Minutes - Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council - 6 March 2024
MINUTES OF THE Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council HELD 6 March 2024 IN St Kilda Town Hall AND VIRTUAL VIA TEAMS
The meeting opened at 6:31pm.
IN ATTENDANCE
Cr Crawford (Chairperson), Cr Baxter, Cr Bond, Cr Clark, Cr Martin, Cr Nyaguy, Cr Pearl, Cr Sirakoff.
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development, Tarnya McKenzie, Interim General Manager Community Wellbeing and Inclusion, Lachlan Johnson, General Manager, Operations and Infrastructure, Claire Stevens, General Manager Organisational Capability and Experience, Joanne McNeill, Executive Manager Governance and Organisational Performance, Xavier Smerdon, Head of Governance, Rebecca Purvis, Senior Council Business Advisor, Emily Williams, Council Business Advisor, Paul Wood, Manager City Development, Dana Pritchard, Manager Open Space Recreation and Community Resilience, Fiona van der Hoeven, Manager City Planning and Sustainability, Gary Spivak, Affordable Housing Program Coordinator, James Gullan, Head of Advocacy, Economic Development and Partnerships.
The City of Port Phillip respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.
REQUESTS TO ATTEND BY ELECTRONIC MEANS
Moved Crs Baxter/Martin
That Council approves the request to attend by electronic means received by Councillor Nyaguy.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
1. Apologies
The Acting Mayor noted that Mayor Cunsolo is on an approved leave of absence from 22 February to 8 March 2024.
2. Confirmation of Minutes
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That the minutes of the Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council held on 21 February 2024 be confirmed. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
3. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Councillor Clark declared a material conflict of interest in item 17.2 Provision of Recycling Processing Services due to a conflict with their professional work.
Councillor Nyaguy declared a general conflict of interest in item 10.1 Cowderoy Street Right Turn Restriction Trial due to the trial that informed this report having had a significant impact on the traffic in their street.
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, declared a potential material or general conflict of interest in item 17.2 Provision of Recycling Processing Services due to indirect share holdings. They advised they were seeking advice on whether or not a conflict of interest existed but out of an abundance of caution would leave the meeting during consideration of the item.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SERVICE – KAY ROWAN
The Acting Mayor Crawford recognised Kay Rowan, Team Leader Libraries Local History, for their 48 years of service at the City of Port Phillip. Kay Rowan began working with the City of Port Phillip at the South Melbourne Library in 1976 and played a vital role in establishing the Heritage Collection, Port Phillip Heritage Centre, and local history services.
Acting Mayor Crawford extended their heartfelt gratitude to Kay for their significant role in our City and the preservation of Port Phillip’s history.
condolence motion – brenda richards
Moved Crs Martin/Baxter
That Council:
· Expresses its deep regret on the passing of Brenda Richards.
· Offers its sincere condolences to their family and places on record its appreciation for their service to the City of Port Phillip.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
Councillor Nyaguy left the meeting at 7:04pm.
4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME and submissions
Public Questions are summarised below. The submissions were made verbally and can be listened to in full on our website: http://webcast.portphillip.vic.gov.au/archivephp.
· Janet Gardner: We ask Council to continue its annual contribution of $500,000 towards social and community housing in this year’s annual draft budget. Is Council aware that Port Phillip has an expanding population of older people, particularly women, that will be affected by this budget omission? With the rate cap lower than inflation, Port Phillip will no longer be able to contribute to acquiring any suitable land parcels that come up in the future. OPAC strongly urges Council to commit to reinstate this important item to the 24/25 Draft Budget. This will be warmly received by all concerned providing our vulnerable residents with high quality and secure housing.
Gary Spivak, Affordable Housing Program Coordinator, advised that Council has allocated $500,000.00 in the 2024/25 budget to the In Our Backyard reserve for affordable housing. It is part of a 10 year commitment to allocate $5 million into the housing reserve under the In Our Backyard strategy. Most of the $5 million has been committed to the Wellington Street Common Ground project. Options for the establishment for a new reserve beyond In Our Backyard which finishes in June 2025 will be investigated and brought back to Council for future consideration.
· Noel Cleaves: I am a volunteer for the Back2Bikes charity operating out of Port Melbourne which provides affordable transport for low income earners and those in need, assisting local schools and other charities. We employ three bicycle mechanics to lead our 120 volunteers. We raise funds by selling refurbished bikes, servicing privately owned bikes, and conducting courses to support community cycling. We divert around 1,000 used bikes from landfill each year. For every refurbished bike that we sell to the public, one bike is given to people in need. Our current operations are completely self-sufficient with no grant based support other than the provision of the licensed facility that we currently occupy.
Our operations are impacted by the Fishermans Bend development. The site we currently occupy is highly likely to undergo redevelopment in the short to medium term and, as a volunteer based charity, the evidence is clear that without an affordable facility on which to operate the operations are likely to cease. We also note that Council has expressed concern about the possibility of a funding shortfall for community infrastructure. We attended the recent community meetings held by the Department of Transport and Planning and made a submission to their recent consultation process. How can community organisations and particularly Back2Bikes best be involved in the master planning process that we understand is likely to be undertaken for the Montague and Sandridge precincts and in particular the expansion of open space in the North Port Oval area and potential community hubs?
Fiona van der Hoeven, Manager City Planning and Sustainability, advised that all masterplans prepared by Council will include community engagement and this generally includes a range of outreach methods (face to face, online etc.). A program for the expansion of open space in the Sandridge precinct is yet to be developed and the best way to stay in touch is to sign up to Council’s Have Your Say page where you can receive monthly newsletter updates and be aware of upcoming engagements. It is important to note that Council understands the importance of organisations such as Back2Bikes and we continue to advocate to the State Government that groups that provide community services should be involved in the ongoing engagement. Fishermans Bend is a 30 year project and it provides various opportunities for engagement along the way.
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, thanked Noel for their question and their ongoing service for the community. In addition to signing up to CoPP newsletters and updates, as a key stakeholder impacted, the CEO advised they will ensure that Council reach out personally to Noel and keep them deeply engaged in the processes that Council is working through.
· Andrew Bretherton: What are Council’s plans to improve accessibility within Port Phillip? What’s happening, what’s the plan, and what does that look like? There doesn’t seem to be anything within the housing report that speaks specifically on accessibility in housing. Also a lot of the tram stops, shopfronts and footpaths within St Kilda are very inaccessible for wheelchair users myself.
Gary Spivak, Affordable Housing Program Coordinator, advised that Council advocated for increased building standards for accessible housing both private and social housing in the 2018 submission to the Australian Building Codes Board (ACBC). This submission advocated for gold level, liveable housing design guidelines to be applied to the national construction code. The ACBC ultimately approved silver level liveable housing design guidelines for adoption in Victoria in part because that was the level supported by the Victorian Government. These standards came into effect in October 2022 through an amendment to the National Construction Code. The standards applied to all dwellings, not just apartments. Social housing which is public and community housing, already has high accessibility standards and the Victorian Governments Housing design guidelines which applies and is required to be met by all new social housing projects and set a very high bar for accessibility. It is proposed that Council will continue to advocate for gold level standards through its Places to Live City of Port Phillip Housing Strategy, once that is endorsed by Council following a community engagement process.
Fiona van der Hoeven, Manager City Planning and Sustainability advised that the City of Port Phillip continues to advocate to the Department of Transport and Planning to increase accessible tram infrastructure across the City, including St Kilda. This advocacy includes not only expediating the delivery of level-access tram stops, but also the phasing out of non-low floor trams which remain in frequent use on particular routes like Route 16 (Carlisle Street, Fitzroy Street), Route 67 (Brighton Road), Route 12 (which terminates at Fitzroy St). Route 96 has fully accessible stop infrastructure and low floor trams and provides some accessibility to central St Kilda.
Council Report Submissions:
Item 7.1 Petition: Protect our weekly wellness gathering: FeelGoodFlows
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· Eliza Hilmer |
· Carin Lavery |
· Mario Balen |
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· Damien Bruckard |
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Item 7.2 Petition: Request for use of Elwood Primary School Reserve as an Off-Leash dog park
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· Chris Sargood |
· Jane Neligan |
· Jen Bishop |
Item 7.3 Petition: City of Port Phillip Rental Crisis
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· Alex Darton |
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Item 9.1 Older Persons Advisory Committee Annual Report 2023 – For endorsement
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· Ian MacDonald |
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Item 10.1 Cowderoy Street Right Turn Restriction Trial
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· Sarah McLean |
· Anthony Byrne |
· Roger Ward |
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· Rosemary McCormack |
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Item 10.2 Barak Beacon Public Housing Estate
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· Chad Troja |
· Steven Plarre |
· Chris Hendricks |
Item 10.3 Draft Housing Strategy and Phase 3 Community Consultation
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· Alex Darton |
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5. Councillor question time
· Acting Mayor Crawford: Can officers provide an update on how the EcoCentre rebuild is travelling please?
Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development stated that the EcoCentre is an exciting Council and State Government funded redevelopment of an important asset for the local community. The rebuild is underway and construction was due for completion mid-2024. Unfortunately there has been a delay caused by the requirement of glass glazing coming from Germany on a ship which was due to progress through the Suez canal, but had to turn around due to the threats by the Houthi rebels. That ship has had to be redirected around South Africa, which has resulted in a delay. The new estimated completion for the rebuild is late September 2024. The exact date is yet to be finalised. Due to the nature of the build, without the glazing the building cannot be secured. This has also delayed, not only the completion of the glass, but wiring and cabling cannot be in place until the building is secured.
· Councillor Pearl: In relation to safety concerns at the intersection of Williamstown Road and Graham Street, Port Melbourne: There have been a significant number of safety concerns reported by secondary school students and parents at this intersection, including issues related to school crossing supervision and drainage flooding. Can officers please provide an update on the measures being taken to address these concerns? Additionally, what is the expected timeline for these interventions?
Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development, advised that in relation to school crossing supervisors the State Government has agreed to co-fund the provision of a school crossing supervisor however we are struggling to fill that position. Council has advertised through the usual channels and worked with the school to get material into their newsletters and ask their community to find a crossing supervisor there. We will continue our efforts to ensure we get a supervisor, knowing how important that service is to the community.
In relation to drainage, Council has investigated the pipes along Williamstown Road and Graham Street with our technology and CCTV. We are concerned that they could be up to 80% blocked. These drains are on State roads and are State infrastructure. Council has provided footage and concerns to the State Government and will continue to seek action from the State Government on this. Council is aware of the safety concerns raised and there has been some initial changes made including the introduction of 40km/h speed zone, the repair of the damaged kerb and the reinstatement of the crossover and there is also pedestrian detectors that effectively adjust the length of time to cross the road depending on the number of pedestrians that are detected on the crossing. An audit undertaken by the Department has identified a number of actions are required and the State Government in its 2023/24 budget allocated $1.5 million to fund some of those upgrades. Those upgrades are due to come into place in the 2024/25 financial year.
Finally, the State Government’s DCP proposal does also provide for intersection upgrades on Graham and Williamstown and Plummer streets and a pedestrian crossing on Williamstown Road. We are very much advocating and put into place as quickly as possible rather than waiting for the current State Government DCP process which will take some time.
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, added that Council officers have advocated very strongly about the safety issues around Port Melbourne Secondary College since they were first involved in the design and construction of that facility. The CEO advised that Council is very pleased to see the State Government is working with us, the local Member’s commitment to resolving some of those issues, and the funding associated with that. The CEO put on record that Council has been at the front of those advocacy efforts and concerns for an extended period of time. The team are working hard around how we can deal with some of the vacancies that we have around our crossing supervisors and will continue to look at how we can fill those as quickly as possible from our end.
The drainage issues on Williamstown Road and Graham Street which are both State roads and the drains and infrastructure are owned by the Department of Transport service. Council has been doing some significant work around CCTV inspection maintenance including of our drainage networks as part of that we have done some investigations as they do lead into some of Councils local infrastructure. We do believe the pipes are largely blocked and we have reported this to VicRoads, Department of Transport and the Department of Transport services over several years including footage.
Unfortunately so far, we have been unable to progress with getting this issue addressed but based on the question raised by Councillor Pearl, the CEO undertook to raise the concerns at senior level at the Transport services.
Acting Deputy Mayor encourages anyone watching to apply as a School Crossing Supervisor and to spread the word to their friends to assist Council with the shortage of supervisors.
· Councillor Pearl: It has been noted by local residents that Albert Road has remained closed for works (down to one lane) despite observations that the work appears to have been completed several weeks if not months. The closure continues to affect the surrounding area, particularly now that Lakeside Drive is closed due to the Grand Prix. There is growing concern that several palm trees adjacent and near this site that appear distressed and close to perishing. Could Council provide an update on the timeline for reopening the road, particularly aligned with the Grand Prix traffic conditions, and the plans to restore the impacted area, including the health of the trees? Will there be any enforcement action to ensure timely and proper reinstatement of these trees?
Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development advised that the road narrowing is the result of works being undertaken by South East Water as part of the South Melbourne sewer update project. There are several excavation sites along Palmerston Crescent that are impacted including Albert Road. Works have been going for quite some time, since September 2022. Council’s role is issuing a working within road reserve consent, which we have provided. That is in place which means that the road narrowing is in place until April 2024. We expect that the road will be open prior to then. The permit holder or works manager is responsible for the reinstatement of the area and this includes repairs, not just to the road, but Council assets including any palms. This is a condition of the permit, and if not met, Council has the option of taking the appropriate action. Brian Tee noted the upcoming Grand Prix and undertook to see if Council can work with South East Water to bring forward the date to reduce the impact of traffic surrounding the Grand Prix.
· Councillor Pearl: Can officers please provide the latest update on the Shrine to Sea project, including any public announcements around the total amount of funds expended on this project by the State Government to date?
Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development advised that there was engagement by the State Government to the masterplan between August and September 2023. In December 2023, the State provided the outcome of the engagement report which is publicly available. We understand that the department is currently briefing the Minister on the draft masterplan, any engagement changes and that the masterplan will be released thereafter. The date for this is not yet known by Council. There was some $13 million allocated to the development of the masterplan and its delivery, and some $3 million of that has been expended on works to date including technical surveys, site assessments, development of the masterplan, community engagement and some early tree plantings. The remaining $10 million will be allocated to land managers to deliver works identified within the masterplan. Those land managers include Council, the Department of Transport and Planning, and Parks Victoria. Councillors will be briefed prior to any proposals in relation to the allocation and use of that funding by Council.
Councillor Nyaguy rejoined the meeting at 8:05pm.
6. Sealing Schedule
Nil.
7. Petitions and Joint Letters
The chair adjourned the meeting for a break at 8.10pm.
The meeting resumed at 8.18pm.
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A Petition containing 5 signatures, was received from residents. |
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That Council: Receives and notes the Petition and provides a response to a future Council meeting. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
8. Presentation of CEO Report
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Purpose 1.1 To provide Council with a regular update from the Chief Executive Officer regarding Council’s activities and performance. |
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That Council: 3.1 Notes the CEO Report – Issue 104 (provided as Attachment 1). A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
9. Inclusive Port Phillip
10. Liveable Port Phillip
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Councillor Nyaguy declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 10.1 and left the meeting at 8.29pm. |
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Purpose 1.1 To report on the findings of the evaluation of the Cowderoy Street No Right Turn Restriction Trial and recommend a permanent right turn restriction from Canterbury Road to Cowderoy Street between 4:30 – 6:30pm, Monday to Friday. |
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3.1 Ends the Cowderoy Street Right Turn Restriction Trial. 3.2 Removes the right turn restriction from Canterbury Road to Cowderoy Street and restores the intersection to its condition pre-trial. 3.3 Advises the community of the outcome of the trial, next steps, and thanks them for their contribution. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
Councillor Nyaguy returned to the meeting at 8.39pm.
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Purpose 1.1 To provide a Council position on an application to the Minister for Planning c/- Homes Victoria under Clause 52.20 (Victoria’s Big Housing Build) of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme for 1/16 Barak Road, Port Melbourne (Barak-Beacon Public Housing Estate). |
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3.1 That the Council delegate advise the Minister for Planning c/- Homes Victoria that Council: 3.1.1 Does not support the following aspects of the development (as further detailed in this report): · The front setbacks of Buildings 2 and 3 to Barak Road. · The rear setbacks of Buildings 2 and 3 to Beacon Road. · The extent of hard surface and lack of planting opportunities along the eastern elevation of Building 4. · Lack of integration of the internal pathways to Beach Street (including pedestrian crossing across Beacon Road) · The low number of three or more bedroom apartments identified as a core housing requirement through the Council area. · The internal amenity of the studio apartments as outline in Section 10 of this report. · The lack of replacement canopy tree planting, particularly along the east and west boundaries. · Failure to provide the internal communal open space areas required. · Further consideration required regarding parking provision, especially for larger dwellings, and regarding vehicle swept path issues in the car park. · Revision of wind mitigation measures to reduce their visual and amenity impact. All other aspects of the proposal including traffic, sustainable design and waste management are generally acceptable subject to receipt of more detailed information which may result in minor changes to the proposal. These design and operational concerns need to be addressed or conditioned in any permit to be issued. The Acting Mayor adjourned the meeting 8:45pm. The Meeting resumed at 8:47pm. AMENDMENT Moved Crs Martin/Bond The addition of 3.1.2 as shown below and the removal of the word ‘traffic’ from the final paragraph of the recommendation. 3.1.2 Requests revisions/further information to include: · Two vehicular crossovers relocated from Barak Road to Beacon Road. The amended crossovers should: - Upgrade the existing crossovers generally aligning with Building 2B and 3B. - Vehicle crossing and the bike lane must clearly contrast each other to ensure bike riders see there is a vehicle crossing. - Stop line marking on either approach to the bike lanes to be installed to reiterate right of way for riders. - Soft speed hump to be installed prior to bike lane for vehicles exiting the development to further reiterate point above. - Greater sight lines required for vehicles exiting the development (outside of the Planning Scheme) as the sight line requirement in the Planning Scheme is meant for vehicle / pedestrian conflicts and not vehicular / cyclist. · Amended traffic report to consider the pedestrian circulation around the site and whether any pedestrian safety measures are required at the intersection of Barak Road and Howe Parade, as a result of the increased traffic generation. Any recommendations for improvements are to be delivered as part of the approved development. A vote was taken and the AMENDMENT was CARRIED.
The AMENDMENT became the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION. 3.1 That the Council delegate advise the Minister for Planning c/- Homes Victoria that Council: 3.1.1 Does not support the following aspects of the development (as further detailed in this report): · The front setbacks of Buildings 2 and 3 to Barak Road. · The rear setbacks of Buildings 2 and 3 to Beacon Road. · The extent of hard surface and lack of planting opportunities along the eastern elevation of Building 4. · Lack of integration of the internal pathways to Beach Street (including pedestrian crossing across Beacon Road) · The low number of three or more bedroom apartments identified as a core housing requirement through the Council area. · The internal amenity of the studio apartments as outline in Section 10 of this report. · The lack of replacement canopy tree planting, particularly along the east and west boundaries. · Failure to provide the internal communal open space areas required. · Further consideration required regarding parking provision, especially for larger dwellings, and regarding vehicle swept path issues in the car park. · Revision of wind mitigation measures to reduce their visual and amenity impact. 3.1.2 Requests revisions/further information to include: · Two vehicular crossovers relocated from Barak Road to Beacon Road. The amended crossovers should: - Upgrade the existing crossovers generally aligning with Building 2B and 3B. - Vehicle crossing and the bike lane must clearly contrast each other to ensure bike riders see there is a vehicle crossing. - Stop line marking on either approach to the bike lanes to be installed to reiterate right of way for riders. - Soft speed hump to be installed prior to bike lane for vehicles exiting the development to further reiterate point above. - Greater sight lines required for vehicles exiting the development (outside of the Planning Scheme) as the sight line requirement in the Planning Scheme is meant for vehicle / pedestrian conflicts and not vehicular / cyclist. · Amended traffic report to consider the pedestrian circulation around the site and whether any pedestrian safety measures are required at the intersection of Barak Road and Howe Parade, as a result of the increased traffic generation. Any recommendations for improvements are to be delivered as part of the approved development. All other aspects of the proposal including sustainable design and waste management are generally acceptable subject to receipt of more detailed information which may result in minor changes to the proposal. These design and operational concerns need to be addressed or conditioned in any permit to be issued. A vote was taken and the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION was CARRIED. |
11. Sustainable Port Phillip
Nil.
12. Vibrant Port Phillip
Nil.
13. Well Governed Port Phillip
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Purpose 1.1 To seek Councillor endorsement of the new City of Port Phillip Advocacy Strategy 2024-2027 |
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That Council: 3.1 Endorses the City of Port Phillip Advocacy Strategy 2024-2027 to provide Councillors, officers and the community with an advocacy process that details how Council prioritise, implement, and report on advocacy priorities. 3.2 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate to make any minor amendments that do not change the material intent of the Strategy. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
14. Notices of Motion
Nil.
15. Reports by Councillor Delegates
Councillor Martin reported to Council as the delegate to the Housing First Board and advised that the Housing First Board Chair Janine Kirk AO stepped down at the last meeting and Emmanuel Tsakis was appointed as Acting Chair while the board looks to appoint a permanent chair. The CEO of the board Haleh Homaei tendered their resignation and finished up last week, the Interim CEO is Clive Bowden while the permanent CEO is confirmed.
Councillor Martin reported to Council as the delegate to the South East Climate Change Alliance (SECCA). SECCA has newly-appointed CEO Helen Steel who has over 20 years of experience working across non-Government oganisations in both the Government and Commercial sectors. Helen was the CEO of the Shared Value Project and is a thought leader and advocate who uses the principles of shared collective impact to shape positive change in society. Helen is also a Port Philip resident of Gateway w\Ward. SECCA is currently undergoing a new planning process to develop its strategic plan for 2024-28. The new plan will include a set of programs and projects that reflect the high ambitions for a number of Council’s for Climate Change in the region.
Councillor Baxter reported to Council as the delegate to the Friends of Suai/Covalima Reference Committee who are hosting their annual Trivia night on Thursday 18 April and encouraged anyone watching in the chamber and online to sign up and get some tickets. The ticket fees go towards some wonderful projects in East Timor, for School scholarships, village lighting schemes, sanitation work and many more great things. The MC for the night will be the City of Phillip’s very own Deputy Mayor Crawford and it will be a great night.
16. URGENT BUSINESS
Nil.
17. Confidential Matters
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That Council resolves to move into confidential to deal with the following matters pursuant to section 66(2) of the Local Government Act 2020: 17.1 Discussion papers from the Department of Transport and Planning - Modernising Parking Requirements & Improving Residential Development Standards for Small Lots 3(1)(c) land use planning information, being information that if prematurely released is likely to encourage speculation in land values. Reason: Proposed changes to the planning scheme regarding parking and small lot requirements may impact property values or development decisions. 17.2 Provision of Recycling Processing Services 3(1)(a) Council business information, being information that would prejudice the Council's position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released 3(1)(g(i)) private commercial information, being information provided by a business, commercial or financial undertaking that relates to trade secrets 3(1)(g(ii)) private commercial information, being information provided by a business, commercial or financial undertaking that if released, would unreasonably expose the business, commercial or financial undertaking to disadvantage. Reason: The report contains commercial sensitive material which will allow non successful applicants the opportunity to reverse engineer the successful pricing. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
The meeting was closed to the public at 9.25pm.
The meeting reopened to the public at 9.40pm.
As there was no further business the meeting closed at 9.40pm.
Chairperson ________________________________________
