The Victorian Government is planning for the future of one of Melbourne's most iconic areas, the Williamstown Maritime Precinct, through the release of a comprehensive framework plan.

The government has released the <https://transport.vic.gov.au/-/media/tfv-documents/williamstownmaritimeprecinct_framework-report.pdf?la=en&hash=595D562175FD2DE389F4481877D4062E> Williamstown Maritime Precinct Framework addressing the area's maritime environment and providing a clear direction for the future.

The Department of Transport delivered the framework following a $200,000 investment to inform future planning for the area.

This report has been concurrently developed with the Hobsons Bay City Council and community groups to ensure Williamstown's strong economic and environmental future.

Six initiatives are highlighted in the framework to support a thriving Williamstown, including proposed changes for better pedestrian and cycling foreshore paths, boat maintenance facilities, improved car parking and connectivity between waterfront sites. Implementation of the framework is already underway.

The Williamstown Marine Precinct Framework has set out the following six directions for the precinct 

1. A place of cultural exchange that is meaningful and allows people to share an array of cultural experiences, recognising, celebrating and learning about its indigenous values, past and contemporary heritage and enriching its social capital. 

2. A functional and celebrated maritime destination, recognised not only as a working port but also a place that visitors can spectate or participate in educational and recreational pursuits around a core maritime focus. 

3. A compatible precinct, promoting adaptive re-purposing of land and infrastructure assets to maintain the precinct as a thriving mixed-use space, balancing various user needs. 

4. A resilient precinct ready to tackle environmental and socio-economic challenges such as climate change through adaptive and practical solutions. 

5. An area that promotes greater cohesion and linkages between the port and maritime functions and the tourist and recreational facilities on offer. 

6.  An innovative and prosperous precinct that is open to progress and change, whilst underpinning a prosperous and economic base through nurturing skills and trades, education, learning and innovation.

The Williamstown Wave Wash and Surge Study was undertaken to understand potential causes and effects of waves in the precinct has recommended further consideration of vessel operations, together with more information and education for vessel owners.

Extensive engagement was undertaken to develop these reports, working with residents, businesses, industry, traditional landowners, government agencies and visitors. More than 200 responses to public surveys and online sessions were received for the framework. 

The Williamstown Maritime Precinct is a significant area of employment and recreation in Port Phillip. The framework will guide future investment and planning decisions for the area.

One of the first actions from the framework plan is the investment of $100,000 through the Local Ports Program for further detailed inspections of piers located within the precinct to support commercial activities and tourism.

The report complements the <https://transport.vic.gov.au/ports-and-freight/about-victorias-local-ports#framework> Sustainable Local Ports Framework, highlighting the region's commercial and recreational significance.

PoWAG welcomes the report and recognises all of the contributors. 

PoWAG’s individual members, and 

PoWAG itself, is grateful for having been heard, and for our contributions in many cases to have been considered and included. 

PoWAG is delighted with the increased emphasis on 

• The wave wash and surge study and the realisation that without this being remedied, the precinct has major problems. 

• Recognition in relation to the maritime infrastructure and the drastic need for it to be enhanced, including how desperately it is lacking in comparison to virtually all other such infrastructure in the state of Victoria, and beyond. 

• The references to recreational boating, destination, tourism, visitation, industry, jobs and the importance of these factors. In terms of the six directions –   These look good however within them 

PoWAG would have liked to have seen – 

• Specific reference to the wave wash and surge study and how causation and remedy must be central to this precinct plan. This must be at the forefront of all thinking in relation to the precinct plan. • Additional reference to the current ageing, and in many cases unusable state, of the maritime infrastructure and the need for this to be addressed, as an undeniable and central consideration of the precinct plan. 

These two items are the main PoWAG considerations for the precinct and how it should be strategically planned for and managed. 

10 December 2021

The Port of Williamstown Action Group (PoWAG) notes that Seaworks has received notification that, based on preliminary engineering advice, that it will need to close off all access to Workshop Pier.

This means that the entire pier will be cut off to the public. A fence will be installed by Parks Victoria near the current boom gate and a locked gate on the lower landing for boat owners to access their vessels. This will take place within the next week. 

“Although disappointing for Seaworks and Williamstown, the closure was not totally unexpected” stated Seaworks Executive Officer Glenn Jones.

PoWAG spokesman Tony Dawson adding “This is further evidence of the need for maritime infrastructure refreshment in our precinct, and for a Safe Harbour for its future protection.” Dawson went on to say “Hobsons Bay is at a great disadvantage due to the aging facilities and their lack of protection from wave, wash and storm impact. We really hope that this further setback activates those that can influence a Safe Harbour and infrastructure upgrades. There is a great deal hinging on this”.