Fishermans Bend needs commuter ferry service to attract hi-tech jobs: report

AN inner city urban renewal precinct needs ferry and tram services if it’s to achieve its potential as a $12 billion economic powerhouse, according to a report.

AN inner city urban renewal precinct needs ferry and tram services if it’s to achieve its potential as a $12 billion economic powerhouse, according to a report.

The report states a 15-minute ferry service between Fishermans Bend and Docklands, with several stops along Yarra’s Edge, would help attract hi-tech businesses.

Fishermans Bend could also become a testing ground for driverless vehicles, according to the study by infrastructure firm AECOM.

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Fishermans Bend's five precincts.

The report, Transforming Fishermans Bend, to be released on Thursday, states big changes are needed in planning the area’s employment precinct if the state government’s goal of up to 80,000 jobs by 2050 is to be realised.

Report author and AECOM Melbourne Cities leader Tim O’Loan said much of the talk around Fishermans Bend had been focused on residential planning issues.

“This has drawn focus away from the employment area, resulting in a lack of clarity on what needs to happen in the next 10 years to ensure the precinct (meets its jobs target),” he said.

How Plummer St would look under a concept plan for Fishermans Bend

Mr O’Loan said Fishermans Bend could secure up to 55,000 high-end jobs and up to $12 billion of economic benefit by 2050.

“The key to achieving this is the creation of an innovation and employment cluster at Fishermans Bend that can participate in the advanced manufacturing market, essential if Melbourne wants to compete with cities that are already investing heavily in innovation corridors and precincts,” he said.

Recommending a 10-point plan, the report called for the precinct to have a governing authority to attract leading overseas universities to complement campuses set up by local institutions.

It said it should focus on the advanced industrial and manufacturing sector, but also engage the interest of creative industries.

A render of Melbourne University's planned Fishermans Bend campus.

While a light rail link to the CBD is already proposed, the report states a short-term transport solution be considered using “rubber-wheeled” vehicles for scheduled and on-demand services.

It states Fishermans Bend could be an ideal place for developing La Trobe University’s autonomous shuttle bus project in conjunction with General Motors Holden.

Also crucial was opening up the waterfront, with the northern end of Salmon St ripe for development as a key transit, commercial and hi-tech research location.

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@JMasanauskas