Docklands, a suburb traditionally known for young singles and couples, is now increasingly attracting families with children according to 2021 ABS census data. The latest figures show that there are 936 couples with children residing in Docklands, with 749 of them having children under the age of 15. This demographic shift has led to challenges in providing essential amenities such as schools, parks, and libraries in the area. The City of Melbourne data for 2021 revealed that 11.2 percent of households in Docklands consist of couples with children, compared to 8.6 percent in the wider City of Melbourne.
The lack of planning for schools in Docklands has forced the state government to acquire land to build a primary school in the area. Greens MP for Melbourne Ellen Sandell criticized the government for allowing developers to take up most of the space in Docklands, neglecting the need for public facilities. Sandell, who campaigned for the construction of Docklands Primary School, highlighted the government’s failure in anticipating the influx of families into the inner city suburb. The Greens have urged the Allan government to consider purchasing the Costco site in Docklands for a secondary school, but have not yet received a response from the authorities.
The Costco site in Docklands, purchased by the retailer in 2008, was part of the Waterfront City precinct released to the market by the Victorian government in the early 2000s. Despite calls from the Greens to investigate utilizing the site for a secondary school, the Victorian School Building Authority has not assessed its suitability for educational purposes. The Department of Education stated that various factors such as residential growth, demographic changes, and enrollment trends determine the need for new schools. The department is currently reviewing secondary provision across Parkville, Flemington, North Melbourne, and Docklands to accommodate the changing demographics and increased housing density in the area.
With the rise in families choosing to live in Docklands, the need for educational facilities and other essential amenities has become a pressing issue. The government’s lack of foresight in planning for schools and public spaces has led to challenges in providing for the growing population in the area. The Greens are advocating for better urban planning and the allocation of land for public purposes to cater to the needs of families residing in Docklands. As new suburbs like Arden emerge, there is a need to avoid repeating the mistakes of Docklands by ensuring adequate provision for schools and other essential services to support the community.
The ongoing debate over the allocation of the Costco site for a secondary school highlights the tensions between development interests and the need for public infrastructure in Docklands. With families increasingly choosing to make Docklands their home, there is a growing demand for schools and recreational facilities in the area. The government’s response to these challenges will be crucial in ensuring that Docklands can evolve into a vibrant and inclusive community that meets the needs of its diverse residents. As discussions continue on the future development of the suburb, the importance of planning for essential services and public spaces remains a critical aspect of shaping its urban landscape.
