The Fishermans Bend Business Forum (FBBF) is becoming a key community voice calling on all levels of Government to recognise the potential of Fishermans Bend.

I was invited to speak at their first public forum – Fishermans Bend: Delayed but not Derailed, where I was joined by:

• Guy Naselli, FBBF President. who reiterated the importance of certainty to unlock investment confidence.
• Nina Taylor MP, Member for Albert Park, who highlighted Government investment to date including new schools.
• Tania Quick, Director of the Fishermans Bend Taskforce, who provided an update on policy, planning and investment since 2018
• Cr Andrew Rowse, Councillor for the City of Melbourne, who reiterated the links between innovation precincts and high-quality public transport.
• Marcus Henry, General Manager of Melbourne Cement Facilities, who explored the operational realities of industry within a changing urban landscape.

I discussed the importance of much needed public transport improvements, including more frequent services on route 606 and securing the long-promised tram extensions. While it is definitely encouraging that the recently released Fishermans Bend Integrated Transport Plan includes trams servicing Fishermans Bend, we still lack definitive timeframes.

I also highlighted the importance of building community, reinforced by the community infrastructure Plan Council is currently undertaking. The development of the Community Infrastructure Plan is one of my highlights of this first year of Council, as it will provide the roadmap identifying the facilities and services, we will need into the future.

Thank you to the Fishermans Bend Business Forum for organising this public event and keeping the focus on the needs of our community. It is critical we maintain that focus needed to ensure Fishermans Bend will succeed.

For details on the Fishermans Bend Business Forum visit Home | Fishermans Bend Business Forum