Position Statement

Williamstown Maritime Precinct Plan

DATE

February 2021

OUTLINE

The Victorian Government recognises that the Williamstown Maritime Precinct is a premier maritime destination and an iconic Melbourne tourist destination providing an important space for the local community. They are therefore planning for the future of the precinct, whilst protecting and building on its thriving maritime and cultural heritage so it can continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for decades to come.

Development of the Framework has already begun with a draft Framework setting out a vision for the precinct underpinned by a series of strategic directions and precinct options. Click on this link to view the Draft Framework and its associated Fact Sheet.

Community feedback is invited and is required by 5 March 2021. Individuals, businesses, clubs, associations and any stakeholder that would like to can make a contribution. Here is the link for those that would like to do so Williamstown Maritime Precinct Framework | Get Involved | Department of Transport

BIAV POSITION

BIAV is working closely with the clubs, marinas, businesses, and boating entities of the precinct, to review the draft, and contribute toward its further development.

Whilst pleased to see the framework being developed, BIAV considers that the draft Framework appears to have an over-emphasis on matters relating to the foreshore and adjacent land, and an under-emphasis on matters relating to the actual water and its assets.

BIAV’s position, which it understands is supported by the stakeholder group of clubs, marinas, businesses, and boating entities of the precinct is that the on-water aspect of the precinct should be far more emphasised in the plan.

To this extent the most prevailing needs to address are –

  • Full acknowledgement and inclusion of the wave/surge study and its findings being factored into any final report. This work is currently underway and is being driven by Parks Victoria, having been called for by this same stakeholder group.

  • Full acknowledgement of the risks and limitations if the wave/surge impact is not addressed.

  • Full assessment as to the needs of a full ‘Safe Harbour’ to protect the precinct.

  • A full analysis of the effects if a ‘Safe Harbour’ is not provided.

  • A thorough analysis of dredging and silt management requirements.

  • A full audit of all maritime infrastructure including a costed list of all needs so as to bring the facilities to the required standards.

  • A detailed outline of all infrastructure needs so as to accommodate vessels of all size and type for visitation, docking, maintenance (slipping), events, races and more, and make Williamstown a prime and multi-purpose boating destination.

  • Emphasis on the actual state of the current infrastructure and recognition of the need for major repair, rejuvenation, and re-building.

BIAV acknowledges that some of these points are referenced within the extensive draft Framework however they are not highlighted or emphasised to the required levels. In some instances, such as the wave/surge study, a reader must go and search for a reference to it.

SUMMARY

This project is a once in a generation opportunity to impact the precinct massively and positively, and its rich maritime heritage and future, and it is hoped that the government and its assigned consultants GHD, fully address all of the actual maritime needs as a central focus of the framework.

BIAV encourages all interested parties, and in particular its Williamstown based members, to consider the draft, consider this BIAV position, and to provide feedback as they see fit. The deadline is 5 March.

BIAV acknowledges that the Framework is a comprehensive document of very high standard and has the potential to do a lot for the precinct.

This response, however, is specific to the lack of emphasis on the on-water aspect of the maritime precinct. Most notably the wave/surge issue, the state of the maritime infrastructure, the silt/dredge needs, and the precinct from an on-water visitation perspective. In BIAV’s view, the on-water aspect and considerations are the most important areas of a maritime precinct and as such should be reflected that way in the framework.