Docklands governance arrangements
Docklands is not just a residential suburb, a business centre and an entertainment and recreation centre – it’s also a development site.
As a result, the governance of the Docklands is unique in the City of Melbourne. Authority over the development and management of Docklands is overseen by three governing bodies.
- Melbourne City Council
The Melbourne City Council is responsible for municipal services in Docklands.
- VicUrban
VicUrban, the Victorian Government's sustainable urban development agency, is responsible for development decisions at Docklands.
- Docklands Coordination Committee
Where there are areas of shared responsibility, the Docklands Coordination Committee is the decision-making body.
Docklands coordination area
Parts of Docklands reserved for public purposes, and with shared responsibility, are called the 'coordination area'. The coordination area includes:
- Victoria Harbour
- waterways
- promenades
- waterfront spaces
- parks
- high profile or high traffic areas
Docklands Coordination Area map (PDF, 550kb)
The coordination area can be affected by municipal management decisions made by the City of Melbourne, by development and planning decisions made by VicUrban, and by the decisions of other agencies such as private developers.
Docklands Coordination Committee
Development decisions about the coordination area are made by the Docklands Coordination Committee. Representatives of both the City of Melbourne and VicUrban are on this committee. Find out more at the Docklands Coordination Committee.
Protocol agreement
The shared management of Docklands by the City of Melbourne and VicUrban is guided by a protocol agreement. The agreement covers a shared vision for Docklands, cooperation and mutual respect, the Docklands Coordination Committee, policies and confidentiality.
Protocol Agreement (PDF, 569kb)
Protocol Agreement (Text only, 122kb)
Relevant legislation
Legislation was passed in 2006 that spells out how the City of Melbourne and VicUrban’s shared responsibilities should be managed. For details, see City of Melbourne and Docklands Acts (Governance) Act (2006).
Local laws
The City of Melbourne has local laws dealing with a wide range of community, environmental and governance issues. These laws also apply at Docklands. Find out more about related Local laws and Prescriptions.
VicUrban
Find out more about how VicUrban operates at VicUrban.