There are many cafés, bars and restaurants within walking distance. ‘Walk Score’ marks the Grand as 91 out of a 100: Walker’s Paradise! Click here for specific details. There’s more to add on this page. If you have thoughts, send a suggestion here.
For now, here’s copy of the latest Council newsletter ‘Vertical Living’. You can subscribe on the Links page (if not, lobby them for it!!) However, do note that this ‘ezine’ is a year old now, and may be at the end of its run.
Victoria Harbour Garden Blitz and Reforestation Project
Victoria Harbour’s Shed 4 will be transformed from a dim concrete shed to a thriving community hub and open access garden thanks to Future Canvas.
Based on similar urban agriculture projects around the world, the Shed 4 reforestation project aims to educate and inspire people to become more connected to their food supply and to actively green their city.
You can help to turn Shed 4 green by coming along to a special Garden Blitz on Sunday 17 May. Get your hands dirty and join workshops in sustainable design, permaculture gardening, composting and planting, plus enjoy a selection of sustainable fashion, food and furniture.
During June, you can also take part in series of community engagement workshops and have your say on what sort of garden you really want to see at Shed 4.
Construction of the community garden is expected to be well underway by September, with the first harvest being shared by next summer.
What: Shed 4 Garden Blitz When: Sunday 17 May, 10am - 4pm Where: Victoria Harbour, Shed 4, North Wharf Rd, Docklands (Mel Ref: 2E D7)
For more information visit Future Canvas
Sustainable Living in the City
A new project to improve sustainable living in Melbourne’s high rise apartment buildings is paving the way for a greener future.
Sustainable Living in the City (SLIC) is the first project to identify and deliver water, waste and energy efficiency opportunities in Melbourne’s high rise apartment buildings.
Designed and delivered by the City of Melbourne, the project involved an audit of four high rise apartment buildings, consultation with property managers and residents to determine the best retrofit options, and a series of behaviour change workshops.
Significant greenhouse abatement and water savings were achieved in all four participating buildings. Residents and body corporate managers were also excited about the opportunity to engage with sustainability issues and reduce the environmental footprint of their buildings.
Read the case study to gain some great tips on how you can improve the environmental performance of your own building.
Environmental Sustainability – Have your say!
What environmental issues and services are important to you? What types of sustainability programs would you like to see provided in future? The City of Melbourne and RMIT are conducting a survey on residential sustainability. Your feedback will help the City of Melbourne to develop sustainability programs that best suit the needs of all our residents. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Are you a parent or carer of a child aged 0-12 years?
If so, come along to a discussion group during the first week of June and tell us about the issues and services and that are important to you and your family.
Your feedback will help to inform the City of Melbourne’s next Municipal Early Years Plan – a plan that will set directions for the delivery of services to children and families over the next four years (2009 - 2013).
Discussion groups will be held on: • Monday 1 June, 6 - 7.30pm, Seminar Room, City Library, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne • Thursday 4 June, 7-8.30pm, Resource and Learning Centre, 104 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne
Or you can fill out an online survey during May.
Children can also have their say in the development of a Children’s Plan – a plan being created by, and for children.
Read more about Families and children or email for further information.
Swanston Street Redevelopment – Watch this Space!
Following an extensive community consultation, the City of Melbourne is now sifting through the thousands of responses it received from residents, businesses and community members keen to have their say on the future use of the street.
Seven design options were presented for public comment, with options ranging from re-opening the area to traffic, to further pedestrianisation.
The consultation generated an enormous community response with over 5000 responses. Hundreds of comments were also posted on the e-village website and a number of formal submissions were made by major companies within Melbourne.
A report on the findings of the community consultation will be presented to Council on 30 June 2009. Watch this space for further updates.
Community meeting space available at the Boyd School
If you’re a community group that needs a place to meet, the Boyd School in Southbank might be the answer.
The former school site at City Road is currently being used by artists and community groups while options for the long-term redevelopment of the site are being considered by Council.
Some of the newest groups using the site are the Southbank Residents Group and the University of the Third Age (U3A).
Let Council know if you’re interested in using the meeting space for community purposes.
Melbourne Main Sewer Replacement
Melbourne Water is currently replacing a section of the 100 year old Melbourne Main Sewer. The new main sewer will travel approximately 2.3km from Docklands into Port Melbourne with a section crossing the Yarra River.
The project will deliver health and environment benefits by reducing the risks associated with ageing sewers, such as sewerage leaks into the Yarra River and the need for inspections and emergency work.
With the expanding Docklands development and general interest in inner city living, residents of the CBD and surrounding areas can expect to rely on the new sewer for a further 100 years.
For more information call the toll free community information line on 1800 734 558 or visit Melbourne Main Sewer Replacement
City of Melbourne Community Grants Closing Soon
The City of Melbourne offers a wide range of grants and sponsorship opportunities to support the community. These grants cover interest areas such as the arts, community services, sports, events and small business. Applications close 22 May so don’t miss out.
For full details including guidelines and application forms, visit Grants and sponsorship.