https://www.docklandsnews.com.au/could-yarras-edge-become-its-own-suburb/

Property
Could Yarra’s Edge become its own suburb?
 
 
Jon Fleetwood | 1st October, 2025
 
 
 
 
 
In 1997, Mirvac was tasked with developing a new Docklands precinct that would become Yarra’s Edge and the only part of the suburb situated on the southern side of the Yarra River.

Now, with the precinct flourishing – home to opulent Mirvac-built apartments and townhouses, restaurants, bars, and health and wellbeing clubs – residents are calling for their waterside oasis to no longer be considered part of Docklands.

 
Sam Aftasi is leading the latest push to change the postcode of Yarra’s Edge and has created a petition, which, at the time of publication, had amassed 828 signatures.

Behind Mr Aftasi’s effort to see the precinct recognised as its own suburb is the belief that the association with Docklands no longer serves the best interests of Yarra’s Edge.

“A redefinition of the name will more accurately represent the community living along the Yarra, and bring many benefits, including financial advantages, improved liveability, and greater pride in the area,” he said.

“It’s not that Docklands brings the area down,” he added. “It’s just a completely different identity.”

“I used to live in Docklands, so I know what it’s like. Yarra’s Edge is just different: more owner-occupiers, a different layout, and a different vibe.”

Mr Aftasi argues that, given Yarra’s Edge is nestled between Docklands, Southbank, and Port Melbourne, it makes sense for the area to adopt Yarra’s Edge as its name and take on the postcode 3007.

 

According to Development Victoria’s website it is a premium residential and lifestyle precinct, offering a variety of homes including apartments, townhouses and terrace homes with access to an expansive park.

It remains the only part of Docklands on the southern side of the Yarra River. Prior to COVID-19, a group of residents made an unsuccessful attempt to have the precinct recognised as a separate suburb.

However, Mr Aftasi said they laid important groundwork, and believes it’s an issue worth revisiting due to the potential benefits for residents.

A well-executed name change could result in increased property values and stimulate local economic growth, according to Mr Aftasi.

He pointed out that the median value of all units in Docklands is currently $615,050. In contrast, the median value for units specifically in Yarra’s Edge is $1,209,986.

“This median value would rank the new suburb of Yarra’s Edge at approximately 52nd in Victoria, just below its neighbouring suburb of Southbank,” he said.

Given Docklands currently ranks 110th out of 130 Victorian suburbs for median unit sale price, Mr Aftasi noted that a revised ranking would better reflect the true market value of homes in Yarra’s Edge.

Following early consultation with the City of Melbourne and Lord Mayor Nick Reece, the petition represents the first formal step toward suburb status for Yarra’s Edge.

However, the Lord Mayor has advised Mr Aftasi that the proposed name may not meet official naming guidelines.

Because Mirvac developed the precinct, the Lord Mayor cautioned against naming suburbs after commercial or estate names.

He also flagged concerns about potential confusion with South Yarra and Yarraville and noted that place names generally cannot contain possessive apostrophes.

Others have argued that Yarra’s Edge should instead become part of the future suburb of Lorimer – the only mixed-use precinct in Fishermans Bend that falls within the City of Melbourne.

However, Mr Aftasi remains confident that these concerns can be addressed.

“It’s really just a matter of ticking the boxes,” he said. “Once we’ve got consensus, it becomes an administrative process.”

“This isn’t about drawing a line between us and Docklands. It’s about recognising that we’ve got a distinct identity and that’s something worth naming.” •