Docklands+History

History of the Docklands

 * ==== In 1835, John Batman first settled in the Port Phillip District. ====
 * ==== Prior to the gold rush of the 1850s ships were unloaded in Hobsons bay then transported by lighters (freight barges) along the Yarra river. The double handling of cargo proved to be a problem. The need for a dock was vitally important to change Melbourne from a small to a booming city ====
 * ==== In 1876 it was decided to re-channel the Yarra River to make it wider and able to accommodate ships to load and unload cargo. Sir John Coode, an English engineer made the Yarra a mile shorter and much wider. ====
 * ==== West Melbourne dock was now created (1886) and for the next 70 years was constantly used and remains Melbourne's key port area.[[image:history_docks.jpg width="220" height="143" align="right"]] ====
 * ==== After the 1960s, cargo began to change. It arrived in large containers and required large amounts of open space to store the containers. ====
 * ==== 1975 saw the completion of the Charles Grimes Bridge between railway yard and Victoria dock. This bridge led to the closure of the river wharves. ====
 * ==== In the 1990s, the Victorian Government is appointed to identify and report on the best options to develop the docks area. ====
 * ==== In 1991, the Docklands authority was passed by the Victorian Parliament. The Docklands Authority was established to facilitate private sector development of the area.[[image:docklands_................jpg align="right"]] ====
 * ==== In 1997, construction of the Docklands Stadium commences. ====
 * ==== In 1999 the Bolte Bridge opens, which prevents ships coming into Victoria Dock. ====
 * ==== In the year 2000, Docklands Stadium and the Docklands key transport links open. Bourke St, LaTrobe St, Wurrundjeri Way and open ====

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