The Harbourfront Commission and Development Bureau recently completed the Phase II Public Engagement Exercise for the proposed establishment of a Harbourfront Authority.

The idea of a Harbourfront Authority was put forward by the Harbour Business Forum (HBF) and expounded in the Vision and Delivery Plan for Victoria Habour, led and authored by Fiona Waters of Waters Economics. The report provided an evidence-based business case for changes to the existing planning and decision-making process, outlining how a dedicated authority could lead the transformation of Victoria Harbour and overcome current inadequate planning and poor management. The report was hailed as “exciting and innovative” by the Secretary for Development.

Whilst government has revised the original role and remit envisaged for the Harbourfront Authority, Waters Economics has been encouraged by the broad public support for a new statutory body and we look forward to the outcome of the Phase II Public Engagement Exercise.