$25m sunk into Greenline project so far – but what for?

Melbourne City Council has spent $25m on its Greenline project to revitalise the northern banks of the Yarra River and construction hasn’t even started yet.

An artist’s impression of the Collins Wharf redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

The City of Melbourne has spent $25m on the Greenline to revitalise the northern banks of the Yarra River – but construction work hasn’t started on the project yet.

The ambitious $315m project aims to upgrade footpaths along a stretch of the Yarra River between Birrarung Marr and Docklands.

The latest project update from the City of Melbourne shows there has been $25.5m spent on the project up until the end of 2024.

Council Watch president Dean Hurlston said that was a huge amount of money to have spent for no visible progress on the project.

Senator Jess Walsh, federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Deputy Lord Mayor Nick Reece turn the sod to mark the start of construction on the Birrarung Marr precinct of the Greenline project – but there’s been no visible progress since.

“For $25m the council could have built several really incredible pocket parks, upgraded existing public spaces and even delivered some really spectacular public artworks,” he said.

“At the moment, it appears as if the council has spent more than $25m for a lot of reports and renders of what the Greenline will look like when its finished.”

A separate council document on the project shows that one of the most recent contracts signed for the project was a “Cultural Curatorial Framework consultancy”.

It’s understood that contract includes a process to ensure public artwork is integrated into the project’s design in collaboration with traditional owners.

The project is aimed at revitalising the northern banks of the Yarra River. Picture: Supplied

A Town Hall employee, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retribution from the council’s executive staff, said the project had become easy money for external consultants.

“Greenline really is the goose that keeps laying golden eggs for all sorts of consultants and graphic designers,” they said.

“Unfortunately, all these largesse is ultimately paid for by the community.”

The first stage of the project, a 450m section of boardwalks near Birrarung Marr, was due to be completed by the end of last year. Hoardings were erected and the site blocked off to the public in mid 2024, but the council had not secured a Melbourne Water permit and no major work commenced in that period.

A 450m section of boardwalks near Birrarung Marr was supposed to be completed by the end of last year but the council had not secured a Melbourne Water permit. Picture: Supplied

The council has stated that the project will now be complete by the end of this year.

A City of Melbourne spokesman said Town Hall had worked closely with Melbourne Water “to ensure the project does not exacerbate flood levels once delivered”.

“Early works have been completed – including preparation for landscaping and boardwalks, as well as upgrades to underground drainage and lighting,” he said.

“We know the community and our stakeholders are eagerly awaiting this landmark project, and we look forward to resuming construction after the Moomba Festival.”

The future of the Greenline was an issue in the most recent local government elections, with Lord Mayor Nick Reece committing to continue the $315m project, despite a funding shortfall of more than $200m.