"I have conveyed to the minister that community angst about the rezoning applications has steadily increased, culminating in a number of recent community meetings - the largest local meetings in a decade," Mr Noonan said.

"This is a proud community that has a history of fighting to maintain the uniqueness and charm of Williamstown.

"I respect that very much. You'd be a fool not to.

"I'm prepared to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my community on this issue."

Mr Noonan said BAE Systems, owner of the military shipyards, and the Port of Melbourne Authority, which owns the land under the Mobil oil tanks, were concerned about the ongoing viability of their operations.

He has requested a meeting between Hobsons Bay Council and Mr Madden to resolve the "heightened degree of uncertainty" about how the rezoning applications will be assessed.

The meeting would discuss the application process and how the community could have its say.

"What I'm about is ensuring the community has a say," Mr Wade said.

Mr Madden did not respond by the time of going to press.

Save Williamstown, a community campaign established to oppose the Nelson Place Village development, will hold a public rally this Sunday. A meeting will be held at the Commonwealth Reserve at 2pm followed by a march to the Port Phillip Woollen Mill site.