A proposed tram bridge will prevent large boats and yachts from entering Docklands’ Yarra’s Edge marina, causing property prices in the ritzy locale to drop, residents say.
The bridge is part of a state government draft proposal for the new Fishermans Bend precinct, and, if approved, will extend the tram line at Collins Street, connecting Docklands with the new suburb.
A group of Yarra’s Edge locals are holding a rally on Tuesday evening, at which Footy Show host and local resident Sam Newman will speak, to pressure the government to consider an alternative to the tram bridge.
Resident Keith Sutherland said the group plans to bring a class action lawsuit against the government should the bridge plan go ahead.
“Most of us, including myself, bought into the area with the ability to look down at the marina seeing all these large yachts and boats that come in,” Mr Sutherland said.
Many of the 2500 Yarra’s Edge residents also owned yachts which they berthed in the marina, and Mr Sutherland said they were worried the tram bridge could cut their property values by up to $100,000.
He said he understood there was a certain amount of risk when buying property for the view – but that he did not expect it would be a factor at Yarra’s Edge.
“There’s an open marina, a river and basically you buy there not expecting anything to be changed,” he said.
Fishermans Bend is expected to house 80,000 residents along with 80,000 jobs. The project is proposed to be built in stages, with the tram bridge slated to be completed by 2025. Also proposed is an underground rail connection and two off-road cycling paths.
Mr Sutherland said instead of the tram bridge, he would like to see an immersed tube – a tunnel which is pre-built in sections and then submerged in the river – to take on the trams to Fishermans Bend.
