Public transport push for Fishermans Bend

When you walk through Fishermans Bend today, the feeling is one of a quiet, isolated, and highly industrial area tucked away from the city.

Warehouses and manufacturing facilities are abundant while parks and a social scene are scarce. Fishermans Bend currently serves a manufacturing and commercial purpose.

Located within the City of Port Phillip and the City of Melbourne, the area is known for its aviation significance, housing several aircraft manufacturers.

But the Fishermans Bend Framework will see the sleepy precinct transform into a happening inner-city hub.

Over the next 30 years, Fishermans Bend’s population will grow with 80,000 workers, 80,000 residents and 20,000 students. Cafes, parks, schools, and fresh roads are expected to bring the area a new life.

Linda Norman is a long-term resident of the neighbouring Port Melbourne and works in Fishermans Bend. Throughout her 22 years living in the area, Linda has seen “incredible change” both environmentally and socially.

“There has been an enormous increase in residential areas. There’s been a shift in demographic and population density,” she said.

“The traffic congestion on the roads has become more apparent. I avoid travelling during peak hour now,” she said.

Locals and businesses are feeling frustrated due to the lack of accessible public transport and are concerned it will be the development’s biggest setback.

Linda said there are only three access points to the freeway around Fishermans Bend and the bus routes currently in place have “been around for a long time”.

“The government are waiting for the pressure points of the area to form, but they’re already there. We need transport in the area,” she said.

Many think Fishermans Bend’s public transport now reflects something of the past, with only bus routes in and out of the area and no tram or trainline announced.

The opening of the 2025 University of Melbourne campus will see a vibrant student population enter the area with modern expectations towards transport options.

Many university students rely heavily on good public transport, and none in the area could be detrimental for the precinct.

Linda sees the campus as an “exciting hub” for young people, but she is unsure “how students will get there”.

“The public transport development is happening way too slowly. Students need transport to get to the campus”, she said.

While Fishermans Bend is a promising part of Melbourne’s future, stakeholders agree that transport is an essential aspect to modernise the development.

Linda said that while residents are excited to see the growth of the precinct, the excitement will only stay “if the development is done properly”.

The push for public transport to the developing massive precinct continues and stakeholders are waiting to see if anything will be announced in the upcoming state election.