The draft Greenline Master Plan was presented to the community and stakeholders in August and September 2023. During this time, we obtained feedback to assist in finalising The Greenline Project Master Plan.

The Greenline Project Master Plan incorporates feedback from the recent Greenline Project Draft Master Plan. This builds on previous engagement for the Inform the Greenline Project Master Plan, the Greenline Implementation Plan in 2021, and consultation in 2022 on Precinct Planning and the draft Concept design for the Birrarung Marr Precinct Site one project.

The Greenline Project is a major initiative of the City of Melbourne. It proposes transforming four-kilometres of the north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung. The project aims to create a reinvigorated and inspiring public waterfront.

Between 16 August and 13 September 2023, we sought feedback on the Greenline Project Draft Master Plan via:

• an online survey on Participate Melbourne
• a stakeholder workshop
• a focus group
• two community briefing sessions
• ongoing cultural consultations with Traditional Owners.

• 15,237 Participate Melbourne page visitors
• 314 online surveys completed
• 135 targeted stakeholders engaged
• 42 attended targeted stakeholder workshops
• 51 participation in the community briefing sessions
• 30 conversations held with international students

Participants expressed overall support for the Greenline Project. They believed the Greenline Project Draft Master Plan effectively communicated a vision for the revitalisation of the north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung.

We received consistent feedback and messages in this round against the following themes: health and wellbeing of Country, river ecology and environment, safety, accessibility and inclusion, and pedestrians and active transport, in relation to the four key Greenline Project themes.

Regarding Culture (Authentic Stories and Experiences)

You said

Would love to see art in situ that responds to the history of the area, both indigenous and our immigration history.

We heard the Greenline Project should:

• Reflect and share the multi-layered cultures and histories of the north bank
• Demonstrate stories of the north bank through art and create whole-of-journey experiences for future users
• Consider opportunities to engage a diverse range of artists and allocate spaces to showcase both permanent and temporary installations.

And continue to integrate First Nations culture and history, maritime history, environment, and sustainability into the design considerations.

In relation to the Environment (environmentally sustainable design)

You said

The green area must be as large as possible. Native shrubs & plants should be planted to attract & feed native birds & insects.

We heard the Greenline Project should:

• Consider more urban greening opportunities to provide more natural shading, attract native birds and insects, and soften landscapes
• Preference for greening with plant species that are indigenous, change with the season, and are climate resilient
• Ensure flood-resilient designs throughout and consider how this project will contribute to the improvement of river health
• Consider opportunities to implement circular economy concepts in innovative ways
• Limit the use of diesel fumes and motorboat fumes on the river.

Increased greenery and habitat creation are being reinforced in this round of engagement.

In terms of Place (Diverse experiences in safe and inclusive spaces)

You said

Play space with inclusive sensory aspects for children and young people with disabilities and wheelchair users.

Good lighting at night along the pathway for safety.

We heard the Greenline Project should:

• Provide a diverse range of experiences supported by amenities that suit different user needs
• Activate the project area through retail and dining opportunities in a sensitive way
• Explore temporary activation concepts to include seasonal farmers’ market, food market, designers’ market, pop-up drink stalls etc
• Consider the addition of small permanent traders along the water (e.g., cafes, bookstores)
• Ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all users at different times of the day
• Consider and address how facilities and amenities will be managed and maintained
• Ensure effective lighting at night. (reinforced theme from previous engagement).

And in relation to Connection (Active transport planning and connectivity)

You said

Given Melbourne's very temperamental weather, please ensure the walkways have good non-slip properties when it gets wet.

We heard the Greenline Project should:

• Consider installing separate bike lanes to address potential safety risks and conflicts of space among cyclists, scooter users, and pedestrians
• Ensure connection of pedestrian and cycling paths from the north bank to surrounding areas and locations of interest
• Consider introducing water transport options to connect sites along the north bank.

And continue to:

• Improve wayfinding and connectivity of the north bank to and from the city
• Ensure accessibility for people of all abilities is incorporated into the design, both in the access to and along the north bank.

The feedback collected from this round of engagement was used to refine and finalise the Greenline Project Master Plan. This feedback will also inform future Precinct Plans and Concept designs following Council approval of the Master Plan.

Feedback is also being shared with State Government departments and the Statutory Agencies.

The Future Melbourne Committee endorsed the Master Plan on Tuesday 5 December 2023.

We will now progress with the Precinct Plans and Concept designs. The team will engage with key stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, river users, businesses, property owners and managers. We will focus on site-specific project opportunities through the staged delivery.