PORT OF MELBOURNE: A THREAT TO MELBOURNE WATERWAYS

The Port of Melbourne’s revived plan for an at-grade rail freight crossing near the Bolte Bridge threatens to disrupt recreational and commercial boating on Victoria Harbour and the Yarra. While the draft Strategy Plan (April 2025) proposes including the rail in the City of Melbourne’s Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS), the MPS has been delayed until November 2026.

BIAV and MMHN welcome the City of Melbourne Council’s early rejection of the proposal and support for local amenity and the boating industry. The Council has requested an Independent Planning Panel review and labelled the inclusion of the rail link in the MPS as “premature.”

MMHN encourages further exploration of non-obstructive alternatives that protect our waterways and community. For more information click here