(Unfortunately, it has not been possible to continue this page beyond September 2001, when Robert Clark ceased to be Shadow Minister for Planning and Major Projects.  However, State Opposition Media Releases and  news releases, articles, speeches etc by Robert Clark are continuing, as well as pages on Robert Clark's current portfolio areas.  See also our News Links page.)

(For other Major Projects news to Sept 2001, see also below.)

2001

Commonwealth Games legislation introduced

The Government has introduced a Bill giving the Minister for Sport and Recreation powers to declare Commonwealth Games venues and projects.  Upon declaration, specified legislation does not apply to those venues and projects. (23 Aug)

MCG redevelopment proposed

The MCG Trust has proposed a $400m redevelopment of the Melbourne Cricket Ground including an increase in seating to more than 100,000 people and the demolition of the current members' grandstand.  The Federal Government will provide $90m towards the project. (14 Aug)

Expressions of interest called for Commonwealth Games Village

The Government has called for developers to express interest in constructing the 2006 Commonwealth Games Village, either at Parkville or another site within 5 km of the CBD. (17 July)

Yarra Plan Management Committee

The Government has established a Yarra Plan Management Committee to co-ordinate a claimed $4 billion of redevelopment along the river, including a wide promenade along Northbank, demolition of the Flinders Street/Kings Way overpass, Sandridge bridge, the possible closure of Southbank Boulevard, upgrading of Richmond Station, potential expansion of the Melbourne Aquarium and possible extension of Spring Street. (4 July)

Doubts over Docklands choice for studio

The State Opposition has questioned the wisdom of the Government's decision to build a film studio complex at Docklands, citing likely difficulties with the sinking of footings, as well as noise and vibrations, threatening delays and high costs. (28 June)

$40m Docklands Film Studio

The Victorian Government will fund the development of a $40 million film and television studio facility at the Melbourne Docklands under the Government's Partnership Victoria policy, with a studio operator appointed by the end of the year, construction to commence in February 2002 and the studio to be fully operational by mid-2003. (28 June)

Auditor-General's report exposes Federation Square mismanagement

The annual Auditor-General's Report on Ministerial Portfolios has confirmed an eight month gap in management arrangements for Federation Square following turmoil arising from the western shard controversy, as well as cost blowouts, quality cuts, funding shortfalls, industrial disputes and delays, the Opposition says. (6 June)

Watergate Place for Docklands

The first construction project announced for the Batman's Hill precinct in Docklands is a $150 million multi-use development called Watergate Place, which will have 290 apartments, incorporating retail outlets, boutique office spaces and parking for 360 cars and is said to "embrace several principles of ecological sustainable development". (6 June)

No Major Projects in State Budget

The State Budget has failed to provide any new major building projects as Kennett Government projects are completed, the Opposition has said.  Missing projects include the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds refurbishment, a 5000 plenary hall for conventions, revitalisation of the Yarra's Northbank and demolition of the Flinders St-Kings Way overpass. (15 May)

Lend Lease wins Docklands' Victoria Harbour rights

The Government has announced that Lend Lease were the successful bidders for the redevelopment rights for the 30 hectare Victoria Harbour precinct at Docklands, a project the Government says is worth $1.8 billion. Lend Lease will provide a mixed residential, hotel and office development, paying for the site progressively as development proceeds. Work is expected to begin in the middle of the year with marketing of the first residential building to begin later in the year. (11 Apr)

"Info-Hub" to replace Federation Square shard

The Minister for Major Projects has dubbed an "Info-Hub" the 8 metre high building announced to replace the axed 22 metre high western shard at Federation Square, on the basis that the building will house the Melbourne City Council visitor information centre previously intended for the western shard.  The CEO of the Federation Square Management Company said that this was one of the last tenancies to be negotiated for Federation Square and that the $340 million project "is now on target for the first sections to start opening towards the end of the year". (28 Feb)

Indecision, unions, delay National Gallery project

The State Opposition says that Government indecision over the future of the water wall, and months taken to negotiate a site agreement with construction unions, have contributed to slippage in the completion date for the project from early 2002, as at the change of government in 1999, to 2003 as at announcement of awarding of the main works contract, with the risk of further delays before the redevelopment is actually completed. (26 Feb)

National Gallery contractor announced

The Premier has announced that Baulderstone Hornibrook has won the contract to redevelop the National Gallery of Victoria in St Kilda Rd, while the NGV President has foreshadowed that the project will not now be completed until late 2003. (26 Feb)

Decision reached on Craigieburn Bypass

The Government has reached a planning decision on the route for the $306 million 16.7 km Craigieburn Bypass linking the Hume Highway at Craigieburn to the Metropolitan Ring Road at Thomastown, to be funded by the Federal Government.  The Government has decided on Option Y,  recommended by the advisory committee, which the Government says will preserve nationally significant grasslands, protect the Merri Creek, and establish a new regional park. (21 Feb)

2000

Digital Harbour Holdings the preferred Comtechport developer

The Minister for Major Projects and the Docklands Authority have announced that, subject to satisfying the pre-development conditions, Digital Harbour Holdings is the preferred developer for  the $300 million Comtechport precinct. (19 Dec)

Call to demolish Flinders Street overpass

The Opposition has called for the demolition of the Flinders Street overpass over Kings Way in order to remove a blight on that part of the city as a first step in revitalising theYarra's north bank. (10 Dec)

Harbour Esplanade for Docklands

A 10 hectare park and esplanade will be provided at Docklands at a cost of $25 million, to be constructed over 10 years. (24 Oct)

Decision on Eastern Freeway extension

The Government has announced its decision on the route for the $326 million extension of the Eastern Freeway from Springvale Road to Ringwood.  The Government says the extension would be constructed so as to preserve local bushland and the Mullum Mullum Creek and without the need to demolish houses outside the existing freeway reserve. (13 Oct)

Office of Major Projects removed from Federation Square

The Minister for Major Projects has assumed direct responsibility for Federation Square, with the role of project director being transferred from the Office of Major Projects to the Federation Square Management Company, and $75 million additional funding to complete the square being approved by the Government, taking the total cost to $337 million. (2 Oct)

Federation Square: Minister, not Office of Major Projects, should go, say Opposition

The Minister for Major Projects must accept responsibility for the cost blowout at Federation Square and should step down from involvement in the project, according to the Opposition. (24 Sep)

Charles Grimes bridge opens

The Minister for Major Projects has announced the opening of the Charles Grimes Bridge from 18 September, saying "the bridge will further divert traffic away from the Docklands waterfront, creating a pedestrian and leisure promenade." (14 Sep)

Government commits $550 million to regional rail projects

The Government announced that it would spend $550 million from its Growing Victoria reserve for the introduction of high-speed rail services between Melbourne and the regional centres of Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Traralgon. It said the projects, having a total estimated cost of $800 million, would be funded as a public-private sector partnership under the Government's Partnerships Victoria policy, with major works underway by late 2001. (5 Sep)

$320 million hospital project

The Premier has announced a $320 million redevelopment of the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre and Mercy Hospital for Women.  A new hospital with 470 new acute beds would be built on the Austin site in Heidelberg. The new Mercy Hospital would also be built on the Austin site with 128 adult beds, 60 neonatal cots and 17 delivery suites.   The project will be a public sector development.  The Government says this means the project will be up and running much more quickly than if private funding was sought. Construction will begin in early 2001 and completion is expected in 2006. (29 Aug)

Federation Square opening delayed

The opening of Federation Square will be delayed until Spring 2001, allegedly due to failures by the previous Government, the Minister for Major Projects has told the Parliamentary Public Accounts and Estimates Committee. (8 Aug)

Collins Street extension brought forward

The Docklands Authority will now fund the construction of a bridge to extend Collins Street to the Docklands waterfront at a cost of about $35 million, with building to begin next year and be completed by late 2002.  The bridge was previously to have been funded by developers of the Batmans Hill precinct of Docklands. (3 July)

Guidelines raise "funny money" fears

According to the State Opposition, the Government's release of new guidelines for private investment in public infrastructure highlights the lack of  new major infrastructure projects under the Bracks Government and also raises concerns about a possible return to the disguised borrowing and other "funny money" deals of the Cain and Kirner Governments. (27 June)

New investment guidelines released

The Government has released new guidelines for private investment in public infrastructure, called Partnerships Victoria, replacing the Infrastructure Investment Policy for Victoria guidelines of the previous Government.  Under the new guidelines, the Government says that typically the private sector would build, own and maintain the infrastructure while the public sector would continue to provide the core public services to the community using that infrastructure.  (27 June)

Community Support Fund restructured

The Government has announced revised guidelines for the CSF, under which the Government says $100 million of annual CSF funding will be spent in three main areas of "Promoting Responsible Gambling", "Community Building" and "Broader Community Benefit".  The Government has also established a "Community Advisory Council" of Government appointees to "oversee" the Fund. (20 June)

Housing figures show need for major projects

The State Opposition says that the latest housing finance figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirm the downturn in Victoria's housing and construction industry and point to the need for the Bracks Government to identify and commit to new major projects for Victoria. (7 June)

Opposition backs Geelong Guggenheim bid

The State Opposition has thrown its support behind proposals to seek a Guggenheim museum for Geelong, and has called on the State Government to give a commitment to the Guggenheim Foundation that it is willing to provide the $1.5 million needed to fund a detailed feasibility study into the project. (31 May)

Ministers at odds over Docklands roads

The Opposition has pointed out that the welcoming by the Minister for Major Projects of the new Docklands circuit road refutes claims by the Minister for Transport that the Government was "forced" to close roads in the Docklands area due to threats of legal action. (22 Apr)

Minister welcomes Docklands Road

The Minister for Major Projects has welcomed the opening of the new circuit road through Docklands, saying "The highway has been designed to divert heavy through-traffic away from Harbour Esplanade (formerly Footscray Road) opening the waterfront up to pedestrians." (19 Apr)

Government must reinstate Federation Square chief says Opposition

The State Opposition has called on the Government to guarantee it will not sack or punish the Director of the Federation Square project, Mr Damien Bonnice, who blew the whistle on the possible invalidity of the Government's decision to axe the western shard and was suspended after he gave a statement to The Age newspaper. (6 Mar)

Premier announces transport proposals

The Premier has announced or re-announced various proposals for road, rail and port projects, said to total $1.5 billion, under the title Linking Victoria. These include an airport-to-city rail link, fast rail links in regional Victoria, the Geelong Freeway upgrade, the re-opening of closed rail lines, standardisation of railway gauges, the Eastern Freeway extension, the duplication of the Calder Highway to Bendigo, the Blackspot road safety program, and development of Melbourne Port. (28 Feb)

Federation Square - western shard to go

The Government proposes to remove the western of the two shards at Federation Square, with its visitor information centre to be relocated to the eastern shard, following a review by former Labor Minister, Professor Evan Walker. (17 Feb)

Federation Square - shard axing would make Victoria a laughing stock

The Shadow Minister for Major Projects, Robert Clark, says axing one or both Federation Square shards would risk making Victoria an international laughing stock for overturning the decision of an international architectural competition so late in the process.  (13 Feb)

1999

Government retains City Link fine arrangements

The Government has announced that it is retaining the fine arrangements for City Link established by the previous Government, with some amendments to set specific standards for record keeping and some new offences and "on the spot" fine notices for alleged breaches of the requirements by Transurban.  Under the arrangements established by the previous Government, if Transurban claims that a motorist has travelled without paying the relevant toll, the details are provided to a government agency which can issue a fine notice.  Fine proceeds go to the Government, not to Transurban. (16 Dec)

New day pass arrangements, agreements on City Link

The Government has announced that Transurban has decided to introduce several cheaper and more flexible day passes for motorists using only parts of City Link and for weekend use. Transurban have also agreed to pursue the introduction of a day pass account, under which motorists would not have to nominate the day of use, but pay, on use, the day pass fee plus an administrative fee. As well the Government have reached  in principle agreement  to allow Transurban to open the Domain Tunnel once all construction, environmental, safety and operational requirements set down in the City Link contract are met and agreement that the new outbound lane of the Monash Freeway will be fully opened 'toll free' prior to Christmas. A settlement has also been reached of all claims between Transurban and the State arising from the construction of the Southern Link for a total of $500,000. (15 Dec)

Docklands' Victoria Harbour to be re-bid

The Government has approved a recommendation by the Docklands Authority to re-bid the 30 hectare Victoria Harbour Precinct.  Expressions of Interest for Batmans Hill have been re-opened until 28 January 2000. (10 Dec)

Minister praises Coalition's precinct upgrade

Access around Melbourne’s world famous Sports and Entertainment Precinct has been further improved with the completion of a new $10.7 million pedestrian bridge and associated works, connecting the MCG and the new Multi Purpose Venue (MPV), the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, Mr Justin Madden, has announced. (16 Nov)

Docklands to get film and television studios and theme park

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has announced plans for a $500-million film and television studio and theme park in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct. (20 Aug)

New transport, infrastructure and planning projects in Budget

The Victorian Government has announced new transport, infrastructure and planning projects worth $743 million.

1998

Melbourne's continuing convention boom

Melbourne continues to be Australia's most popular destination for delegates attending Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) events.

Melbourne's new riverside park

Planning has commenced on Melbourne’s new riverside park adjoining the new Federation Square.

Annual Planning Statement by Minister Maclellan

The Minister for Planning, Mr Maclellan, reviews Victoria's planning regime and announces a 25 per cent increase in private building work over the past 12 months.

2001

The Government says there has been strong private sector Expressions of Interest to  to install a new fibre optic cable network – including high-speed Internet services - as part of the Regional Fast Rail project. (16 Aug)

The Government has called for Expressions of Interest for private sector design and operation of the Docklands film studio.  (30 July)

The Minister for Transport has claimed there has been strong private sector interest expressed in the Regional Fast Rail Project following the closure of the Expressions of Interest (EOI) period. (24 July)

The Government has called for Expressions of Interest for redevelopment of Spencer Street railway station, under the Government's Partnerships Victoria policy, at an estimated cost of $200m to $300m. (19 July)

The Minister for Major Projects has launched a Docklands Water Plan and Litter Study on water and waterfront uses of Docklands.  (6 July)

Bovis Lend Lease's Victorian General Manager, Mr James Cain, had been appointed as Executive Director Major Projects, commencing on 30 July. (4 July)

The National Australia Bank will take 56,000 square metres of floor space (the same amount as the Rialto) at Lend Lease's Victoria Harbour at Docklands. (28 June)

The Federation Square joint venture between the State Government and the Melbourne City Council has been renegotiated, to reflect the $50m Commonwealth Government contribution, $338m from the State Government and $64m (with an additional $16m to Birrarung Marr) from the MCC. (28 June)

The new riverside park next to Federation Square is to be called "Birrarung Marr" which the Premier says roughly translated means the side of the Birrarung River, or Riverside. (1 June)

The Minister for Major Projects has opened a four-hectare $1.8 million Riverside Park on the banks of the Maribyrnong River in Kensington. part of the 40-hectare Kensington Banks residential development, a joint initiative of the Office of Major Projects and developer Urban Pacific Limited. (4 May)

Another open day for Federation Square is to be held on Sunday, 13 May, with some parts of Federation Square now due to be open by the end of 2001. (3 May)

A tenant has now been signed up for a $4.5 million pub at Federation Square, designed by Lab + Bates Smart, construction of which has now started. (6 Apr)

The Premier has announced a $100,000 Pride of Place grant to develop a framework for future development at Phillip Island. (24 Mar)

The Premier has opened the $27 million State Netball and Hockey Centre in Royal Park. (16 Mar)

The Premier, Mr Steve Bracks, has officially opened the $150 million Waterfront Geelong project initiated by the Kennett Government. (9 Feb)

Speaking at "the formal launch of a plan which will consider the needs of those who will live, work and visit Docklands", the Minister for Major Projects has welcomed Docklands Discovery Day. (4 Feb)

Planning approval had been granted to Baulderstone Hornibrook for the construction of Stages Two and Three of the Seven Network Precinct at Docklands, involving two office towers with about 40,000 square metres of office space adjoining the Seven Network National Broadcast Centre. (12 Jan)

The Planning Minister has approved planning scheme amendments allowing work to begin on the selected route of the Eastern Freeway extension announced by the Government in October 2000. (11 Jan)

Almost $1 billion of building work commenced in Victoria in November 2000 according to Building Control Commission figures for building permits issued, 0.5% higher than a year earlier, which the Government says "showed Victoria's building industry had weathered the GST storm and was out-performing other states" (4 Jan)

2000

The State Opposition has renewed its call for the Government to identify and commit to new major projects for Victoria, in light of the latest ABS dwelling commencement figures. (15 Dec)

The Government has published details of the new County Court project, initiated by the previous Government, which the Government says became the first major construction project to be built under its Partnerships Victoria guidelines when the contract was signed in June. (5 Dec)

The Minister for Major Projects has laid a foundation stone for the $125 million residential development and retail promenade being undertaken by the MAB Corporation as part of the $900 million NewQuay Project at Docklands. (29 Nov)

The Planning Minister has approved a new $55 million development as part of Mirvac's Yarra Waters Precinct development plan for the Melbourne Docklands. (22 Nov)

Work has begun on the Docklands wharf to dismantle two historic cargo sheds in front of Colonial Stadium on Harbour Esplanade. (22 Nov)

An open day for the "$330 million" Federation Square project will be held on Sunday, 26 November. (15 Nov)

The Government has announced that it is proceeding with the previous Government's plans to re-align Moonee Ponds creek alongside the Bolte bridge, thus paving the way for the redevelopment of Victoria Dock.  The Government says this $10 million first stage is part of a $100 million expansion plan for the port. (9 Nov)

The Government is hosting a Major Projects Forum on opportunities for private sector participation in major Government projects. (27 Oct)

The Premier has announced approval of $12 million for the Geelong Central Activities Area project as the first project under the Government's $170 million Regional Infrastructure Development Fund. (21 Sep)

Gabrielle Trainor has been appointed to the Board of the Docklands Authority, Carol Schwartz, has been reappointed to the Board, and John Tabart, also a board member, has been re-appointed Chief Executive Officer. (4 Sep)

The Opposition has criticised the government's decision to fund a $35 million extension of Collins Street to the Docklands and its consideration of the construction of a $10 million pub at Federation Square. (5 July)

With the Guggenheim Foundation director  now set to visit Geelong in September, it is vital that the State Government is able to give an assurance when he visits that the funding is available for an immediate start to a full feasibility study, according to the Opposition. (3 July)

The latest building approvals figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirm Victoria's housing and construction industry downturn is continuing, and reinforce the need for the Bracks Government to identify and commit to new major projects for Victoria, according to the Shadow Minister for Major Projects. (3 July)

The Government has announced that about $300,000 is to be spent on immediate service improvements in station lighting, seating, toilet facilities and security measures at Spencer Street Station, and that Gordon McKern, John Taylor and Robyn Stewart have been appointed to the Board of the Spencer Street Station Authority. (28 June)

The Government has claimed a continuing strong performance of Victoria's construction industry following the release of building approval figures from the Building Control Commission (BCC), comparing $811 million of building activity in April 2000 with $659.5 million of building work for April 1999. (26 June)

The State Government is to contribute $50 million to a $400 million biotechnology precinct in Parkville, with construction to begin in October 2001. (26 June)

The north/south road at Docklands is to be officially named Wurundjeri Way. (6 June)

The Opposition has called on the Premier to release the Ballarat very fast train feasibility study. (24 May)

The Premier has announced the establishment of an Infrastructure Planning Council to be headed by Mr Mike Fitzpatrick from Hastings Fund Management.   The Government says the Council will not have a direct involvement in implementing new projects, but will "identify opportunities across Victoria which include strong partnerships between all levels of government, regional authorities, business and the community". (16 May)

Mr Richard Parker has been appointed as the interim project director for the Spencer Street Station development. (6 Apr)

The Minister for Major Projects John Pandazopoulos has opened the new Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge and La Trobe Street Bridge which form part of the Docklands project. (6 Mar)

1999

The Minister for Major Projects, Mr John Pandazopoulos, has given the "thumbs up" to the $18.5 million refurbishment project for the Sidney Myer Music Bowl initiated by the previous Government. (15 Dec)

The Government has announced the establishment of an Audit Review panel to examine major contracts entered into by the previous government. (15 Dec)

A shortlist of four bidders has been announced for Melbourne Docklands' hi-tech precinct, Commonwealth Technology Port (Comtechport). (9 Dec)

The Victorian Government will contribute $1 million toward the building of a world-class lawn bowls centre in the Eastern suburbs, the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Justin Madden, has announced. (25 Nov)

1998

The State Government has granted planning approval for a 560 metre, 120 storey building as part of the Grollo group proposal for the Batman's Hill Precinct in Docklands. (7 Dec 1998)

Page last changed Sunday, 01-Jun-2003 05:59:04 EDT

News Releases prior to the October 1999 change of government by the Minister for Planning

Heritage Victoria has a good range of materials on heritage matters including media releases and newpaper article listings, as does the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), including media releases

The Building Control Commission regulates the building industry in Victoria and also publishes building activity statistics.

Docklands Authority, including news releases

Royal Australian Planning Institute (Victorian Division)

Commonwealth Games 2006 site includes details on major sporting venues for the Games

Australian

Royal Australian Planning Institute

Australian Heritage Commission, a Commonwealth statutory authority which advises on the National Estate and Australia's heritage

The Australian Institute of Building, an association of building professionals

Australian Council for Infrastructure Development advocates private sector involvement in infrastructure projects, and has media releases, submissions and information on various projects

The Royal Australian Institute of Architects

The Association of Consulting Engineers Australia

The Institution of Engineers, Australia