Background

Purpose

To seek urgent intervention by the Victorian Government to secure both an interim berth and restoration site and a long-term permanent home in Docklands for the Alma Doepel and the associated Victorian Heritage Fleet (Enterprize and Steam Tug Wattle).

The Fleet has been issued with a Notice to Vacate its long-standing Collins Wharf site by Development Victoria (DV), despite prior commitments to provide for a heritage maritime precinct within Docklands. This action jeopardises more than a century of Victoria’s living maritime heritage and undermines the community activation goals that first brought the Fleet to Docklands.

Background

The Alma Doepel, a three-masted topsail schooner built in 1903, was invited to Docklands in 2009 by Development Victoria (then VicUrban) to help activate the precinct and reconnect the community with the working maritime heritage of Victoria Harbour.

Over 16 years, the Alma Doepel and her restoration volunteers have contributed significantly to Docklands as a publicly accessible, educational, and cultural landmark, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

Development Victoria had consistently acknowledged the importance of the Heritage Fleet — including the Enterprizeand Steam Tug Wattle — and earlier masterplans for Collins Wharf incorporated a dedicated dock, shared facilities, and office space for the Fleet as part of developer contributions.

However, during the COVID-19 period, when the final Collins Wharf development permit was approved, all heritage vessel facilities were removed from the masterplan without consultation or replacement provisions.

Timeline of Key Events

DateEvent / Action

2009 - 2024 - Heritage fleet was invited and supported to be part of Docklands.  Many conversations were had around a future faculty to be constructed as pert of the redevelopment of Collins Wharf. 

Mid-2024 Heritage Fleet representatives met with DV and were verbally advised that the current Collins Wharf sheds would not be required for “at least two years.”

January 2025DV issued a Notice to Vacate by June 2025, contradicting earlier advice.

Feb–Mar 2025 The Fleet requested more time and proposed collaboration on relocation planning — requests were denied.

April 2025 Following strong public and media pressure, DV extended the vacate date to December 2025.

May–August 2025 DV promoted Seaworks, Williamstown as its preferred alternative location — a site outside DV’s jurisdiction and unsuitable for the Fleet’s needs.

September 2025 DV engaged third-party consultants to mediate and identify a “logical solution.” A formal mediation meeting was held, but no outcome has yet been communicated.

Current StatusNo suitable alternative location has been offered, and there has been no further communication from Development Victoria.

Assessment of the Seaworks (Williamstown) Proposal

DV’s preferred option, Seaworks Williamstown, is not viable as either an interim or permanent home for the Heritage Fleet:

• The pier is under major repair until at least mid-to-late 2026.

• The sheds are in disrepair, distant from the water, and lack essential services.

• There are no suitable dock or operational facilities for restoration or berthing.

• Rental demand  is far beyond the capacity of volunteer-run heritage organisations.

These concerns have been clearly raised with Development Victoria in multiple meetings and written submissions.

Interim Solution – 533 Docklands Drive

The site at 533 Docklands Drive which is the adjacent public land opposite Ron Barassi Snr Oval, represents the only feasible interim option currently available.

It would:

• Provide sufficient land for temporary sheds and workshop facilities;

• Allow berthing for Alma Doepel and the Fleet;

• Maintain a heritage presence and public engagement within Docklands;

• Preserve operational continuity while a permanent site is secured.

Implications

AreaImpact of Inaction

Cultural HeritagePermanent removal of Victoria’s heritage fleet from Docklands — contradicting the precinct’s founding vision.

Community / VolunteersLoss of over 100,000 volunteer hours invested and collapse of education and training programs.

Tourism / ActivationDiminished Docklands visitor appeal and reputational harm to Melbourne’s maritime identity.

Government ReputationPerception that Development Victoria has reneged on commitments, damaging trust with community and heritage stakeholders.

Requested Government Action

1. Immediate Interim Solution (late 2025)

   • Authorise use of 533 Docklands Drive and adjacent waterfront as a temporary home for the Heritage Fleet.

   • Provide logistical and financial assistance to relocate sheds and infrastructure.

2. Permanent Heritage Maritime Precinct (by mid-2026)

   • Reinstate the Docklands commitment to a dedicated heritage fleet presence.

   • Establish a working group (Development Victoria, City of Melbourne, Heritage Fleet, Visit Victoria) to finalise site selection and funding.

   • Deliver a clear pathway to a long-term, publicly accessible maritime precinct within Docklands.

Conclusion

The Alma Doepel and Heritage Fleet were brought to Docklands at the invitation of government to enliven the precinct and honour Victoria’s maritime past. Sixteen years later, they face eviction, no alternative location, and a broken partnership.

Without government action, Victoria risks losing an irreplaceable community asset — and Docklands loses its living maritime soul.

An immediate ministerial intervention is requested to confirm an interim solution and a permanent commitment before the December 2025 deadline.