The Victorian Government has announced it has given the green light for a $36 million public transport project for the delivery of increased tram services to Melbourne’s Docklands precinct.

A centrepiece for the project will be the extension of the Collins Street tramline through to the Docklands at an estimated cost of around $20 million.

The project will come under the auspices of the Access Docklands project, which is a long-term transport plan which the State Government says will improve the area’s trams, roads, pedestrian and cycle paths.

Access Docklands builds on Docklands’ vision as a world-leading sustainable urban development precinct and ensures transport infrastructure operates as efficiently and effectively as possible,” State Minister for Planning Matthew Guy said.

The plan incorporates upgrades and improvements to the existing network including:

  • a $20 million extension of the Collins Street tram line into Victoria Harbour – currently  under construction;
  • additional capacity on major through roads – Bourke Street and Batmans Hill Drive;
  • providing an additional 30 per cent vehicle capacity during peak periods; and
  • improved pedestrian and cyclist connections to the CBD, Northbank and Footscray.


Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said Access Docklands is an important blueprint and integrates with the City of Melbourne’s transport strategy, the Melbourne Transport Plan.

“The tram extension to Victoria Harbour will take visitors to the intersection of Bourke and Collins Streets, an iconic new meeting place for our city, and home to a new library and community services hub,” Cr Doyle said.