The conversation

We’re taking a neighbourhood approach to understand the strengths, needs and priorities of our local communities to build the foundation for a more empowered, engaged, and participatory community.

Consultations ran between 1 March and 30 April 2022, with a wide variety of consultation channels used to achieve broad and inclusive community reach.

Gathering insights

The Participate Melbourne website was a key engagement platform featuring a detailed online survey, an interactive map, a short fill in the gaps postcard and a community wall. Targeted phone surveys, community conversations and events were held to further capture feedback.

In-person community engagement for Phase One:

Engagement reach

  • 995 total contributions

    Including surveys, postcards, interactive map pins

  • 926 contributors

    Across all engagement methods

  • 2519 views

    On Participate Melbourne engagement pages

  • 15,287 impressions on social channels

    Through City of Melbourne's social media channels

  • 13,000 circulation

    Of local newspaper articles and advertising

  • 3000 bookmarks

    Distributed through the Docklands Library, local childcare facilities, local shops, cafes, and pop-up consultations

  • 11 newsletters reaching thousands of people

    Through community and City of Melbourne channels

  • 6990 e-newsletters sent

    Via Participate Melbourne

Who we heard from

(These figures relate to 721 people who completed the survey).
  • <0% Under 15 year olds
  • 1% 15-19 year olds
  • 5%  20-24 year olds
  • 13%  25-29 year olds
  • 15% 30-34 year olds
  • 14%  35-39 year olds
  • 11% 40-44 year olds
  • 8% 45-49 year olds
  • 9% 50-54 year olds
  • 8% 55-59 years old
  • 7% 60-64 years old
  • 4% 65-69 years old
  • 3% 70-74 years old
  • 2% 75-79 years old

  • 63% female
  • 35%  male
  • 2%  non-binary / other

Survey participants who responded to this question identified as:

  • 5 respondents (1%) identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • LGBTIQA+ 4%
  • Experiencing homelessness 0%
  • Living with a disability 3%
  • Living on a low income 1%
  • International student 1%
  • None of these 20%

26% of respondents spoke languages other than English at home.

Top languages included:

  • Hindi
  • Mandarin
  • Cantonese

What is your connection to Docklands?

  • Resident 71%
  • Business owner / worker 21%
  • Visitor 6%
  • Student 1%
  • Other 1%

How long have you lived/worked/studied in Docklands?

  • Less than a year 20%
  • 1-5 years 47%
  • 5-10 years 19%
  • 10-20 years 13%
  • More than 20 years 1%

What we heard

  • Proximity and ease of access to the CBD.
  • Convenience to work or employment.
  • Quiet and peaceful neighbourhood that is close to the busier parts of the city.
  • Harbourside living.
  • Great lifestyle offering.
  • Apartment living with amazing views.
  • Sports and recreation facilities.
  • Capacity of the hospitality industry.
  • Unique attractions to Docklands.
  • BBQ facilities, public toilets, covered outdoor seating.
  • Local and fresh produce.
  • Parks and green open spaces.
  • Car parking spaces for residents and visitors.

Priorities for Docklands

  • Aboriginal Melbourne

    • More recognition of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung people's ongoing cultural connection to Country.

  • Access and affordability

    • Make Docklands more accessible and easier to navigate with better information and improved public transport services.
    • Greater opportunities for people, especially families and children, to connect through community spaces and activities.

  • Climate and biodiversity emergency

    • More greening on streets, parks, and rooftops and more tree plantings.
    • Improve waste management through more bins and recycling and disposal options for residents.

  • Economy of the future

    • Provide more diverse hospitality and retail options.
    • Reinvigoration of spaces around the water specifically Central Pier and activation of empty shopfronts.
    • Local events, unique attractions and art for residents, families, children and tourists.

  • Melbourne’s unique identity and place

    • Improve street and waterways maintenance and cleanliness.
    • Address planning, development and construction impacts on liveability.
    • Celebrate Docklands as a unique waterways precinct with its maritime heritage and harbourside lifestyle.

  • Safety and wellbeing

    • Increase options for recreation and connection through sport/wellbeing programs.
    • More police and security presence, better lighting and improved management of late night events including party boats and venues.
    • Increase and enhance public amenities.
    • More programs, spaces and tools for local community connection.
    • Better regulations and protocols around short term accommodation within Docklands.
    • Initiatives and education around water safety for families who may not be familiar with living near water.

Draft neighbourhood priorities

See the draft neighbourhood priorities we identified during Phase One of consultation.