The suburb of Docklands is seeing an increase in families with children choosing to live there, with the latest census data showing 936 couples with children residing in the area. City of Melbourne data also revealed that 11.2% of households in Docklands are made up of couples with children, compared to 8.6% in the wider City of Melbourne. However, the lack of planning for essential amenities like schools, parks, and libraries has been a major issue for residents and the government. Greens MP Ellen Sandell has criticized the government for failing to anticipate the growth of families in Docklands and not allocating enough space for public facilities.
Due to the lack of planning for schools in Docklands, the state government has had to acquire land to build a primary school in the area. The Greens have suggested investigating the possibility of buying back the Costco site for a secondary school, as well as considering the new suburb of Arden as a potential location for a school. However, there has been no response from the government regarding these proposals. The development of Docklands has been primarily driven by developers, with limited space allocated for public purposes. Sandell believes that the government needs to take action to address the lack of essential amenities in the area.
The Costco site in Docklands was purchased by the company in 2008 from former government development agency VicUrban. The land was part of the Waterfront City precinct, which was released to the market via public tender in the early 2000s. The Victorian School Building Authority has not assessed the suitability of the Costco site for a school, but the Department of Education stated that they consider factors such as residential growth, demographic changes, and enrollment trends when determining the need for new schools. They have opened second campuses for Docklands Primary School and North Melbourne Primary School due to increased demand.
The lack of government planning and foresight in Docklands has led to challenges in providing essential amenities for the growing population, particularly families with children. The government’s failure to anticipate the influx of families in the area has resulted in a need for additional schools and public facilities. The Greens and other advocates are calling for action to address the shortage of schools and other essential services in Docklands. The government’s focus on private developments has left little space for public purposes, leading to a lack of essential amenities for residents.
Despite the challenges faced in Docklands, families continue to choose to live in the area due to its attractions and amenities. However, the lack of schools and other essential facilities remains a significant issue that needs to be addressed by the government. The current situation highlights the importance of proper planning and foresight when developing new residential areas to ensure that the needs of the community are met. The government must take action to provide the necessary infrastructure and services to support the growing population in Docklands and ensure that families have access to essential amenities such as schools, parks, and libraries.
