Melbourne lord mayoral candidate Jennifer Yang wants Yarra tram bridge linking Docklands with Fishermans Bend renewal precinct

A LORD mayoral candidate says a new tram bridge across the Yarra, which would link Docklands with Fishermans Bend, is vital for an emerging urban renewal precinct.

A TRAM link between Docklands and Fishermans Bend is a top priority for a Melbourne lord mayoral candidate.

But former Manningham mayor Jennifer Yang is spoiling for a fight with yacht owners at Yarra’s Edge marina who could be affected by plans for a tram bridge across the river.

YARRA’S EDGE RESIDENTS FEAR PROPOSED TRAM BRIDGE

FINAL CANDIDATES EMERGE FOR LORD MAYOR RACE

CAPP PROMISES COUNTDOWN TIMERS FOR PEDESTRIANS

Ms Yang said that she would push for the state government-funded Fishermans Bend tram link from Collins St to be built by 2020.

“Are we going to prioritise the needs of 120,000 future residents and workers (in the urban renewal precinct), or 200 millionaire yacht owners at Yarra’s Edge Marina?” she said.

“This issue strikes at the heart of what we want our city to be in the future.”

Lord mayoral candidate Jennifer Yang wants the Collins St tram line extended from Docklands to Fishermans Bend. Picture: Ian Currie

Footy personality and Yarra’s Edge resident Sam Newman had planned to campaign against the tram bridge proposal in a run for lord mayor, but was forced to pull out of the race over a TV show commitment.

Fishermans Bend Network spokeswoman Jen Stone said the tram river crossing was vital to give the area’s residents, workers and students better access to the CBD.

Ms Yang, an ALP member, said her time at Manningham Council positioned her well for Town Hall.

Sam Newman at Yarra’s Edge. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“I have the energy, the experience and the skill to be the next lord mayor,” she said.

Some pundits have accused Ms Yang of being a dummy candidate for frontrunner Sally Capp, but it is believed that Yang campaigners are working on a preference deal to lock the Property Council executive “out of Town Hall”.

Meanwhile, if elected, Ms Capp has promised to set up “Our Bold Melbourne Committee” — a body to come up with ideas to improve the city.

“I want to make sure we get the best and biggest ideas into our community. As the former CEO of the Committee for Melbourne, I led, encouraged and supported collaboration,” she said.

Lord mayoral candidate Sally Capp has promised to cut red tape for small business if she’s elected. Picture: Sarah Matray

Ms Capp said she would seek input from the arts, science, academia, technology, business and community sectors to be part of the committee.

She would also seek a review of red tape holding small businesses back, and look at ways of boosting economic activity.

The policy announcement comes as the Herald Sun can reveal that the City of Melbourne’s number two bureaucrat Martin Cutter is set to leave.

Mr Cutter, director of city operations, is one of the most respected city council managers and was acting chief executive when CEO Ben Rimmer took extended sick leave in 2016.

The Herald Sun reported last month that the council had an exodus of managers and other staff in recent years amid claims of cultural problems.