville industrial precinct along the Maribyrnong River.
Port buffers and the effective management of risks associated with Goode Island and major hazard facilities are immediate issues being considered in the draft Port Environs Plan prepared by the Port of Melbourne.
The need for a shared bicycle and pedestrian path linking the City of Maribyrnong and the foreshore trail between Williamstown and the Werribee River is a key open space planning priority of Melbourne 2030. This will be a complex task because of the need to protect some of the river banks for port and port associated uses.
The Metropolitan Transport Plan, 2004, points out that freight flows are projected to double between 2000 and 2020, and that 1.7 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs or shipping containers) are handled by the port every year. This will rise to 3.8 million TEUs by 2020 and to 5. 7 million TEUs by 2030 (according to Victorian Ports Strategic Study, 2000).
The Metropolitan Transport Plan will:
• Develop the Dynon-Port rail link, with grade separation of Footscray Road;
• Protect strategic land around the port for freight related activities;
• Reconfigure access links so that more freight can be moved by rail and specialised port vehicles, rather than commercial trucks;
• Encourage some port-related freight interchange to outer metropolitan terminals.
Part of the Plan is to fully integrate the Port with the Dynon Rail area (the Port@I project) to produce a freight hub and to increase the Port of Melbourne's container capacity by potentially extending Swanson Dock. This will mean that Footscray Road may be deviated to the north.
Improved direct truck access to the freeway network at the port is required to reduce this through traffic in Maribyrnong. Council supports increasing the share of the freight task transported by rail and reducing road based freight transport where possible.
Reinstating rail links to the docks in the Port of Melbourne is also supported by Council for transferal of freight to centres such as future "inland ports" and for direct railing of freight to regional and interstate destinations.
However, rail infrastructure development must consider impacts on land uses along the rail corridor and works should consider noise attenuation, urban design, public access and safety, and landscaping issues. Residential land use development along corridors will require adequate setbacks, buffers and noise attenuation measures.
68 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper ' ~
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Industrial enterprises, especially containerised freight operations located on freight rail lines, should be encouraged to utilise rail where possible and appropriate. Increased rail activity along the Maribyrnong Goods Line (running parallel to the Maribyrnong River) is not an example of appropriate rail activity, and will be discouraged by Council, given the impacts it will have on safe public access to the Maribyrnong River and to the commercial and residential development north of Lyons Street. Increased rail activity on this line will impinge on the development opportunities in this area, especially development that supports higher value employment.
r~------~- 1 Council will: I • Continue dialogue with the Port of Melbourne Corporation regarding Port buffers and the preparation of the draft Port Environs Plan and the implementation of the Yarraville Riverfront Port and Industrial Framework Plan. • Continue dialogue with the Department of Infrastructure regarding the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and modify the MSS Framework Plans regarding port access roads. • Respond to the preparation of the Port's New Format Planning Scheme and ensure Council's concerns and views are presented. • Continue to work with the Port of Melbourne Corporation to plan for the future development of the industrial areas generally to the east of Whitehall Street and south of Youell Street, Yarraville. • Continue to advocate to the State government for improved direct truck access to the freeway network at the port, and increased rail freight movement - as a means of reducing truck traffic through the City of Maribyrnong. • Continue to advocate to the Port of Melbourne Corporation for M~ribyrno~g Riverside envi~ons improvements on land under their control.
Policy References:
• Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002.
• Metropolitan Transport Plan, 2004.
• Victorian Ports Strategic Study, Department of Infrastructure and Department of Treasury and Finance, 2000.
• Victorian Ports Strategic Framework, 2004.
• State Planning Policy Framework, Maribyrnong Planning Scheme.
• Municipal Strategic Statement, 1999.
• Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy, 2001.
• Yarraville Riverfront Port and Industrial Framework Plan, Port of Melbourne Corporation, 2003.
• Preliminary draft Port Environs Plan 2005-05-02 Port of Melbourne Buffer Strategy (Stage 1), 2004.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 69 . ' ·: .. . t ·.. ' . T ··.!if.~· .. ,.~,. '-~ '"---.. "'" ' _.-,..·I . 'F> •-'I .... 'f' ·~,, . .-~·.-· "";•',."~."~\ '
o. Physical Infrastructure
Background:
The City's physical infrastructure is largely a range of completed networks. Council owned infrastructure includes roads, footpaths, drains, car parks, traffic management facilities, street furniture and some public lighting. Infrastructure managed by other service authorities includes:
• Main roads and associated infrastructure;
• Public transport infrastructure, including stations, tracks, tunnels and bridges;
• Water, power and gas supply networks;
• Telecommunication networks; and
• Major drainage systems and the sewerage network.
Much of the City's existing infrastructure is ageing, and in conditions ranging from good to very poor. In some instances, parts of these networks have been constructed to standards which are different to those accepted today.
New development can lead to deficiencies in physical infrastructure and the need for upgrades. In some cases, upgrade works are required to enable development to proceed, whilst in others, development occurs incrementally and then upgrades are needed as the additional demand generated reaches an unacceptable level.
Present Policy: Council has developed infrastructure policies and standards to provide guidance in the development and maintenance of its own infrastructure. These range in scope from strategic policy that provides a broad overview and directions - for example, the Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy (MITS) - to detailed policy specifying dimensions for new roads (see Policy References opposite).
Council is also aiming to improve asset management processes through participation in the Municipal Association of Victoria's STEP program.
In regards to infrastructure managed by external authorities, Council planning policy is predominantly focused on public transport and the regional road network.
Issues and Influences: Melbourne 2030 will lead to significant redevelopment within the City of Maribyrnong. Anticipated population change and development pressures will continue to place increased demands on local infrastructure and will influence the location of new infrastructure and L,Jpgrades. The impact of the increased demand on physical infrastructure is being monitored by Council, so as to meet the changing needs and expectations of the community. To maximise infrastructure quality, developers will be asked to contribute to the provision of new physical infrastructure and service upgrades.
70 2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper Council will:
• Update the Municipal Strategic Statement to reflect the land.use objectives of Council's key infrastructure policies.
• Ensure that developers contribute towards the provision of new physical infrastructure and service upgrades, so as to maximise infrastructure quality.
• Ensure that all non Council service and facility needs are met by the appropriate agency.
Policy References: • Council Plan 2004-2008.
• Principles for the Planning of New Residential Developments, 1996.
• Asset Management Policy and Strategy, 2004.
• Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy, 2001.
• Draft Road and Footpath Asset Management Plan.
• Footpath Policy, 2000.
• Drainage Management Strategy, 2000.
• Public Lighting Policy, 1998.
• Melbourne 2030 - State government's Metropolitan Strategy, 2002.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 71 ) Your Feedback - Gel Involved
Maribyrnong CITY COU NCIL
Maribyrnong Council is keen to hear your opinion on the MSS Review Detailed Issues Paper. Your comments and ideas will be considered as part of the MSS review, and will help shape the future vision for land use and development in the City.
1. Community Consultation Workshops
Council will be hosting a series of public workshops on the Municipal Strategic Statement in July and early August. For further information on workshop dates and venues, please refer to the enclosed Information Sheet.
2. Written Submissions
Before writing your submission, please consider some of the following questions:
• Do you think the issues presented in the Issues Paper Outline are accurate and relevant?
• What is your vision for Maribyrnong in the year 2020?
• What do you think are the "big planning issues" facing Maribyrnong in the future?
• Are you concerned about a particular issue you have had a personal or professional experience I association with?
• Are there any other issues that should be taken into consideration?
Your submission may be detailed and considered, or it may comprise a short letter with a number of dot points.
Please forward your submission to Council by Wednesday, 17 August 2005 to the following address:
2005 MSS Review Strategy and Economic Development Unit Maribyrnong City Council PO Box 58 Footscray 3011
OR
By Email to: [email protected]
Further information about the MSS review can be obtained from the Council offices, libraries and via Council's web site at www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/planning. The MSS review documents can be downloaded from Council's web site in pdf format.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the MSS review process further, please contact either Johanna van Klaveren on 9688-0236 or Katerina Staikos on 9688-0351 in the Strategy and Economic Development Unit.
Thank you for your interest.
2005 Municipal Strategic Statement: Detailed Issues Paper 73 Postal Address PO Box 58 Footscray VIC 3011
Street Address Corner Hyde and Napier Streets Footscray VIC 3011
Phone: 03 9688 0200 Fax: 03 9687 7793 Email: [email protected] TTY (Hearing Impaired): 03 9688 0564 After Hours/Emergency: 03 9688 0363 www.manbyrnong.vie.gov.au
For further information, please contact Council's Strategy & Economic Development Unit on 03 9688 0200, or log onto Council's website at www.maribyrnonQ.vic.Qov.au/planning.