80,000 tipped to call Vic's Fishermans Bend home THE Victorian government has released its vision for the Fishermans Bend precinct, with long-term plans for the urban renewal project including two underground train stations and the extension of the Collins Street tram over the Yarra River. The industrial area abutting Southbank and across the river from the Docklands has been earmarked for five new residential suburbs housing up to 80,000 people and will become the workplace for 40,000. A mixture of low-density, medium-density and high-density residential projects will dot the 250ha site. "It is incredible to think how the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area has the capacity to accommodate a population approaching the size of Ballarat or Bendigo on the doorstep of the existing CBD," Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said. Sydney and Brisbane can only dream about planning a project of this scale. In contrast, the Victorian Coalition government is delivering on a major investment pipeline expected to equate to $2 billion over the next 10 years. Already developers have been preparing plans for several separate apartment towers in the area. But according to the draft vision and design guidelines, new residents will have to wait some time before the public transport infrastructure comes on line as the train stations are not expected until the as-yet-unfunded Melbourne Metro project begins. Other elements of the plan include a sweeping boulevard, parks, cycling routes and employment "hubs." A final structure plan for the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area is expected to be released early next year.