For three decades, Development Victoria (DV) has prioritized developer yield over community life. Unanimous City of Melbourne objections are silenced, maritime history is evicted, and public promenades rot behind wire fences. We demand the full return of planning powers to the City of Melbourne before the state election.
Candidate scorecards will be published and delivered directly to 14,000 Docklands residential letterboxes ahead of early pre-poll voting.
Development Victoria acts as an unaccountable planning authority, bypassing democratically elected councillors and community consultation to prioritize developer windfalls over essential public infrastructure.
In 2024, developer Gurner Group unveiled Elysium Fields, a $1.75 billion proposal featuring luxury residences, cryotherapy clinics, private wellness sanctuaries, and high-rise towers. It was a massive departure from what was contracted and vetted under the 2021 planning framework.
| Feature | Approved 2021 Scheme | New Gurner Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Commercial office & mixed-retail | 3 Residential/BTR Towers (1,100+ units) |
| Maximum Height | 83.0 metres | Up to 99.15 metres (+16.15m) |
| Development Size | 18,000 sqm car park & modest pod | 27,000 sqm high-density enclave |
| Public Amenity | Contextual waterfront connectivity | Zero affordable housing, zero school sites |
"The proposal is staggeringly different compared to what was expected... councillors are advising the Minister to reject." — Cr Rohan Leppert, Melbourne City Council Planning Chair
"When Docklands was first developed 30 years ago, there wasn't proper provisioning for schools, healthcare, and maternal services. We've had the difficult job of trying to retrofit them ever since." — Nicholas Reece, Lord Mayor of Melbourne
Despite the City of Melbourne unanimously voting against the application, the Minister for Planning bypassed local planning reviews via the state's Development Facilitation Program.
Every Victorian parliamentary candidate standing for election must sign off on these four pillars before securing community support.
Amend the Planning and Environment Act to fully revoke Development Victoria's special precinct power, returning sole responsible authority status to the City of Melbourne.
Place an immediate moratorium on over-height ministerial permits at 140–160 Harbour Esplanade and Elysium Fields until an independent community infrastructure plan is completed.
Halt the Shed 2 evictions. Fund permanent, serviced deep-water berths and public workshop spaces beside Ron Barassi Snr Park for Alma Doepel, Enterprize, and Wattle.
Commit fully funded state capital works to rebuild Central Pier as a world-class public civic realm and open promenade, with guaranteed green space and zero locked private access.
From grassroots evidence gathering to on-the-ground voting guide distribution on November 28, 2026.
We are asking all candidates: "Will you vote to return all planning authority for Docklands to the City of Melbourne and halt the Great Wall?"
Formally signed the 4 Core Demands pledge. Committed to tabling a private members' bill to revoke DV's Docklands planning powers within first 100 days.
Expressed support for protecting the Heritage Fleet, but has not signed the full pledge to transfer planning back to City of Melbourne. Reviewing policy.
Defends ministerial intervention under the state housing targets and refused to commit to transferring planning authority back to City of Melbourne.
Has criticized Development Victoria's financial waste on Central Pier, but remains uncommitted to binding municipal council planning supremacy.
Signatures are recorded by the campaign. The letter button opens your own email app, addressed to the Minister for Planning's office, and you send it yourself.
Add your name to demand Parliament restore planning democracy to Postcode 3008.
Printable A4 elevator posters with high-contrast QR codes, noticeboard flyers, and owners corporation briefing kits designed to mobilize your residential tower.