The Andrews Labor Government is fixing Matthew Guy’s botched rezoning of Fishermans Bend and protecting it from over-development, with a new planning Framework released today.
The 480 hectare site in the heart of Melbourne would have been a concrete jungle under Mr Guy, who as Planning Minister rezoned swathes of inner-city land overnight – providing a windfall for his Liberal developer mates.
But the Framework announced today by the Labor Government will ensure Fishermans Bend is a community, with new primary and secondary schools, public transport and walking and cycling links.
Fishermans Bend is Australia’s largest urban renewal project. It will open up 60 MCGs worth of open space and housing choice for families, including a six per cent affordable housing target for all new developments.
The long-awaited planning controls return proper process and balance to the area and end the Liberals’ grab for unfettered, sky-high development.
The twenty-six tower proposals ‘called in’ by the Minister for Planning will be assessed by a Standing Advisory Committee against the new planning controls.
Fishermans Bend sits across two municipalities in the heart of Melbourne – the City of Melbourne and the City of Port Phillip. By 2050 it will be home to around 80,000 residents and provide jobs for 80,000 people.
Under the new Framework it will be a low carbon, climate resilient community, with world-leading sustainability initiatives driving recycling, waste, energy and water management.
The Framework is the product of 12 months of public consultation – with over 250 submissions considered by an independent planning panel – and will be supported by an infrastructure funding plan.
To view the Framework and planning controls, visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“We’re fixing the mess Matthew Guy created when he rezoned swathes of land overnight to benefit a few fortunate land holders, in actions roundly condemned by an independent review panel.”
“This Framework will make Fishermans Bend a community – rather than a concrete jungle – with schools, public transport and green, open spaces to meet friends and kick a footy.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Albert Park Martin Foley
“Matthew Guy’s dodgy rezoning was an absolute disaster - which is why we’re making sure the planning changes needed to protect Fishermans Bend are enshrined in law, so that this community can continue to grow and flourish.
“I thank everyone who contributed to the Framework and helped save Fishermans Bend from the Liberal Party.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020