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Feedback on draft Economic Development Strategy
We agree with the challenges identified in the draft Economic Development Strategy, i.e. the high cost commercial space, the high cost of housing, and increasing transport congestion: We recommend that each challenge be met with a response, such as: More customers = better for business Businesses need customers. Colliers Urban Planning studied how to revitalise…
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Feedback on draft Victoria Street Revitalisation Plan
The draft should be revised to reflect the facts identified within the Colliers Urban Planning report, and to propose actions that actually have a chance of making a difference. The facts: What council should do: Vietnamese cuisine is popular Vietnamese cuisine is popular all over Melbourne, which means that Victoria Street has lost its point…
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Redeveloping Richmond Library
Streets Alive Yarra congratulates Yarra City Council for committing to a feasibility study for a redevelopment of Richmond Library. We suggest that the study should consider a wide range of options, including: Announcement of a feasibility study In October 2025, via the Yarra Life newsletter, Council announced that it was conducting preliminary investigations, feasibility and…
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80% growth in population
Yarra’s population is forecast to grow by 80% to 2050, owing to the state government’s target of 44,000 additional dwellings by 2050, as part of Plan for Victoria. This is a big step up on our existing population of approximately 100,000 people. The year 2050 is only 25 years away; we are closer to 2050…
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Victoria Street Revitalisation Plan
On 8 April 2025 Council endorsed the development of the Victoria Street Revitalisation Plan, aimed at delivering short, medium and long-term interventions. On Victoria Street, businesses report that they are struggling, despite the fact that Victoria Street is only 2 to 3 km from the central business district and is served by a tram line.…
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Population and politics
As Yarra’s population increases by 50% to 2040, our population density will increase, and our local government politics will change to more closely resemble other dense cities, such as New York. A recent article from Transportation Alternatives highlights the majority community support for more space for walking, cycling and trees: Our view Yarra’s population density…
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Maintaining driveability
Many of Yarra’s streets are already congested, yet our population is increasing. By 2040, our population is expected to be 50% higher than it is now. Even if only a few of these new residents drive during peak hour, our streets will tip into gridlock. This would be a bad outcome for residents, visitors, workers…
