Williamstown Foreshore Strategic Plan 2010 - Parks Victoria

Williamstown ForeshoreStrategic Plan 2010STONY CREEK TO POINT GELLIBRAND

CONTENTSFOREWORDiLIST OF FIGURESEXECUTIVE SUMMARYii1. INTRODUCTION 11.1 Study background 11.2 Implementation of existing Strategic Plan 41.3 Consultation 42. STUDY AREA CONTEXT 52.1 Background 52.2 Guiding principles 93. STRATEGIC PLAN 103.1 Study Area Wide issues 103.2 Precinct One: Stony Creek and Yarra Frontage 133.3 Precinct Two: Newport Park/The Warmies 173.4 Precinct Three: The Strand 213.5 Precinct Four: Williamstown Centre 253.6 Precinct Five: The Wharves 304. implementation 33Figure 1. Study AreaFigure 2. Land Management ResponsibilityFigure 3. Site Analysis – Land Use and CharacterFigure 4. Site Analysis – MovementFigure 5. Precinct One – AnalysisFigure 6. Precinct Two – AnalysisFigure 7. Precinct Three – AnalysisFigure 8. Precinct Four – AnalysisFigure 9. Precinct Five – AnalysisFigure 10. Williamstown Centre Master PlanList of AppendicesAppendix AStatus of Key Actions Contained in the WilliamstownForeshore Strategic Plan 2000Appendix BList of Policies/Documents Reviewed4.1 Planning Scheme recommendations 335. MASTER PLAN –WILLIAMSTOWN CENTRE 385.1 Introduction 385.2 Master Plan key elements 385.3 Recommended actions 425.4 Implementation 42© Copyright Parks Victoria 2010DisclaimerThis plan is prepared without prejudice to any negotiated or litigated outcome of any native title determination applications covering land or waters within the plan’s area.It is acknowledged that any future outcomes of native title determination applications may necessitate amendment of this plan; and the implementation of this plan mayrequire further notifications under the procedures in Division 3 of Part 2 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth).The plan is also prepared without prejudice to any future negotiated outcomes between the Government/s and Victorian Indigenous communities. It is acknowledged thatsuch negotiated outcomes may necessitate amendment of this plan. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this plan is accurate. Parks Victoria does notguarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from you relying on anyinformation in the publication.2

FOREWORDWilliamstown is a vibrant tourist and residential destination with many land and water based usesoccurring along the foreshore.This plan provides a long term vision for improvements to the foreshore, which will ensure thatWilliamstown remains an attractive place to live, play and work.The key features of the plan include improved pedestrian access to waterfront areas previously closed tothe public, the definition of fairways and transit lanes and the installation of navigational aids to improvesafety on the water, definition of additional marina berth areas and realignment of the mooring groundto accommodate more moorings more efficiently.This plan takes account of the environmental, physical and social values of Williamstown. In particularI am pleased that the community has been engaged throughout the process to ensure that this Planmeets their needs.The Bays and Maritime Initiative – Our Bays Vision identifies Williamstown as a maritime precinctdesignated in the State Planning Policy Framework of the Planning Scheme. This plan provides thedirection required for delivering the Williamstown maritime precinct.I wish to thank the community, the project steering committee and consultant team for their hard workin the development of this plan for the future of the Williamstown foreshore.Gavin JenningsMinister for Environment and Climate ChangeApril 2010i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYImplementation of existingStrategic PlanStrategic Plan 2000 resulted in a table of recommended actionsbeing produced for each Precinct. In total, forty two actionswere outlined.The purpose of this study is to review the existing WilliamstownForeshore Strategic Plan prepared in 2000 (Strategic Plan 2000)and produce a Revised Strategic Plan for the next ten years. ThisPlan will provide direction for the use and development of landalong the foreshore and adjoining waterways from Stony CreekPark to Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park, focusing onboth land based and water based activities.The land included within the study area is mostly Crown landmanaged by various authorities, but includes some privatelyowned land at the southern end around the Wharves.The revised document will cover the same area as StrategicPlan 2000, but with changes to the Precinct boundaries.The five precincts selected allow assessment to be undertakenat a localised level. The figure below provides an outline of thestudy area and the five precincts used to guide the assessmentof issues.Revised Strategic Plan Study AreaA review of the status of each action contained within thedocument has highlighted that, since the approval of StrategicPlan 2000, all actions have been completed or addressed tosome extent. The following list summarises the status ofthe actions:• Twelve of the actions have been implemented (eighthave been fully completed and four completed withmodifications).• Two of the actions are partially completed/underway.• Twenty-one actions are ongoing.• Seven actions have been assessed and considered to nolonger be required or appropriate.Appendix A provides details on the status of each actioncontained in the Plan. Actions from Strategic Plan 2000that are ongoing or deemed to still be relevant have beenincluded in the recommended actions outlined in the RevisedStrategic Plan.Revised Strategic PlanThe information contained in the Revised Strategic Plan hasbeen informed by consultation and literature that has beenreviewed, with particular emphasis on the following studiesthat have recently been prepared:• Williamstown Landscape and Visual Assessment, ParksVictoria and Hobsons Bay City Council (2008).• Williamstown Vessel Traffic Management Plan, ParksVictoria (2008).• Williamstown Fairways Plan Report, Parks Victoria (2007).The following issues, which are either relevant across the studyarea or are not location specific, have been addressed in thefirst part of the Revised Strategic Plan:• Climate Change• Shading• Heritage• Stormwater Drainage• Maritime Servicing Facility• Built Form• Signage.Others issues have been addressed within the relevant precincts.ii

The following table outlines the recommended actions and thelead and supporting agencies responsible for implementingeach of the actions outlined in the Revised Strategic Plan.The anticipated timeframe for completing each item is alsoincluded, with the timing to be defined as follows:The timing for actions that have no specific timeframe will benoted as being Ongoing or As Required. These items will havea priority (Low, Medium or High) allocated to them to assistwith prioritising actions.• Short Term – 0 to 3 years.• Medium Term – 4 to 7 years.• Long Term – 8 to 10 years.Implementation Plan for Revised Strategic Plan actionsNo. Action Lead Agency SupportingAgencyStudy Area WidePriorityTimingA1Consider the anticipated impacts of climatePVDPCDHighOngoingchange in planning for the future protectionof the foreshore and any potentialdevelopment in accordance withHBCCPOMCDSECCBState policy.A2Consider opportunities to provide additionalHBCCShort Termshade throughout the study area in line withthe Hobsons Bay City Council HeatwaveStrategy 2009-2010.A3Review existing heritage studies to ensureHBCCDPCDShort Termall relevant features/places within the studyarea have been assessed and follow upany identified features/places that warrantPOMCPVHVAAVfurther protection.A4Address stormwater drainage issues andHBCCPVLong Terminvestigate the potential for Gross PollutantTraps (GPT) to be installed in line with thePOMCHobsons Bay Stormwater ManagementPlan 2006.A5A6Undertake further detailed investigations todetermine the location and feasibility of theMaritime Servicing Facility within the StateMarine Precinct.Ensure any new development/facilities areof low scale and complementary to existingactivities and facilities.PV HBCC Short TermHBCC DPCD High OngoingA7Rationalise and co-ordinate the numberPVDOTShort Termand style of signage along the foreshoreand improve information to highlight theproximity of public transport.HBCCPOMCiii

No. Action Lead Agency SupportingAgencyPrecinct One – Stony Creek and Yarra FrontagePriorityTiming1.1 Enhance environmental values andvegetation in and around Stony Creek Park,including continued implementation of theNeighbourhood Environmental ImprovementPlan for the Park.1.2 Encourage the involvement of the StonyCreek Friends Group in vegetation andhabitat management works.PV High OngoingPV High Ongoing1.3 Continue the regular monitoring andmaintenance of the Precinct.HBCCPOMCPV Medium Ongoing1.4 Prepare a Master Plan for Riverside Park toHBCCPVShort Termprovide future direction for the open spaceand integrate the Hobsons Bay Coastal TrailPOMCinto its redevelopment.1.5 Provide improved access throughout thePVPOMCMedium Termsite for pedestrians and bikes, focusingon improving safety and opportunities forHBCCuninterrupted views across the Yarra Riverand towards industrial elements within andadjoining the Precinct.1.6 Establish a safe crossing point betweenHBCC (advocacyMedium Termthe foreshore and the areas to the westrole withof Douglas Parade (in the vicinity ofVicRoads)Scienceworks and The Punt).1.7 Continue to investigate opportunities toHBCCPVimprove the Punt service.iv

No. Action Lead Agency SupportingAgencyPrecinct Two – Newport Park/The WarmiesPriorityTiming2.1 Undertake an ecological assessment ofGreenwich Bay (focusing on water quality)prior to carrying out any works that requiresediments within the Bay to be disturbed.PV High As Required2.2 Commence a staged program ofHBCCDSEMedium Termremediation works, by means of asea wall, to protect the foreshore fromfurther erosion.POMCPV2.3 Support revegetation of Sandy Point andthe spit to reinforce the environmentalsignificance of these areas and encouragethe Friends of Greenwich Bay to play anactive role in revegetation and environmentprotection works.2.4 Develop a landscape master plan to providea co-ordinated and consistent approachto improving the landscape qualities andamenities (including shading) withinthe Precinct.HBCC PV High OngoingHBCC PV Medium Term2.5 Upgrade existing boating facilities atHBCCPVShort TermThe Warmies to manage boat launchingand retrieval time and provide short termPOMCberthing facilities for launch and retrieval.Consider traffic management and parkingimpacts of any redevelopment.2.6 Continue implementation of pedestrianHBCCMedium Termrefuge islands along The Strand as perthe North Williamstown Local Area TrafficManagement Study 2004 to provide safercrossing of the road and facilitate use of thepublic open space along the foreshore.2.7 Upgrade the pathway system within PrecinctTwo to provide a more active shared pathalong The Strand and passive walking pathadjacent the foreshore.HBCC PV Medium Termv

No. Action Lead Agency SupportingAgencyPrecinct Three – The StrandPriorityTiming3.1 Stabilise the eroding foreshore byHBCCPOMCMedium Termconstructing a seawall.DSEPV3.2 Develop a landscape master plan to providea co-ordinated and consistent approach toimproving the landscape qualities, viewsand amenities (including shading) withinthe Precinct.3.3 Maintain the low level of boating activitywithin the Precinct (facilities to be limitedto existing levels) and the mooring facilitieslocated within the Bay.HBCC PV Medium TermPV Medium Ongoing3.4 Audit and reconfigure the swing mooringsto improve the layout of moorings andfairway widths.PVShort Term3.5 Realign the shared path in front ofThe Anchorage Restaurant.HBCC PV Short TermPrecinct Four – Williamstown Centre4.1 Undertake an assessment of key sites withinHBCCMedium TermPrecinct Four to ascertain the potential toprovide additional public parking spaces forPVcars and trailers.4.2 Ensure that any future redevelopmentHBCCDPCDHighAs Requiredproposals address anticipated impacts,including on-site provision of any additionalPVparking required.4.3 Implement the redesigned shared path atThe Strand/Ferguson Street roundabout.4.4 Investigate opportunities to improvesafety of the shared path in the vicinity ofWilliamstown Sailing Club and WilliamstownSea Scouts.4.5 Continue to maintain the facilities withinCommonwealth Reserve and undertake aregular program of asset renewal.HBCC PV Short TermHBCC PV Medium TermHBCC Medium Ongoing4.6 Initiate discussions between governmentagencies, yacht clubs and other tenantsto explore options for relocation ofdredged material.PVShort Termvi

No. Action Lead Agency SupportingAgencyPrecinct Five – The WharvesPriorityTiming5.1 Continue with the planting program usingHBCCMediumOngoingvegetation that is representative of streets inthe locality.POMC5.2 Support and enhance existing industrial/portHBCCDPCDHighAs Requiredactivities. Any changes to the existing usewill require detailed investigation and masterPOMCPVplanning to be undertaken.Key:AAV – Aboriginal Affairs VictoriaHBCC – Hobsons Bay City CouncilCCB – Central Coastal BoardHV – Heritage VictoriaDOT – Department of TransportPOMC – Port of Melbourne CorporationDPCD – Department of Planning and Community DevelopmentPV – Parks VictoriaDSE – Department of Sustainability and EnvironmentWilliamstown Centre Master PlanThe Master Plan outlined in section 5 of this document focuseson the area contained in Precinct 4 (Williamstown Centre).The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide further detail onthe direction for future development within this highly utilisedsection of the foreshore.The Master Plan focuses on the following items:• Co-ordination of recent investigations undertaken within thePrecinct, including the Williamstown Fairways Plan Reportand Williamstown Vessel Traffic Management Plan.• The current congestion around Gem Pier.• Potential for land and water based expansion.• The opportunity for co-location of facilities.• Improving public links to the foreshore.• Proposed redevelopment of the Knight’s Slipway site andWilliamstown Seaworks site.vii

The following table outlines the recommended actions and the lead and supporting agencies responsible for implementing eachof the actions outlined in the Master Plan. The anticipated timeframe for completing each item is also included (Short Term – 0 to 3years, Medium Term – 4 to 7 years and Long Term – 8 to 10 years).The timing for actions that have no specific timeframe will be noted as being Ongoing or As Required. These items will havea priority (Low, Medium or High) allocated to them to assist with prioritising actions.Implementation Plan for Master Plan actionsNo. Action Lead Agency SupportingAgencyPriorityTimingM1M2Implement a Fairways Plan that clearlydelineates water space allocated to thefairways. The Plan is to also outline anypotential development areas that wouldnot impact on the efficient operation of thedesignated fairways.Implement the remaining elements of theVessel Traffic Proposal to improve congestionand safety within the Precinct.PV MSV Short TermPV MSV Short TermM3Investigate relocation of the HMASPVMedium TermCastlemaine to the south side of Gem Pier.M4Ensure that any proposed land or waterHBCCHighAs Requiredbased redevelopment addresses trafficmanagement and parking issues, includingPVthe ability to accommodate any additionalparking on site. Opportunities to activatestreet frontages and integrate the foreshoreto Nelson Place should also be explored.M5Prepare a plan for the area around theWilliamstown Sea Scouts and WilliamstownSailing Club that considers the replacementof the toilet and improvements to theseparation of the shared path from vehicles.PV HBCC Short TermM6Establish a continuous shared path alongPVLong Termthe foreshore.M7Redevelop the Williamstown SeaworksPVLong Termsite in accordance with the WilliamstownSeaworks Site Strategic Development Plan.Key:HBCC – Hobsons Bay City CouncilMSV – Marine Safety VictoriaPV – Parks Victoriaeviii

1INTRODUCTION1.1 Study backgroundWilliamstown is a vibrant tourist and residential area withvarious land and water based uses occurring along theforeshore, including industrial, retail/commercial, tourism,recreation and boating. Located approximately 13 kilometressouth-west of Melbourne at the mouth of the Yarra River,Williamstown is a popular destination with a variety of activitiesfor all ages.The purpose of this study is to review the existing WilliamstownForeshore Strategic Plan prepared in 2000 (Strategic Plan2000) and produce a Revised Strategic Plan for the next tenyears, focusing on the use and development of land alongthe foreshore and adjoining waterways. The document willcover the same area as Strategic Plan 2000 (between StonyCreek Park and Point Gellibrand), but with changes to theinternal Precinct boundaries. The five precincts selected allowassessment to be undertaken at a localised level. Figure 1provides an outline of the study area and the five precinctsused to guide the assessment of issues.The study area is generally surrounded by water to the eastand south, whilst to the west, there is a mix of uses comprisingmainly residential, commercial (around Nelson Place) andindustrial (north of High Street, Spotswood). The study areaforms part of the Hobsons Bay Coastal Park, which is ofmunicipal and regional significance, and the Crown land isdelegated to the following Committees of Management:• Parks Victoria is the Committee of Management, appointedunder the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 for Stony CreekBackwash, The Anchorage Marina, Williamstown SailingClub and most of the area between Ferguson Street throughto the Seaworks site. The majority of these sites are leased tobusinesses and clubs relating to water based and maritimeindustry activities. Parks Victoria is also the local portmanager of Port Phillip Bay, which includes the HobsonsBay waterway.• Hobsons Bay City Council is the Committee of Managementfor the area between Greenwich Reserve and FergusonStreet, and Commonwealth Reserve. The Council alsomanages part of Riverside Park and Newport Park.• Port of Melbourne Corporation manages the land andchannel assets associated with the Port of Melbourne,from Stony Creek Backwash to Greenwich Reserve andThe Wharves. Facilities include the Ann Street Pier, GellibrandPier and Breakwater Pier. All of these assets are expected toremain operating port facilities for the foreseeable future.Figure 2 denotes the areas of responsibility for the threeland managers.1

2Figure 1. Study Area

Figure 2. Land Management Responsibility3

1.2 Implementation of existingStrategic PlanStrategic Plan 2000 resulted in a table of recommended actionsbeing produced for each Precinct. In total, forty two actionswere outlined.A review of the status of each action contained within thedocument has highlighted that, since the approval of StrategicPlan 2000, all actions have been completed or addressed tosome extent. The following list summarises the status ofthe actions:• Twelve of the actions have been implemented (sevenhave been fully completed and four completed withmodifications).• Two of the actions are partially completed/underway.• Twenty-one actions are ongoing.• Seven actions have been assessed and considered to nolonger be required or appropriate.Appendix A provides details on the status of each actioncontained in the Plan. Actions from Strategic Plan 2000that are ongoing or deemed to still be relevant have beenincluded in the recommended actions outlined in the RevisedStrategic Plan.In addition to those actions listed in Strategic Plan 2000, fourother developments have been completed under the auspicesof the Plan. These are:• Redevelopment of the J.J. Savage and Sons’ site, both onshoreand through expansion of their previous marina, whichresulted in a substantial increase in boating accommodationwhile maintaining an adequate fairway width for theseaplane operation.• The Parsons Marina was redeveloped and now operatesas The Anchorage Marina. The development compriseda significant marina upgrade and expansion withcomplementary land-based facilities and dredging of anapproach channel.1.3 ConsultationTo assist in the preparation of the Revised Strategic Plan, theconsultant team has engaged with various stakeholders togain a better understanding of the key issues facing the studyarea and to test the proposed actions outlined in the Plan.Stakeholder consultation has included the following:Key Issues and Opportunities• A community workshop, which was open to the public, washeld on Monday 23rd February 2009 with approximately 40people in attendance. Those who attended were placed insmall groups and discussed a variety of questions and issuescovering both study area wide and precinct based issues.• Four focus groups were held on Tuesday 24th February 2009with invited stakeholders representing Water CommercialUser Groups; Traders; Community Land Based Groups andCommunity Water Based Groups.• The feedback from all workshops and focus groups, inaddition to the 18 written submissions received in the earlystages of the study, were considered in the formation of theDraft Revised Strategic Plan.A sample of the community aspirations for each Precinct,highlighted during the above consultation, has been included insection 3 of this report.Draft revised Strategic PlanThe Draft Revised Strategic Plan was placed on public exhibitionfor a four week period between 5 October and 30 October2009. A community information session was held on Saturday10 October between 12 noon and 3 pm, with approximately22 people attending the event. A total of nine submissions werereceived. Changes have been made to the Revised StrategicPlan to address some of the issues raised.• The Victorian Water Police expanded their facilities andwater access requirements at Williamstown.• The Port of Melbourne Corporation has become theCommittee of Management of Ann Street Pier at thesouthern end of the study area.Further developments within the study area, such as theproposed redevelopment of the Knight’s Slipway site are alsocurrently progressing.4

2STUDY AREA CONTEXT2.1 BackgroundThe focus of this Revised Strategic Plan is a five and a halfkilometre stretch of foreshore, incorporating land and adjoiningwaterways, which starts at Stony Creek Park (north of the WestGate Freeway) and ends at Point Gellibrand Coastal HeritagePark. The land included within the study area is mostly Crownland delegated to various Committees of Management, butincludes some privately owned land at the southern end aroundthe Wharves.With regard to issues associated with the use and developmentof land and the waterways, it is important to note that both theHobsons Bay and Port of Melbourne Planning Schemes controldifferent parts of the study area. The Minister for Planning is theResponsible Authority for administering and enforcing the Portof Melbourne Planning Scheme, which covers the majority ofthe study area’s foreshore.2.1.1 Land use and characterLandsideA large portion of the landside area is characterised by openspace and parkland. The area between Stony Creek and TheAnchorage Marina contains a number of parks – Stony CreekPark, Riverside Park, Newport Park and Greenwich Reserve. Theforeshore along The Strand is quite narrow and The AnchorageMarina and Restaurant site signals the first of the commercialuses located on the foreshore. From this point on, communityand commercial facilities become more prevalent, with anemphasis on sailing and boating clubs and boating industryactivities.There are several heritage listed buildings and featureslocated adjacent to the study area, such as the formerMMBW Spotswood Pumping Station (currently operating asScienceworks Museum) and the former Commercial Bank ofAustralia at Nelson Place, which contribute to the strong historiccharacter of the area. The heritage elements located withinthe study area focus on the maritime heritage of the area andinclude the former Customs House and former Point GellibrandLighthouse (The Timeball Tower).WatersideWhilst boating activity occurs along the length of Williamstownforeshore, it is concentrated in a couple of locations, namelyaround The Warmies Boat Ramp; the area between TheAnchorage Marina and Williamstown Sailing Club; andcentral Williamstown area opposite Nelson Place. The areabetween The Anchorage Marina and Williamstown SailingClub is primarily occupied by swing moorings, while numerouspiers along the foreshore provide berths for recreational andcommercial vessels. In total, there are approximately 350 swingmoorings, 500 marina berths and 32 short term berths.Gem Pier is home to a number of commercial activities,including ferry services that run tourism/sight seeing and chartercruises to Southbank and St Kilda, and the HMAS Castlemaine,which operates as a museum. The sea plane operates from apontoon opposite Commonwealth Reserve (between Gem Pierand the Naval Cadets) offering sight-seeing tours to variousparts of Melbourne. These services contribute to the attractionof Williamstown as a tourist destination.Commonwealth Reserve is a key area of open space locatedwithin a very popular activity node in Williamstown for bothland and water based activities. The southern portion ofthe study area between Ann Street and Breakwater Pier is akey industrial area focusing on marine engineering activities(including defence related boat building) and this land is mostlyunder private ownership.5

6Figure 3. Site Analysis – Land Use and Character

2.1.2 MovementThere are a variety of movement and transportation patternswithin the study area undertaken by pedestrians, cyclists, motorvehicles and boats.LandsideThe Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail runs continuously from StonyCreek Park to Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park and formspart of the Port Phillip Bay Trail. This provides a scenic coastalwalk/bike ride along the foreshore. The Punt within PrecinctOne provides a limited service for cyclists to cross the Yarra Riverand join the pedestrian/bike trail at the opposite side of theRiver. In addition, there is an on-road bike path that runs alongthe main vehicular route from Douglas Parade along The Strandto Nelson Place.WatersideWaterside movement patterns are concentrated in the vicinityof The Anchorage Marina and within the waterway in centralWilliamstown at Nelson Place. The Bay opposite Nelson Placeis particularly busy with boats entering and leaving the variousclubs and marinas in the area and commercial vessels usingGem Pier.The shipping channel generally runs along the eastern boundaryof the study area for commercial ships and other vesselsaccessing berths in the Port of Melbourne. This area of openwater is also where the main recreational boating activitytakes place.Douglas Parade, the Strand and Nelson Place form themain access route through the study area for vehicles. Thedemand for parking is high throughout the study area, but isparticularly an issue within the Williamstown Centre Precinct.Trailer parking is available at The Warmies and adjacent to theWilliamstown Sailing Club.Along the length of the study area, there are five railwaystations located, in most cases, within a walking distance ofapproximately 400 – 800 metres from each Precinct. Eachrailway station is situated within close proximity to bus routesand main roads providing access to the foreshore includingNorth Road, Ferguson Street and Ann Street.Walking the length of the study area is estimated to take oneand a half hours, whilst the cycling time is estimated at 15minutes (at 20 kilometres per hour).7

8Figure 4. Site Analysis – Movement

2.2 Guiding principlesThe principles identified to guide long term planning within thestudy area are as follows:• Respect and protect the special character and heritage assetsof Williamstown.• Improve access to, from and within the waterways.• Improve vessel movement and safety within the waterways.• Improve public access to, from and along the foreshore.• Recognise the importance of Williamstown as part of anetwork of boating precincts at the top of Port Phillip Bay.• Acknowledge and protect the Port functions, in particularAnn Street Pier, Gellibrand Pier and Breakwater Pier and theshipping channel adjoining the study area.• Enhance the important environmental, landscape and visualqualities of the Precincts within the study area.• Strengthen and enhance activity nodes within the study areato create and reinforce recreation and tourism destinations.• Be consistent with the Victorian Coastal Council Strategy’sguiding principles.• Improve identified safety/risk management issues within thestudy area.• Improve links from public transport to the foreshore.2.2.1 Safer design guidelinesfor VictoriaSince the completion of the Strategic Plan 2000, the StateGovernment has released the Safer Design Guidelines forVictoria to facilitate the planning and design of safer urbanenvironments for all Victorian communities. The Guidelines havebeen developed to assist planners and designers apply designprinciples that will improve the safety of the built environment,minimise the opportunity for crime and promote safe, accessibleand liveable places.The Safer Design Guidelines aim to:• Increase community usage of public places, in the daytimeand evening.• Achieve connection and integration of streets and publicplaces.• Reduce opportunities for crime and anti social behaviour.• Improve the quality of life for the community by improvingperceptions of public places.• Create more liveable and sustainable environments.Planning and responsible authorities must have regard tothe Guidelines in assessing the design and built form ofnew development (Clause 19.03 of the State Planning PolicyFramework).2.2.2 Disability accessThe relevant standards and legislation for disability access mustalso be considered in assessing proposals for redevelopmentand/or expansion, including the Disability Discrimination Act1992 and relevant building codes.9

3STRATEGIC PLANThis section provides a more detailedassessment of each Precinct and outlinesthe recommended actions to be pursuedover the next ten years. The rate ofimplementation of the actions will dependon actual funding obtained through annualbudgeting processes and successful grantapplications. Parks Victoria and other keyagencies will continue to seek fundingsupport to implement the recommendedactions in this plan.The information contained in the Revised Strategic Plan hasbeen informed by the consultation and literature that has beenreviewed, with particular emphasis on the following studies thathave recently been prepared:• Williamstown Landscape and Visual Assessment,Parks Victoria and Hobsons Bay City Council (2008).• Williamstown Vessel Traffic Management Plan,Parks Victoria (2008).• Williamstown Fairways Plan Report, Parks Victoria (2007).In order to reduce repetition within each Precinct, the issuesthat are relevant across the study area, or are not locationspecific, have been addressed in the first part of this RevisedStrategic Plan.3.1 Study Area Wide issues3.1.1 Key issues and opportunitiesClimate ChangeThe anticipated impacts of climate change need to beconsidered in planning for the future protection of theforeshore and any potential development. The Victorian CoastalStrategy 2008 recommends adopting a sea level rise of not lessthan 0.8 metres by the year 2100. The combined effects oftides, storm surges, coastal processes and local conditions, suchas topography and geology, are also to be considered whenassessing risks and impacts associated with climate change.The State Planning Policy Framework was amended inDecember 2008 to incorporate the Victorian Coastal Strategyprinciples for coastal planning and management and toadopt a minimum sea level rise for planning purposes(see Clause 15.08).Under the Victorian Climate Change Adaptation Program, theFuture Coasts project has been developed to assist the VictorianGovernment obtain an accurate understanding of the risksclimate change presents to Victoria’s coastline. This Programis being managed by the Department of Sustainability andEnvironment and aims to assess the vulnerability of Victoria’scoastline to climate change and develop strategies to helpcommunities and industry respond and adapt.10

ShadingOne of the anticipated impacts of climate change is the rise inheatwave events, which in turn leads to significant public healthconsequences. In response to this, Hobsons Bay City Councilparticipated in a pilot project to develop a localised heatwaveresponse plan.The Hobsons Bay City Council Heatwave Strategy 2009-2010aims to reduce the incidence of heat related illness amongstthe aged community and people frequenting beaches duringa heatwave. The lack of shade along foreshore areas wasidentified as a key concern during the consultation for thisproject, and the provision of shade in public recreational areasis one of the suggestions to address the issue. Given that theVictorian Coastal Strategy requires permanent structures alongthe beach to be minimised, emphasis will be placed on usingtrees/vegetation to provide shade.HeritageVarious heritage studies (addressing both indigenous andEuropean heritage) have been undertaken for parts of thestudy area, including the Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006,Draft Port of Melbourne Heritage Strategy 2006 and MaritimeInfrastructure Assessment Project (Stage 1) 2003. These studieshighlight the significant heritage values of the area and theneed to ensure all relevant features/places within the study areahave been captured in the various assessments.Stormwater DrainageThe run off from roofs, roads and other impermeable surfacesis carried away by the stormwater drainage system to nearbycreeks and eventually Port Phillip Bay. The Hobsons BayStormwater Management Plan 2006 forms an important partof Council’s planning for improved environmental managementand sustainability, and aims to improve stormwater quality andthe capture and reuse of this precious resource.Opportunities to capture and harvest stormwater within thestudy area and install traps to prevent litter and pollutants fromentering the waterways should be investigated.Maritime Servicing FacilityThe Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008 and the Central RegionBoating Coastal Action Plan (Boating CAP) 2007 identify theWilliamstown Foreshore as a State Marine Precinct. A StateMarine Precinct is intended to incorporate facilities of local,regional, state, national and/or international significance. Thisincludes ports, marinas, charter boat facilities, slip facilities,waterfront activities, marine services, piers, jetties and ramps.A key activity associated with recreational and commercialboating is out-of-water survey, maintenance and repair. Forcommercial vessels such as the Yarra River boats, the demandfor these services is mandated by the licensing requirementsof authorities such as Marine Safety Victoria. The Yarra Riverboats represent an important element of Melbourne’s travel andtourism industry and their continued operation is strategicallyimportant to the State.The largest servicing facility in Port Phillip is located at VictoriaDock and currently services the river boats and other vessels.This facility is owned by the Port of Melbourne Corporation,and operated under a lease arrangement by a private company.Due to the proposed redevelopment of Victoria Dock the futureof this facility is uncertain.Vessels such as the river boats are restricted in their area ofoperation and are unable to sail beyond Williamstown, whichmeans that there are no other facilities within the area that canaccommodate these vessels should the facility at Victoria Dockcease operation.The Boating CAP highlights the need to investigate potentiallocations for a repair and service facility north of PointGellibrand within the State Marine Precinct. Riverside Parknorth of the Newport Power Station has previously beensuggested as a potential site for maritime related activities.However, a proposal for dry stack boat storage was rejecteddue to site constraints, port operations and potential conflictwith other uses.Consequently further detailed investigations are required todetermine the possible location and feasibility of a MaritimeServicing Facility within the State Marine Precinct. Othersites both within and outside the study area could also beinvestigated.11

Built FormIn considering any new development within the study area,it is important to have regard to the surrounding built formcharacter. The Williamstown Foreshore Landscape and VisualAssessment provides some guidance with regard to appropriatebuilt form, as does the Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme, inparticular DDO4 and DDO8, which outline foreshore heightlimitations for sections of the study area.SignageGiven the number of Government agencies managing variousparts of the study area, there is a danger of cluttering the studyarea unnecessarily with signs, in terms of both quantity andvarying styles.Providing a standard suite of signs may assist with minimisingthe impact of signage. Hobsons Bay City Council has a set ofstandards for signage and the applicability of these standardsacross the Government agencies (for at least some of the signs)should be reviewed.Whilst the overall objective for the study area in relation tosigns should be to reduce/consolidate the overall number, onearea where signage could be improved relates to highlightingconnections with, and proximity to, public transport.3.1.2 Recommended actions• Consider the anticipated impacts of climate change inplanning for the future protection of the foreshore and anypotential development, in accordance with State policy.• Consider opportunities to provide additional shadethroughout the study area in line with the Hobsons Bay CityCouncil Heatwave Strategy 2009-2010.• Review existing heritage studies to ensure all relevantfeatures/places within the study area have been assessed andfollow up any identified features/places that warrant furtherprotection.• Address stormwater drainage issues and investigate thepotential for Gross Pollutant Traps (GPT) to be installed inline with the Hobsons Bay Stormwater Management Plan2006.• Undertake further detailed investigations to determine thelocation and feasibility of a Maritime Servicing Facility withinthe State Marine Precinct.• Ensure any new development/facilities are of low scale andcomplementary to existing activities and facilities.• Rationalise and co-ordinate the number and style of signagealong the foreshore and improve information to highlightthe proximity of public transport.12

3.2 Precinct One: Stony Creek and Yarra Frontage13

3.2.1 Description and characteristicsof Precinct One: Stony Creek andYarra FrontageThis Precinct commences north of the West Gate Bridgeand continues south to Newport Park. This area is generallybounded by the Yarra River to the east, industrial areas to thenorth and parkland and industrial areas to the west. StonyCreek Park (which includes the Backwash and WestgateMemorial Park) is managed by Parks Victoria and is a significantenvironmental reserve, demonstrating the wetland habitatthat was historically a feature of this area. The Stony CreekFriends Group is actively involved in this area. Elements such asthe Mobil Oil Terminal, Port operations, West Gate Bridge andpipelines provide an industrial backdrop to the wetlands.Underneath the West Gate Bridge is located a memorial siteacknowledging those who died in the 1970 bridge collapse.Landscaping around the memorial is more formal than thesurrounding wetlands.The rest of this Precinct, south of Stony Creek Park is known asRiverside Park, which is an open grassland area situated alongthe Yarra River and has land managed by Hobsons Bay CityCouncil and the Port of Melbourne Corporation. Within thisarea, Mobil has several pipelines, ‘Y’ cages and bunker jettiesthat impede access to the River. Hobsons Bay City Council andPort of Melbourne Corporation need to consider the pipelineinfrastructure when proposing to undertake any development,so as to not prevent access to these pipes. Riverside Park is wellused by pedestrians, dog walkers and cyclists, particularly alongthe shared trail that runs through this section of the foreshore.An on-road bike path also exists along the western boundaryof the Precinct, on Douglas Parade. The foreshore edge is apopular spot for people fishing along the banks of the YarraRiver. This Precinct also links to Digman Reserve and forms partof the identified Hobsons Bay Newport Park Sporting Precinct.The Precinct is an important passive and active recreation areafor residents and visitors, as well as providing an importantwetland habitat within a significant environmental reserve withhigh flora and fauna values.3.2.2 Community aspirationsThe community/stakeholder consultation highlighted thefollowing aspirations for this Precinct:• Improved environmental quality of the area, particularlyat Stony Creek Park – remove rubbish; continue withrevegetation works.• Enhanced pedestrian/bike trail.• Enhanced views.• Increased services at The Punt.• Pedestrian link from The Punt to Scienceworks Museum.• Improved signage – highlight Bay Trail commencement;historical/interpretive signage.Another important characteristic impacting on this Precinct isthe Scienceworks Museum, which is a State Tourism Attractionthat attracts more than 350,000 people per year. This Museumis situated adjacent to the study area boundary to the west andis located within the largely industrial area that adjoins PrecinctOne. Douglas Parade separates access between the foreshoreand the western part of the municipality, given the significantvolume of traffic using the road. The Punt, which is locatedadjacent to the Museum, provides a part-time service for cyclistsand pedestrians to get from one side of the Yarra River to theother. The Spotswood railway station is located approximately800 metres away.14

Figure 5. Precinct One – Analysis15

3.2.3 Key issues and opportunitiesViewsViews of significance available within this Precinct are outlinedin the Williamstown Foreshore Landscape & Visual Assessment2008 and include:• Views from the Yarra River’s edge taking in the Riverand West Gate Bridge in the foreground and Docklands,Melbourne CBD and Newport Power Station.• Views from the Memorial Park, looking out over theindustrial uses and the wetlands towards the CBD.• Views of the ships passing along the River to the Portof Melbourne.The contrast in landscapes is viewed as a positive feature of thePrecinct, but visual features such as rubbish, graffiti, erosionand barbed wire/high fencing are considered to detract fromthe views.EnvironmentStony Creek Park has high coastal flora and fauna valuesand activities that enhance these natural values should bepursued, particularly with regard to improving cleanliness ofthe area, improving water quality and revegetation works.A Neighbourhood Environmental Improvement Plan has beenprepared for the Park to address these issues.LandscapingProvision of consistent access along the foreshore forpedestrians and cyclists is seen as a critically importantoutcome, and has strong community and stakeholder support.Improvements to the linear parkland contained within thisPrecinct should focus on improving the cleanliness of the area(litter, weeds and graffiti), safety (lighting and landscaping) andinvestigating opportunities to improve the fencing and signagethat interfere with valued views.Pedestrian/Bicycle LinksStony Creek Park is the starting point of the Hobsons BayCoastal Trail, which continues the length of this RevisedStrategic Plan’s study area. Provision of a safe crossing pointwould improve access between the foreshore and areas westof Douglas Parade.The Punt opposite Scienceworks Museum provides anopportunity to cross the Yarra River and continue the Trailthrough West Gate Park to the east. Establishing saferpedestrian access in the vicinity of Scienceworks Museum andthe Punt would enhance this destination and encourage visitorsto use an alternative mode of transport. Bicycle parking facilitiesare presently available at Scienceworks.Riverside Park/Newport Industrial Buffer ZoneFrom Scienceworks south to the Newport Power Station, publicland has potential to provide for recreational activity, but is alsoconstrained by Port functions and public utilities.The location of the Warmies Boat Ramp within a State MarinePrecinct indicates the current significance of the boatingfacilities adjacent to Precinct One and potential to consider anupgrade/expansion of services offered.Several stakeholders have suggested new boating facilities(such as dry storage and marine servicing) near the NewportPower Station. The need and potential location for such afacility would require further investigation (as outlined in section3.1.1). A key consideration in the location and operation of anyfacility will be the impact on development and use at RiversidePark and the potential impact to the Port operations.The Council is not supportive of new boating facilities inthis area and has resolved to prepare a Master Plan for thedevelopment of sports fields and associated amenities on theRiverside Park land to cater for the increasing demand for juniorsporting facilities in the area.3.2.4 Recommended actionsThe following actions are recommended for Precinct One:• Enhance environmental values and vegetation in and aroundStony Creek Park, including continued implementation ofthe Neighbourhood Environmental Improvement Plan forthe Park.• Encourage the involvement of the Stony Creek FriendsGroup in vegetation and habitat management works.• Continue the regular monitoring and maintenance of thePrecinct.• Prepare a Master Plan for Riverside Park to provide futuredirection for the open space and integrate the Hobsons BayCoastal Trail into its redevelopment.• Provide improved access throughout the site for pedestriansand bikes, focusing on improving safety and opportunitiesfor uninterrupted views across the Yarra River and towardsindustrial elements within and adjoining the Precinct.• Establish a safe crossing point between the foreshore andthe areas to the west of Douglas Parade (in the vicinity ofScienceworks and The Punt).• Continue to investigate opportunities to improve thePunt service.16

3.3 Precinct Two: Newport Park/The Warmies17

3.3.1 Description and characteristicsof Precinct Two: Newport Park/TheWarmiesThis Precinct is located south of the Newport Power Station andis bounded by the Yarra River and Greenwich Bay to the east,residential to the west and The Anchorage Marina to the South.This Precinct is characterised by open parkland and active andpassive recreation, including Newport Park (incorporating sportsoval, athletics track, regional skate park and fitness centre)and Greenwich Reserve (open grassland, coastal shrubs andwalking/bicycle paths). Sandy Point has been rehabilitated,with the assistance of the Friends of Greenwich Bay, and is animportant habitat for waterbirds. The HMAS Yarra NationalMemorial is located north of the Power Station Cooling WaterOutlet.The Warmies Boat Ramp is a significant boating facility in thewestern region of Melbourne, with the Inlet providing a popularland based fishing spot. More formal landscaping has beenestablished around the car park servicing this facility.The shoreline is characterised by an informal rock edge andsubject to erosion.The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail extends along the foreshore fromPrecinct One continuing through this Precinct. An on-road bikepath exists along Douglas Parade and The Strand, which formsthe western boundary of this section of the study area.This Precinct is adjacent to various heritage listed residentialbuildings situated to the west and is approximately 800 metresaway from the Newport railway station.The Precinct is highly valued for its passive and active recreationfacilities and open views across Port Phillip Bay.3.3.2 Community aspirations3.3.3 Key issues and opportunitiesViewsViews of significance available within this Precinct are outlinedin the Williamstown Foreshore Landscape & Visual Assessment2008 and include:• Expansive panoramic views across Williamstown Channeland Webb Dock towards the CBD. The city skyline often‘emerges’ from behind the large container ships travelling toand from Webb Dock.• Views down the east-west orientated streets that provide‘surreal’ views of the ships travelling across the green grassof the reserve.• Clear views across wide expanses of water and large areas ofopen space to the West Gate Bridge.• Looking south from the reserve across wide expanses ofwater and large areas of open space towards the boats ofWilliamstown and beyond.EnvironmentConcerns regarding the environmental and ecological healthof Greenwich Bay have been raised by several stakeholders.Some of the issues highlighted are: foreshore erosion, siltation,exposed rubbish in the shallows and water quality. Erosionof the foreshore has been noticeable over the last few yearsand will require an on going program of remediation worksto stabilise the banks. A report prepared by Sinclair KnightMerz titled Williamstown Foreshore Protection Options 2007,assesses various options for foreshore protection at The Strandand recommends a ‘fitted’ rock armour revetment system(sea wall).The revegetation of Sandy Point and the spit, to reinforcethe environmental significance of these areas, is an on-goingproject and support for it should continue.The community/stakeholder consultation highlighted thefollowing aspirations for this Precinct:• Enhanced environmental quality of the area, includingimproved waste management, re-vegetation and foreshoreremediation works.• Improved amenities, including lighting, shade, seating, BBQfacilities.• Wider shared path, with bikes and pedestrians separated.• Additional recreational opportunities.• Improved roads.• Improved management and efficiency of parking areas.18

Figure 6. Precinct Two – Analysis19

LandscapingThis Precinct contains the largest concentration of open spacewithin the study area, comprising both formal and informalrecreational spaces. Hobsons Bay City Council has a numberof plans and projects that seek to incrementally improve thelandscaping, access and amenities of this area, such as thePublic Toilet Strategy, Playground Strategy and the HobsonsBay Signage and Furniture standards. It is recommended thata landscape master plan be prepared to guide the planting ofvegetation and integrate existing strategies/plans into a physicallandscape framework plan.In upgrading playgrounds, Hobsons Bay City Council isreviewing the location and layout of play equipment to resolverisk management issues, including the safety standard of playequipment and improvements to the road safety barriers.BoatingThe Warmies Boat Ramp is located off The Strand in Newportand has parking for 55 vehicles with trailers, 12 standard carspaces and a dual ramp. It is designated as a District Facility inthe Boating CAP and is operated by Hobsons Bay City Council.Preliminary assessment of usage has been undertaken byHobsons Bay City Council (The Warmies Boat Launching andRetrieval Facility Feasibility Study 2008), which estimatedapproximately 21,000 launches from the Warmies Boat Rampin 2006/07. An assessment of launches contained in theWilliamstown Vessel Traffic Management Plan suggests that theboat ramp is already over capacity on summer Saturdays. Basedon a 6% growth rate in launches, capacity will be exceededevery day of the week during summer by the year 2018. Itshould be noted that this assessment is indicative only and theWilliamstown Vessel Traffic Management Plan recommendsthat further monitoring is required to ascertain traffic volumes,pattern of use and traffic conflicts.The Hobsons Bay Boating Forum: Summary Report 2006outlined a number of recommendations to improve thecapacity, safety and efficiency of The Warmies Boat Ramp,including additional ramps and floating jetties and improvedsignage. Funding to install on-water berths at The WarmiesBoat Ramp was allocated in July 2009 through the MarineSafety Victoria Boating Infrastructure Fund.Traffic Management/ParkingAny development associated with The Warmies Boat Ramp thatwill increase capacity is likely to result in traffic managementand parking impacts. These issues will need to be carefullyconsidered as part of any redevelopment undertaken, to ensurethat appropriate traffic management measures are put in placeand adequate parking (for both cars and trailers) is provided.Hobsons Bay City Council has commenced improvement worksalong The Strand that will provide several pedestrian refugeislands within this Precinct to enable safer crossing of the roadto and from the foreshore. The first one has been constructedadjacent to Yarra Street.Pedestrian/Bicycle LinksWhilst part of the shared path within the Precinct runs alongthe foreshore at Greenwich Bay, most of the path is locatedadjacent to The Strand. The shared path is currently well utilisedand it is anticipated that usage will increase in the future.A potential solution being explored by Hobsons Bay CityCouncil is for a more active shared path to be retained alongthe roadside, with a passive walking path located along theforeshore.3.3.4 Recommended actionsThe following actions are recommended for Precinct Two:• Undertake an ecological assessment of Greenwich Bay(focusing on water quality) prior to carrying out any worksthat require sediments within the Bay to be disturbed.• Commence a staged program of remediation works,by means of a sea wall, to protect the foreshore fromfurther erosion.• Support revegetation of Sandy Point and the spit to reinforcethe environmental significance of these areas and encouragethe Friends of Greenwich Bay to play an active role inrevegetation and environment protection works.• Develop a landscape master plan to provide a co-ordinatedand consistent approach to improving the landscapequalities and amenities (including shading) withinthe Precinct.• Upgrade existing boating facilities at The Warmies tomanage boat launching and retrieval time and provideshort term berthing facilities for launch and retrieval.Consider traffic management and parking impacts of anyredevelopment.• Continue implementation of pedestrian refuge islands alongThe Strand as per the North Williamstown Local Area TrafficManagement Study 2004 to provide safer crossing of theroad and facilitate use of the public open space alongthe foreshore.• Upgrade the pathway system within Precinct Two to providea more active shared path along The Strand and passivewalking path adjacent to the foreshore.20

3.4 Precinct Three: The Strand21

3.4.1 Description and characteristicsof Precinct Three: The StrandThe Strand Precinct boundary begins at The Anchorage Marinaand Restaurant and extends south to Stevedore Street (justbefore the Williamstown Sea Scouts). This Precinct is borderedby Hobsons Bay to the east and low scale residential areasto the west. The Precinct forms part of the narrow seasidepromenade that runs along the edge of the shoreline for thelength of The Strand. The area has sparse vegetation, but ispopular with walkers, cyclists and families.3.4.2 Community aspirationsThe community/stakeholder consultation highlighted thefollowing aspirations for this Precinct:• Improved maintenance of foreshore.• Improved/safer access for pedestrians/bikes through TheAnchorage car park.• Impacts of commercial shipping to be minimised.• No expansion of built form on the foreshore.The Anchorage Marina provides private facilities for launchingand retrieving boats and accommodation for boats in theform of both berths and swing moorings for a fee. There aresome free public berths available for a few hours subjectto availability.From this point south, the boating activity intensifies. A largemooring area, managed and operated by Parks Victoria andcontaining approximately 240 formal swing moorings, is locatedbetween The Anchorage Marina and Williamstown Sea Scouts.Similar to Precinct Two, this area is characterised by severalheritage listed residential buildings adjacent to the study areato the west. The historic Sea Baths, which is not subject to aheritage overlay, is also located within this Precinct.The North Williamstown railway station is located over onekilometre away and can be accessed via Stevedore Street orFerguson Street.The Strand is valued for the seaside promenade and parklandand low scale boating activity.22

3.4.3 Key issues and opportunitiesViewsViews of significance available within this Precinct are outlinedin the Williamstown Foreshore Landscape & Visual Assessment2008 and include:• Strong sweeping view lines from the foreshore reservethrough the evenly spaced yacht masts that capture theWest Gate Bridge, the Dandenongs, the CBD and PortPhillip Bay.• Across the low lying reserve south of The Anchorage Marina,with the open water in the foreground, the swing mooringsin the middle ground and the CBD on the horizon.• Residential streets running east-west that provide vistasacross the green space and out into Hobsons Bay.EnvironmentForeshore erosion is occurring, resulting in some underminingin this Precinct (eg. at The Anchorage Marina and Restaurant)and remediation works are required to stabilise the foreshore.A seawall treatment is currently being investigated by HobsonsBay City Council and Department of Sustainability andEnvironment that provides protection to the coastline.LandscapingThis narrow strip of foreshore is a popular stretch of open spacefor informal activities. Hobsons Bay City Council is currently inthe process of implementing a new suite of furniture (from theUrban Design Manual) along the foreshore.Trees have been lost in the past due to vandalism and havenot been replaced. The landscape master plan recommendedin Precinct Two could be extended to include this part of theforeshore, to guide the planting of vegetation and provide anintegrated physical landscape framework plan for the foreshoreopen space.BoatingA review of the swing mooring area located between TheAnchorage Marina and Williamstown Sea Scouts is currentlybeing undertaken by Parks Victoria. This will result in areconfiguration of the moorings to improve layout efficiencyand fairway widths, including access to WilliamstownSailing Club.Pedestrian/Bicycle LinksA major conflict point exists in front of The AnchorageRestaurant, where the shared path runs through the restaurantcar park. The lack of a clear delineation and separation ofthe path from cars creates a major safety issue. Opportunitiesto realign the shared path around the car park should beinvestigated.Sea BathsIn 2003, Heritage Victoria undertook Stage 1 of the MaritimeInfrastructure Assessment Project (MIAP) to investigate thearchaeology of maritime infrastructure around Victoria.The Sea Baths was one of the sites highlighted as warrantingconsideration for a Heritage Overlay. As noted in section 3.1.1of this report, a review of existing heritage studies should beundertaken to confirm that all heritage elements within thearea have been assessed and appropriate protection measuresare put in place.3.4.4 Recommended actionsThe following actions are recommended for Precinct Three:Stabilise the eroding foreshore by constructing a seawall.• Develop a landscape master plan to provide a co-ordinated andconsistent approach to improving the landscape qualities, viewsand amenities (including shading) within the Precinct.• Maintain the low level of boating activity within the Precinct(facilities to be limited to existing levels) and the mooringfacilities located within the Bay.• Audit and reconfigure the swing moorings to improve thelayout of moorings and fairway widths.• Realign the shared path in front of The Anchorage Restaurant.23

24Figure 7. Precinct Three – Analysis

3.5 Precinct Four: Williamstown Centre25

3.5.1 Description and characteristics ofPrecinct Four: Williamstown CentreThe Williamstown Centre Precinct is where boating andrecreational activity is concentrated. The Williamstown SeaScouts and Williamstown Sailing Club signal the start of thisPrecinct, while the Williamstown Seaworks site (previouslyknown as the former PMA workshops site) forms the southernboundary. A mix of uses exists west of the Precinct, includingcommercial, retail and residential.There are various jetties and piers along this section of the studyarea accommodating several Clubs (Williamstown Sea Scouts,Williamstown Sailing Club, Hobsons Bay Yacht Club, RoyalVictorian Motor Yacht Club, Naval Cadets and Royal Yacht Clubof Victoria) and water based uses (slipways, boat building/repair,seaplane and the Water Police). Ferguson Street Pier providesthe only public berths within this Precinct.Whilst the clubs and maritime businesses all contribute to thehigh level of boating activity and strong maritime character ofthe Precinct, access to the waterfront is restricted by buildingsand uses that occur in this Precinct. The interface/frontage ofthese uses to Nelson Place contributes to the inactive edgethat exists along much of the street. This in turn reinforces the‘barrier’ between the street and foreshore. Views are oftenonly available through hard stand areas, between buildings andthrough fencing. Businesses such as C Blunt Boat Builder PtyLtd provide an opportunity for interested parties to view theboat building/restoration/repair work being carried out in theheritage listed building.Commonwealth Reserve provides a popular meeting/focal pointwithin the Precinct and valued parkland area that contains theListon Tennis Club and Williamstown Visitor Information Centre.Gem Pier adjoins Commonwealth Reserve and is a populardestination to view the boating activity. The HMAS Castlemaineis located at the Pier and commercial ferry operators offer sightseeing tours from here to St Kilda and Southgate.The Williamstown Seaworks site is the subject of a separatestrategic planning study. Several buildings within this siteare historically significant (Former Melbourne Harbour TrustWilliamstown Workshops and Former Morgue). Other elementsthat are of heritage significance within the Precinct includeCommonwealth Reserve, Former Customs House, BluntsBoatyard and Slipway and Wilkinson Memorial DrinkingFountain.The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail continues through this Precinctand south of Ferguson Street it is located on the footpath.The shared nature of the Coastal Trail at this point is notdesirable as there is a conflict between pedestrian andbicycle traffic.The concentration of maritime/boating activity, together withthe proximity to restaurants/retail and recreational uses makethis Precinct very busy, both on land and in the water. There isalso a demand for more parking in this Precinct due to the highlevel of activity during peak periods.Both Williamstown Beach and Williamstown railway stations arein close proximity to this Precinct.26

Figure 8. Precinct Four – Analysis27

3.5.2 Community aspirationsThe community/stakeholder consultation highlighted thefollowing aspirations for this Precinct:• Maintenance of key views.• Improved traffic/parking conditions.• Greater co-operation among the Clubs.• Clearer fairway delineation and enforcement of regulations.• Promotion of maritime heritage.• Redevelopment of the Williamstown Seaworks site.3.5.3 Key issues and opportunitiesViewsThis Precinct contains numerous views of significance. Thefollowing list highlights those that have been assessed as beingof high significance in the Williamstown Foreshore Landscape& Visual Assessment 2008:• View from the corner of John Morley Reserve and FergusonStreet Pier across the open water and swing mooringstowards the city skyline.• The view from the end of Ferguson Street Pier across theopen water towards the city skyline.• From the Commonwealth Reserve foreshore, panoramicviews across the sailing masts capture Hobsons Bay, the WestGate Bridge and the city skyline.• Strong views of the city skyline from the end of Gem Pierthrough the sailing masts.• The view from the end of the vacant Workshops Pier acrossthe open water of Port Phillip Bay towards the city skyline.• Sweeping views from the end of the Royal Yacht Club ofVictoria marina across wide expanses of open water to thecity skyline.BoatingBoating activity is concentrated within Precinct Four. Thepresence of several boating/sailing clubs, marinas, Portoperations and commercial ferries make this space verycongested at peak times. The extent of the movement patternsis documented in the Williamstown Vessel Traffic ManagementStudy. Various measures are recommended in the reportto improve congestion within this body of water, includingenforcing boating regulations, improving signage, moving yachtracing (for keel boats/yachts) to the east side of the shippingchannel and relocating the Castlemaine to the south side ofGem Pier.Several of the Clubs have expressed a desire to expand facilities,but no formal proposals (i.e. planning permit applications)have been submitted for formal consideration. The proposedexpansions have raised concerns regarding the potentialimpacts, both on land and in the water. Any proposal forexpansion should be assessed on the basis of net communitybenefit, including the impact on other clubs and user groups.Work undertaken as part of the Williamstown Fairways PlanReport has highlighted the appropriate fairways to be adopted,based on Australian Standards, in order to provide for safemovement to and from the various clubs and piers/jetties.Confirming the fairways will also assist with understandingwhether there is any potential for existing clubs to expand,whilst maintaining clear and safe access.Further information on the proposed fairways is provided in theWilliamstown Centre Master Plan (in section 5). It is anticipatedthat the new fairways will be established before the end of the2009/10 financial year.Traffic Management/ParkingTraffic congestion and parking issues are key concerns withinthis Precinct, given the various activities and popularity of thelocation. The difficulty in finding a parking space affects cars(throughout the Precinct) and trailers (in the vicinity of theWilliamstown Sailing Club) and further assessment is requiredto evaluate opportunities within this Precinct to provideadditional parking for both cars and trailers. Potential locationsthat could be included in the assessment are outlined in theWilliamstown Centre Master Plan.Any future redevelopment proposals (eg. club expansions,additional berths) need to address any anticipated impactsfrom the new development, in particular how the provision ofrequired parking will be accommodated on site.28

Pedestrian/Bicycle LinksHeading south from this Precinct, public access to the foreshorebecomes increasingly restricted, with Commonwealth Reserveand Gem Pier providing the key opportunity between FergusonStreet Pier and Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park. Furtherdetail on the proposed shared path along the foreshore isprovided in the Williamstown Centre Master Plan.There are two areas of conflict in relation to the existing sharedpath in this Precinct that require attention. The first occursat the roundabout where Ferguson Street meets The Strandand the path becomes quite narrow adjoining the HobsonsBay Yacht Club. Works are currently underway to resolve thisconflict point and should be completed by mid 2010.Another conflict point is present at the Williamstown SailingClub and Williamstown Sea Scouts, where cars cross the sharedpath to access parking in this area.Commonwealth ReserveCommonwealth Reserve is a significant location for events. TheCommonwealth Reserve Landscape Master Plan (prepared in1995 and revised in 2002) has generally been implemented andonly on-going maintenance and cleaning is proposed. Giventhe popularity of this Reserve and intensity of use, high levelsof maintenance and a regular program of street furniture/assetrenewal will be required.EnvironmentDredging generally takes place to maintain depth in existingports, marinas and channels in order to provide safe and clearpassage for commercial and recreation vessels or to create newor deeper access for vessels.Coastal Management Act Consent is required to undertakeany dredging activity and approval must be granted beforethis can occur. Applications are made to the Department ofSustainability and Environment and must be compliant withthe Best Practice Environment Management Guidelines forDredging developed by the Environment Protection Authority.As local port manager, Parks Victoria has the responsibility toprovide, develop and maintain navigation channels to publiclandings in the local port. Where there is restricted or exclusiveaccess, the tenant is responsible for maintaining access totheir facility. There are potential advantages for governmentagencies, yacht clubs and other tenants to cooperate inrelocating dredged material to common sites.Williamstown Seaworks SiteThe Williamstown Seaworks site presents a key opportunitywithin this Precinct to develop a tourism and recreation focalpoint that celebrates the maritime heritage of the area. TheWilliamstown Seaworks Site Strategic Development Plan thatis currently being prepared will guide the redevelopment ofthe site. See the Williamstown Centre Master Plan for furtherinformation regarding this site.3.5.4 Recommended actionsThe following actions are recommended for Precinct Four:• Undertake an assessment of key sites within Precinct Four toascertain the potential to provide additional public parkingspaces for cars and trailers.• Ensure that any future redevelopment proposals addressanticipated impacts, including on-site provision of anyadditional parking required.• Implement the redesigned shared path at The Strand/Ferguson Street roundabout.• Investigate opportunities to improve safety of the sharedpath in the vicinity of Williamstown Sailing Club andWilliamstown Sea Scouts.• Continue to maintain the facilities within CommonwealthReserve and undertake a regular program of asset renewal.• Initiate discussions between government agencies, yachtclubs and other tenants to explore options for relocation ofdredged material.Please refer to the Williamstown Centre Master Plan for moreinformation on the following items:• Vessel traffic management to improve congestion and safetyin the Bay, including a proposed fairways plan.• Potential locations to be included in any assessment seekingto increase parking capacity.• Potential for club redevelopment and co-location of facilities.• Proposed new shared path along the foreshore.• Knights Slipway site.• Williamstown Seaworks site.29

303.6 Precinct Five: The Wharves

3.6.1 Description and characteristicsof Precinct Five: The WharvesThe Wharves Precinct begins at Ann Street Pier and ends atBreakwater Pier. The Precinct is a very important industrial areafocusing on marine engineering and protection of this industryis paramount. The shipbuilding operations make a significantcontribution to State economic development and employment.The Wharves is representative of Williamstown’s history, whichprimarily began as a marine industrial area. This is reflectedthrough the large BAE Systems Australia site (formerly Tenix)situated at the southern end of this Precinct, which is alsoprotected by a Heritage Overlay. The expanse of water withinthis Precinct is managed by the Port of Melbourne Corporation,with the area between Gellibrand Pier and Breakwater Pierdesignated as a Security Regulated Zone. There is no publicaccess to any of the piers within this Precinct.Various uses adjoin the Precinct, namely industrial, tourism andopen space. The area surrounding The Wharves is experiencingpressure to change, with a greater emphasis on mixed usedevelopments. One such example is the proposal for the formerPort Phillip Woollen Mill (bounded by Ann Street, Nelson Place,Kanowna Street and Aitken Street).3.6.2 Community aspirationsThe community/stakeholder consultation highlighted continuedsupport for maritime industry.3.6.3 Key issues and opportunitiesLandscapingHobsons Bay City Council and the Port of MelbourneCorporation are currently renewing Elm trees to reinforce theplanting that is representative of the streets in the locality.Industrial/Port ActivitiesThe Council’s Industrial Land Management Strategy 2008highlights the importance of protecting existing industry inthis location. An increase in sensitive uses in proximity toThe Wharves may present the Precinct with some challengeswith regard to managing amenity impacts (such as noise andlighting) resulting from the industrial uses occurring on site.As the area around The Wharves experiences change, theremay also be increased pressure to modify the focus/useof the Precinct. Any discussions or investigations into thismatter should consider the importance of the industrial andport activities currently taking place on site and the difficultyassociated with relocating these activities elsewhere.3.6.4 Recommended actionsThe following actions are recommended for Precinct Five:• Continue with the planting program using vegetation that isrepresentative of streets in the locality.• Support and enhance existing industrial/port activities. Anychanges to the existing use will require detailed investigationand master planning to be undertaken.31

32Figure 9. Precinct Five – Analysis

4implementation4.1 Planning Schemerecommendations4.1.1 Municipal Strategic StatementFor the Revised Strategic Plan to be an effective tool inthe assessment of planning permits and proposals, it isrecommended that the document be included in both theHobsons Bay Planning Scheme and Port of Melbourne PlanningScheme. This would give the recommended actions within thePlan some statutory weight and require their consideration inmaking decisions.For Hobsons Bay City Council, the Revised Strategic Plan couldbe included in Clause 21.12, which focuses on the Coast. ThisClause currently makes reference to implementing the masterplans for sites along the coast, including the “strategy for thecoast/foreshore between Point Gellibrand and Stony CreekBackwash.” It is recommended that specific reference be madeto the title of the Revised Strategic Plan.The Port of Melbourne Planning Scheme refers to the StrategicPlan 2000 within Clause 21.04-5, which deals with openspace and recreation. The reference to Williamstown ForeshoreStrategic Plan within this Clause should be updated to reflectthe title of the Revised Strategic Plan.The inclusion of the Revised Strategic Plan within the MunicipalStrategic Statement (MSS) of both planning schemes as aReference Document, as opposed to being an IncorporatedDocument, would allow changes/updates to be made tothe report without requiring a further planning schemeamendment.4.1.2 Planning scheme boundaryIn preparing the Revised Strategic Plan, the opportunity to placethe whole study area under the control of one planning schemewas raised. There have been some discussions about the areasnot containing Port of Melbourne Corporation land beingtransferred to Hobsons Bay City Council. It is recommendedthat further discussions take place between the Departmentof Planning and Community Development, Hobsons Bay CityCouncil and Port of Melbourne Corporation to consider thisissue as part of a review of planning scheme boundaries.4.1.3 Implementation Plan for theRevised Strategic PlanThe following table outlines the lead and supporting agenciesresponsible for implementing each of the actions outlinedin this Revised Strategic Plan. The anticipated timeframe forcompleting each item is also included, with the followingdefinition for each timeframe:• Short Term – 0 to 3 years.• Medium Term – 4 to 7 years.• Long Term – 8 to 10 years.The timing for actions that have no specific timeframe will benoted as being Ongoing or As Required. These items will have apriority (Low, Medium or High) allocated to them to assist withprioritising actions.It is critical that lead agencies and Responsible Authorities worktogether to ensure the timely implementation of actions.33

Table 1. Implementation Plan for Revised Strategic Plan actionsAction Lead Agency SupportingAgencyStudy Area WidePriorityTimingA1Consider the anticipated impacts ofPVDPCDHighOngoingclimate change in planning for the futureprotection of the foreshore and anypotential development in accordanceHBCCPOMCDSECCBwith State policy.A2Consider opportunities to provide additionalHBCCShort Termshade throughout the study area in line withthe Hobsons Bay City Council HeatwaveStrategy 2009-2010.A3Review existing heritage studies to ensureHBCCDPCDShort Termall relevant features/places within the studyarea have been assessed and follow upany identified features/places that warrantPOMCPVHVAAVfurther protection.A4Address stormwater drainage issues andHBCCPVLong Terminvestigate the potential for Gross PollutantTraps (GPT) to be installed in line with thePOMCHobsons Bay Stormwater ManagementPlan 2006.A5A6Undertake further detailed investigations todetermine the location and feasibility of theMaritime Servicing Facility within the StateMarine Precinct.Ensure any new development/facilities areof low scale and complementary to existingactivities and facilities.PV HBCC Short TermHBCC DPCD High OngoingA7Rationalise and co-ordinate the numberPVDOTShort Termand style of signage along the foreshoreand improve information to highlight theproximity of public transport.HBCCPOMC34

Action Lead Agency SupportingAgencyPrecinct One – Stony Creek and Yarra FrontagePriorityTiming1.1 Enhance environmental values andvegetation in and around Stony Creek Park,including continued implementation of theNeighbourhood Environmental ImprovementPlan for the Park.1.2 Encourage the involvement of the StonyCreek Friends Group in vegetation andhabitat management works.PV High OngoingPV High Ongoing1.3 Continue the regular monitoring andmaintenance of the Precinct.HBCCPOMCPV Medium Ongoing1.4 Prepare a Master Plan for Riverside Park toHBCCPVShort Termprovide future direction for the open spaceand integrate the Hobsons Bay Coastal TrailPOMCinto its redevelopment.1.5 Provide improved access throughout thePVPOMCMedium Termsite for pedestrians and bikes, focusingon improving safety and opportunities forHBCCuninterrupted views across the Yarra Riverand towards industrial elements within andadjoining the Precinct.1.6 Establish a safe crossing point betweenHBCC (advocacyMedium Termthe foreshore and the areas to the westrole withof Douglas Parade (in the vicinity ofVicRoads)Scienceworks and The Punt).1.7 Continue to investigate opportunities toHBCCPVimprove the Punt service.Precinct Two – Newport Park/The Warmies2.1 Undertake an ecological assessment ofGreenwich Bay (focusing on water quality)prior to carrying out any works that requiresediments within the Bay to be disturbed.PV High As Required2.2 Commence a staged program ofHBCCDSEMedium Termremediation works, by means of asea wall, to protect the foreshore fromfurther erosion.POMCPV2.3 Support revegetation of Sandy Point andthe spit to reinforce the environmentalsignificance of these areas and encouragethe Friends of Greenwich Bay to play anactive role in revegetation and environmentprotection works.HBCC PV High Ongoing35

Action Lead Agency SupportingAgencyPriorityTiming2.4 Develop a landscape master plan toprovide a co-ordinated and consistentapproach to improving the landscapequalities and amenities (including shading)within the Precinct.HBCC PV Medium Term2.5 Upgrade existing boating facilities at TheWarmies to manage boat launching andretrieval time and provide short termberthing facilities for launch and retrieval.Consider traffic management and parkingHBCCPVPOMCShort Termimpacts of any redevelopment.2.6 Continue implementation of pedestrianHBCCMedium Termrefuge islands along The Strand as perthe North Williamstown Local Area TrafficManagement Study 2004 to provide safercrossing of the road and facilitate use of thepublic open space along the foreshore.2.7 Upgrade the pathway system within PrecinctTwo to provide a more active shared pathalong The Strand and passive walking pathadjacent the foreshore.HBCC PV Medium TermPrecinct Three – The Strand3.1 Stabilise the eroding foreshore byHBCCPOMCMedium Termconstructing a seawall.DSEPV3.2 Develop a landscape master plan to providea co-ordinated and consistent approach toimproving the landscape qualities, views andamenities (including shading) withinthe Precinct.3.3 Maintain the low level of boating activitywithin the Precinct (facilities to be limitedto existing levels) and the mooring facilitieslocated within the Bay.HBCC PV Medium TermPV Medium Ongoing3.4 Audit and reconfigure the swing mooringsto improve the layout of moorings andfairway widths.PVShort Term3.5 Realign the shared path in front of TheAnchorage Restaurant.HBCC PV Short Term36

Action Lead Agency SupportingAgencyPrecinct Four – Williamstown CentrePriorityTiming4.1 Undertake an assessment of key sites withinHBCCMedium TermPrecinct Four to ascertain the potential toprovide additional public parking spaces forPVcars and trailers.4.2 Ensure that any future redevelopmentHBCCDPCDHighAs Requiredproposals address anticipated impacts,including on-site provision of any additionalPVparking required.4.3 Implement the redesigned shared path atThe Strand/Ferguson Street roundabout.4.4 Investigate opportunities to improvesafety of the shared path in the vicinity ofWilliamstown Sailing Club and WilliamstownSea Scouts.4.5 Continue to maintain the facilities withinCommonwealth Reserve and undertake aregular program of asset renewal.HBCC PV Short TermHBCC PV Medium TermHBCC Medium Ongoing4.6 Initiate discussions between governmentPVShort Termagencies, yacht clubs and other tenants toexplore options for relocation of dredgedmaterial.Precinct Five – The Wharves5.1 Continue with the planting program usingHBCCMediumOngoingvegetation that is representative of streets inthe locality.POMC5.2 Support and enhance existing industrial/portHBCCDPCDHighAs Requiredactivities. Any changes to the existing usewill require detailed investigation and masterPOMCPVplanning to be undertaken.Key:AAV – Aboriginal Affairs VictoriaCCB – Central Coastal BoardDOT – Department of TransportDPCD – Department of Planning and Community DevelopmentDSE – Department of Sustainability and EnvironmentHBCC – Hobsons Bay City CouncilHV – Heritage VictoriaPOMC – Port of Melbourne CorporationPV – Parks Victoria37

5MASTER PLAN –WILLIAMSTOWN CENTRE5.1 IntroductionThis Master Plan focuses on the area contained in Precinct 4(Williamstown Centre). The purpose of the Plan is to providefurther detail on the direction for future development withinthis highly utilised section of the foreshore.The Master Plan focuses on the following items:• Co-ordination of recent investigations undertaken within thePrecinct, including the Williamstown Fairways Plan Reportand Williamstown Vessel Traffic Management Plan.• The current congestion around Gem Pier.• Potential for land and water based expansion.• The opportunity for co-location of facilities.• Improving public links to the foreshore.• Proposed redevelopment of the Knight’s Slipway site andWilliamstown Seaworks site.5.2 Master Plan key elements5.2.1 Vessel Traffic ManagementGiven the range of activities that occur on the water and thevarying boating/sailing experience of some people, it is mostimportant that very clear rules and regulations are in placeand enforced. This includes addressing issues of speeding andunsafe boating practices.A Vessel Traffic Proposal has been prepared by Parks Victoriabased on the findings of the Williamstown Fairways Plan,Williamstown Foreshore Landscape and Visual Assessment andthe Williamstown Vessel Traffic Management Plan. Features ofthe Proposal include:• Limited marina expansion by Royal Yacht Club of Victoria toa line even with the end of Ann Street Jetty and a potentialwave attenuator.• Any marina redevelopment at Hobsons Bay Yacht Club andRoyal Victorian Motor Yacht Club to be contained withinexisting footprints.• Implementation of all traffic management recommendationsfrom the Williamstown Vessel Traffic Management Plan,including relocation of the Castlemaine to the south side ofGem Pier.• Marked Transit Lane (A) and Entrance from the WilliamstownShipping Channel.• Maintenance of a 90 metre Transit Lane (B) north ofHobsons Bay Yacht Club Jetty with moorings removed fromthe clearway.• ‘Regridding’ of the swing moorings to use space moreefficiently.The proposed fairways, transit lanes and relocated Castlemaineare shown in Figure 10, which documents the Master Plan’simplementation.38

5.2.2 Gem Pier – HMAS CastlemaineGem Pier forms part of a key destination in Williamstown,for both residents and tourists. Many boating activities occuraround the Pier, which create congestion and unsafe boatingconditions.The Castlemaine has been located at Gem Pier since 1975.Whilst the ship provides an important point of interest anddestination on Gem Pier, the congestion experienced onthe water and the issue of interrupted sightlines for vesselsapproaching the Pier, warrants a review of the location of theCastlemaine. Strategic Plan 2000 suggested its relocation to theWilliamstown Seaworks site, which may be a possibility in thelonger term.A potential site for relocation of the vessel to the opposite sideof the Pier has been recommended in the Vessel Traffic Proposaloutlined above.5.2.3 Club redevelopmentWhilst several Clubs have expressed a desire to expand landand/or water based facilities, the Vessel Traffic Proposal providesfor only the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria to consider a minormarina expansion (in terms of an enlarged water based area).It is acknowledged that other Clubs may decide to renew/replace aging infrastructure, which could subsequently lead toincreased capacity through improved design and efficiency.The Master Plan provides an indication of sites that arecurrently undergoing change or may have potential for landsideredevelopment. Whilst proposals will need to be assessedon a case by case basis, any opportunity to activate streetfrontages and integrate the foreshore to Nelson Place should beencouraged.The assessment of any future marina expansion orredevelopment of sites within the Master Plan area must haveregard to traffic management and parking impacts within andoff site. Any additional parking required to service the proposedredevelopment will need to be accommodated on site.5.2.4 Co-location of facilitiesThe Williamstown Sea Scouts is located adjacent to theWilliamstown Sailing Club. The Sea Scouts’ facilities aredisconnected, with the Hall to the north of the Sailing Cluband the boat storage facility to the south. The opportunity tocombine the Sea Scouts’ facilities into a multi purpose buildingshould be investigated, particularly when the time comes toupgrade either of these two Clubs or the nearby public toiletblock. Any redevelopment proposals should consider theexisting conflict point referred to in the Revised Strategic Planbetween cars and pedestrians/cyclists using the shared path inthis location (if the situation has not been resolved prior to theco-location opportunity).5.2.5 Shared path along foreshoreA major challenge within this Precinct is achieving improvedforeshore access via the establishment of a shared pathalong the front of the buildings on either side ofCommonwealth Reserve.It is anticipated that within five years, the first stage of the pathwould be established on the south side of Gem Pier, as partof a redevelopment of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria andWilliamstown Seaworks site. The next stage (within 5-10 years)would focus on the Knights Slipway site and the Hobsons BayYacht Club foreshore frontage, providing a link to FergusonStreet Pier.The last stage of the shared path, which is expected to beestablished beyond the ten year timeframe of this Master Plan,would provide a link in front of the Clubs between the KnightsSlipway site and Commonwealth Reserve. This stage would alsosee public access along Workshops Jetty.The Master Plan outlines the possible route for the path,together with the likely staging plan.39

5.2.6 Knights Slipway siteA proposal at the Knight’s Slipway site has gained CoastalManagement Act Consent. The Consent is for the use anddevelopment of coastal Crown land for a maximum twostorey building, including marine services, boat sales, marinemaintenance and repair and basement car park. It does notinclude any development in the water or additional berths.A Planning Permit (No. 20080799) has also been issued bythe Minister for Planning. The Permit is subject to a numberof conditions, including the need to submit amended planswith an annotation confirming future public access along theforeshore. The inclusion of a public path along the front ofthe site is considered to be a critical first step to achieving theforeshore promenade within this Precinct.5.2.7 The Williamstown Seaworks siteThe Williamstown Seaworks site occupies approximately 2.74hectares of Crown land with direct water frontage to HobsonsBay, commanding views of the Melbourne skyline and streetfrontage to historic Nelson Place. Parks Victoria is Committeeof Management for the site.The site has cultural and historic significance dating back tothe 1850s when it operated as Melbourne’s immigration arrivalpoint and later a site for ship building and other maritimeindustrial activities. Key facilities on the site today include amix of heritage listed buildings and sheds, local Parks Victoriawork-centre office, operating piers, jetties and slipways, andtwo large open display sheds that are currently used for events,shows and festivals.The site is currently significantly underutilised and in poorcondition with limited access, but moving into the future it iswell placed to provide a focal point for Williamstown in termsof tourism and recreational activities, as well as playing animportant future commercial role. Any future development willneed to be sympathetic to the maritime heritage of the siteand consistent with the Williamstown Seaworks Site StrategicDevelopment Plan, which is currently being prepared as aseparate exercise.The site has strong community support for its restoration andreactivation as a public space that would position Williamstownas a tourism destination of national significance.The Seaworks Foundation, a community based not for profitorganisation, was established in 2006 to transform the siteand establish facilities that celebrate the early maritime historyof Williamstown and a place for docking Tall Ships. Theestablishment of the Seaworks Foundation was the result ofcollaboration between Parks Victoria, Hobsons Bay City Council,Williamstown Maritime Association and the Victorian StateGovernment as a framework to progress the vision for the site.The first step in opening the site for public access will seeVictoria University establish a maritime education facility onthe site.40

Figure 10. Williamstown Centre Master Plan41

5.3 Recommended actionsThe following actions are recommended for the WilliamstownCentre Master Plan:• Implement a Fairways Plan that clearly delineates waterspace allocated to the fairways. The Plan is to also outlineany potential development areas that would not impact onthe efficient operation of the designated fairways.• Implement the remaining elements of the Vessel TrafficProposal to improve congestion and safety within thePrecinct.• Investigate relocation of the HMAS Castlemaine to thesouth side of Gem Pier.• Ensure that any proposed land or water basedredevelopment addresses traffic management and parkingissues, including the ability to accommodate any additionalparking on site. Opportunities to activate street frontagesand integrate the foreshore to Nelson Place should alsobe explored.• Prepare a plan for the area around the WilliamstownSea Scouts and Williamstown Sailing Club that considersthe replacement of the toilet and improvements to theseparation of the shared path from vehicles.• Establish a continuous shared path along the foreshore.• Redevelop the Williamstown Seaworks site inaccordance with the Williamstown Seaworks SiteStrategic Development Plan.5.4 Implementation5.4.1 Planning schemerecommendationsAs noted within section 4.1.1 of the Revised Strategic Plan,the Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme currently makes referenceto implementing the master plans for sites along the coast,including the “strategy for the coast/foreshore between PointGellibrand and Stony Creek Backwash.” It is recommendedthat specific reference be made to the Williamstown CentreMaster Plan.5.4.2 Implementation Plan for theMaster PlanThe following table outlines the lead and supporting agenciesresponsible for implementing each of the actions outlined in theWilliamstown Centre Master Plan. The anticipated timeframefor completing each item is also included, with the followingdefinition for each timeframe:• Short Term – 0 to 3 years.• Medium Term – 4 to 7 years.• Long Term – 8 to 10 years.The timing for actions that have no specific timeframe will benoted as being Ongoing or As Required. These items will have apriority (Low, Medium or High) allocated to them to assist withprioritising actions.42

Table 2. Implementation Plan forMaster Plan actionsAction Lead Agency SupportingAgencyPriorityTimingM1M2Implement a Fairways Plan that clearlydelineates water space allocated to thefairways. The Plan is to also outline anypotential development areas that wouldnot impact on the efficient operation of thedesignated fairways.Implement the remaining elements of theVessel Traffic Proposal to improve congestionand safety within the Precinct.PV MSV Short TermPV MSV Short TermM3Investigate relocation of the HMASPVMedium TermCastlemaine to the south side of Gem Pier.M4Ensure that any proposed land or waterHBCCHighAs Requiredbased redevelopment addresses trafficmanagement and parking issues, includingPVthe ability to accommodate any additionalparking on site. Opportunities to activatestreet frontages and integrate the foreshoreto Nelson Place should also be explored.M5Prepare a plan for the area around theWilliamstown Sea Scouts and WilliamstownSailing Club that considers the replacementof the toilet and improvements to theseparation of the shared path from vehicles.PV HBCC Short TermM6Establish a continuous shared path alongPVLong Termthe foreshore.M7Redevelop the Williamstown SeaworksPVLong Termsite in accordance with the WilliamstownSeaworks Site Strategic Development Plan.Key:HBCC – Hobsons Bay City CouncilMSV – Marine Safety VictoriaPV – Parks Victoria43