Minutes - Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council - 19 February 2025
MINUTES OF THE Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council HELD 19 February 2025 IN St Kilda Town Hall AND VIRTUAL VIA TEAMS
The meeting opened at 6:33pm.
IN ATTENDANCE
Cr Crawford (Chairperson), Cr Buckingham, Cr Cunsolo, Cr Halliday, Cr Hardy, Cr Jay, Cr Makin, Cr Mears, Cr Thomann.
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development, Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing and Inclusion, Lachlan Johnson, General Manager, Operations and Infrastructure, Claire Stevens, General Manager Organisational Capability and Experience, Robyn Borley, Director Governance and Performance, Craig McLean, Acting Manager City Planning and Sustainability, Simon Hill, Executive Manager Waste and City Maintenance, Dana Pritchard, Manager Open Space and Community Resilience, Peter Liu, Chief Financial Officer, Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets, James Ackroyd, Property Development Associate, James Gullan, Head of Governance, Emily Williams, Senior Council Business Advisor, Katrina Collins, Senior Governance Advisor.
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.
1. Apologies
Nil.
2. Confirmation of Minutes
|
That the minutes of the Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council held on 5 February 2025 be confirmed. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED. |
3. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Nil.
CONDOLENCE MOTION – JULIE COPELAND
Julie Copeland an exceptional broadcaster who sadly passed away 18 January 2025.
Moved Crs Thomann/Buckingham
That Council
· Expresses its deep regret on the passing of Julie Copeland
· 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.
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/archive.php
Public Question Time:
· Jim Coates: I was recently in Europe and noticed that charging infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EVs) is everywhere and here in the City of Port Phillip there is almost no EV charging infrastructure. Currently the only option for on street parking in Port Phillip is Kerb Charge, a wildly expensive option ($6000 to install and $500/year to maintain), I discovered at Bunnings you can purchase a similar quality of charger for around $500. Options I have seen available are a Charge Gully which is a cable channel that allows for a cable to run on the footpath safely or a Charge Arm which goes above the vehicle. It’s relatively easy, but I have contacted the Council and there are no guidelines for this and it’s still being investigated, meaning people in Port Phillip are not able to buy an electric car as there aren’t charging options available. Can the Council develop a set of guidelines that are publicly available for options for private on street vehicle charging?
Craig McLean, Acting Manager City Planning and Sustainability agreed that electric vehicles are an important part of the future of transport, and the lack of off-street parking in Port Phillip has an impact on EV adoption. Council is working on a few areas to make EV charging easier, particularly focusing on public charging as it has the greater benefit for the most people. Council is working with several companies on the installation of EV chargers on utility poles. In May, Council will be undertaking a second round of community engagement for feasible sites, with initial installations expected to commence in mid to late-2025. Council is also working with the company ‘EVIE Network’ to install on the feasibility of public fast chargers in an off-street carpark in South Melbourne as the first location and the estimated installation at this stage is late 2025, or early 2026. We are continuing to assess applications for kerb-side installation of privately owned chargers. Council is not limited to permitting kerb chargers only and are open to other technologies and solutions, we are open to other technologies and will assess proposals as they come into us.
· Michael Barrett: The City of Port Phillip Community Safety Plan first appeared in 2019 with an expected completion date of 2023, in 2023 a decision was taken to defer the finalisation of the plan until late 2025. On 24 March 2024 I wrote to Council relating specifically to the community safety plan which required a 6 part action process by Council in order to complete the plan. Council’s response on 9 May 2024 advised that one part was complete (a gender equality assessment on the current community safety plan). Two parts were ongoing or business as usual (improving the communities emergency management knowledge and collaborating with the Department of Justice and Community Safety on the implementation of a liquor freeze lifting/alcohol reform). And three parts were a work in progress (completing a Crime Prevention through Environmental design review (CPTED) of locations using a gender equity lense, a plan for the collection of community safety data and advocacy to the MAV on the implementation of a liquor freeze lifting/alcohol reform). Can Council officers outline the proactive steps that have been taken since 9 May 2024 and prior to the first Council meeting on 11 December 2024 towards the finalisation of the community safety plan?
Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development advised that the Community Safety Plan is an important blueprint for Council for building a safe community. In August 2023, Council extended the life of the plan because Covid-19 had impacted the delivery of critical elements of the plan, therefore Council extended the life of the plan to late 2025 to continue implementation of the plan. Council has continued with the implementation of this plan, in the last 12-18 months, Council has continued to work with agencies including ambulance, police and the SES. We are continuing to review The Municipal Emergency Management Plan which is due in June 2025. We continue to conduct the CPTED reviews including at Edwards Park, Marlborough Street and the St Kilda botanical gardens. These are really important inputs into the design of buildings including the use of lighting, location and other elements ensure that these public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone but particularly for women and gender diverse people. We have also commenced work on the next Community Safety Plan as the current one expires at the end of 2025. We have started preliminary engagement with key stakeholders and are looking at the successes, what we have achieved thus far and some lessons learnt on what still needs to be done. We will engage with the community in mid-2025 on the proposals for the next plan.
· Lisa Milburn: Regarding the purchase of Coles on Carlisle Street and how this might impact the community? How will the Council ensure that traffic will be managed reducing the impact of a Coles and Woolworths redevelopment on the area generally. How will the Council ensure an intact streetscape including heritage with the redevelopment of these sites. Will residents have access to relevant information and consultants reports as part of the engagement being proposed for the sale of land to Coles? I believe there is a streetscape happening to improve Balaclava, can the Council explain what this involves and if it can be made publicly available for the community to view?
James Ackroyd, Property Development Associate advised that in relation to how traffic will be managed, currently there is no development proposal before Council for either the Coles or Woolworth sites. When that occurs, Council will either as decision maker or the referral authority request for consideration of a traffic impact assessment report prepared by a suitably qualified traffic engineer to the satisfaction of Council and VicRoads that includes details regarding: an existing conditions assessment, a proposed signalised intersection, details regarding the impact on pedestrian and bicycle routes, expected traffic volumes and the impact on the existing road network, broader impacts including intersection analysis along Carlisle Street and potential impacts for surrounding local road network. This will be considered by both Council and the Department of Transport and Transport as part of the planning approval process.
In relation to the streetscape and heritage remaining intact, Council supports retention of the heritage fabric, specifically Commonwealth Bank (former SSBV), 224 Carlisle Street and the row of three Victorian shops, 232 Carlisle Street. The significant component of this buildings that should be retained is the two storey section with hipped roofs facing to Carlisle Street. We are working to seek clarity from Coles on the retention and use of heritage buildings including street wall and parapets, in accordance with local heritage preservation policy and guidelines.
In relation to information being provided to residents, any relevant technical and background reports relating to the potential future development of the site will be uploaded to the project page when the proposal goes out to community consultation. Based on recent discussions with the Councillor group and further exploration of details with Coles, to allow more time, we now envisage formal community consultation activities to commence in mid-2025.
Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development advised that in relation to the streetscape, complimentary work is being undertaken which is looking at the whole of Carlisle Steet, to see how we can improve the look and feel of the street. We are looking for greening opportunities in line with Council’s Urban Forest Strategy. We are looking for opportunities to revitalise Carlisle Street. The community will have the opportunity to have their say on the streetscape in mid-2025, we are looking forward to hearing from the community to get the best outcomes for Carlisle Street.
· Frank Artuso: The 2025 Port Phillip Youth Advisory Committee applications closed on Sunday 16 February 2025. How many eligible people, being a cohort of 16-25 years old have applied? The Community Engagement Policy submissions closed on 16 December 2024, and there was an initial scheduled date for release of the policy in February 2025. When will this policy be provided to Councillors? Apropos, the Australia Parliament January 2025 has released a report "From Classroom to Community-Civics education and political participation in Australia". The one set in summary ‘Australian schools students civics knowledge is the lowest it has been since testing began 20 years ago’. Council will you develop a planned and structured process of inviting into these chambers citizens to witness public question time as a minimum offering of civics in practice to minimise alienation, distrust, misinformation & disinformation?
Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing and Inclusion advised that 10 applications were received in the round of recruitment for the Youth Advisory Committee that closed on Sunday. There are typically 15 positions on this committee and there are currently 6 vacant positions.
Robyn Borley, Director Governance and Performance advised that in regards to the Community Engagement Policy, a report on the outcomes of the initial community engagement was published to Council’s Have Your Say page in January 2025. The draft Community Engagement Policy will be released in the coming months for public comment with the policy to be revised based on community feedback. The policy is due to be presented back to Council for endorsement in mid-2025.
In regards to civic engagement, Council invites all residents to its meetings via our social media pages, council website, news publications, and our council meeting database and newspaper advertisements. As a result, the City of Port Phillip has some of the highest levels of public participation in Council meetings in the State. However we are always looking to better engage with those that may not be engaged with council. Additionally, we are committed to combating disinformation by providing accurate and transparent information through official channels to ensure that all residents have access to the information that they need to make informed decisions.
· Eamon Dawson: At the last Council meeting there was a disturbing account of a young girl who was assaulted on Acland Street on 16 September 2024. The Father was told by Police that the fixed CCTV cameras were not working at the time. During the height of the encampment in the Jackson Street Car Park, the Council owned mobile CCTV camera was positioned in the car park. The police advised that the solar panels were damaged and on another occasion I was told that the mobile camera was not working at all. What is the chain of command of the fixed CCTV cameras and the Council owned mobile police CCTV cameras in regards to maintenance. Is the Council kept up to date with their working status?
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer clarified that Council has previously responded officially several times and made statements in regard to the allegations that the CCTV was not working at that incident. That is not correct, the CCTV was working which has been confirmed by Council’s maintenance logs and also by Victoria Police. That matter is sub judice and Victoria Police do not want us to make any further comments. Therefore Council will not be making any further comments beyond tonight in relation to this topic.
Lachlan Johnson, General Manager Operations and Infrastructure advised that the maintenance of the public place CCTV network sits within Council’s operational area and Council takes seriously the management and maintenance of that network. By design, and in accordance with Council’s Public Place CCTV Policy, the network of cameras links directly back to the St Kilda Police Station. Council maintains the network for the exclusive use of Victoria Police and accordingly, Council officers do not have access to the vision from the camera network. Council monitors the operation of the network and rectifies issues that arise as quickly as possible. Each week, the maintenance contractor of the network issues a status report to Council officers for each individual camera and each network component. This weekly report is shared with Victoria Police. Council officers also receives automated alerts when there are issues with cameras or network components. Any issues that arise, such as from vandalism, power surges, equipment failure, etc. are addressed as a priority by Council’s maintenance contractor. We keep on hand spare parts and equipment to help avoid unnecessary downtime with the network. Lachlan Johnson also confirmed that since Council amended the Public Place CCTV Policy to enable Council to renew the network, Council has replaced four of the camera units.
· Jason Rouda: Why did Council's own security costs at St Kilda Town Hall increase by $750,000 per year suddenly in 2019? And what was the incident that triggered such a drastic change? Did Council unlawfully move the street campers from Fitzroy Street on Sunday morning 2nd March 2025 for the Pride March? Does Council have different standards of safety for Council staff versus the community?
Lachlan Johnson, General Manager Operations and Infrastructure in relation to security costs advised that as per the 2019 Annual Report, Council’s total security costs increased from $1.2m to approximately $2m. This isn’t specific to the Town Hall, this covers all expenditure by Council on security across the City. The increase was made up of several movements but the largest of these was a significant increase in security costs at the South Melbourne Market including the provision of security to the night market. Additionally, a change in accounting reporting meant that costs for electronic security (things like physical access controls and swipe cards) shifted from being reported as Maintenance & Construction Contracts cost to Security costs in the Annual Report.
Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development in relation to street campers on Fitzroy Street advised that Council conducts daily patrols to support those experiencing homelessness and to ensure the amenity of residents, traders and visitors. On Sunday 2 February 2025 the usual patrols took place across Acland, Carlisle and Fitzroy Street as well as the camper patrols in unrestricted parking areas. Officers did not unlawfully move street campers and did not act unlawfully.
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer in relation standards of safety for Council staff versus the community advised that Council has different responsibilities in relation to staff and community safety but we see both of them as very important. There are a range of parties that are responsible for community safety, some of which with greater powers, resources and responsibilities than Council. Council steps up to the role that it plays, and in doing so, it is essential that we make our staff safe and I will not apologise for that.
· Trevor White: The JWS Community Satisfaction survey was undertaken across Council’s in Victoria. The survey shows that the community expectation results have declined year by year over the last four years. The City of Port Phillip services results are below the average of the metropolitan areas in 21 out of the 22 services that were analysed. What date did the City of Port Phillip receive the report from JWS and what date did the Councillors receive the report? Why was the report released as a Christmas present at the end of December? Did anyone make representations to the CEO to delay the distribution of the report? Are the poor survey results a result of Council policy or service delivery and execution? Can the CEO’s plan for the improvement of the service delivery be made public?
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive officer confirmed that no one had approached them to delay the results but took the questions on notice to clarify the specific process and timelines.
Council Report Submissions:
Item 7.2 Petition: Request to not proceed with Edwards Park Public Amenities
|
· Neil Fitzpatrick |
· Janine Mitten |
|
Item 7.3 Petition: CoPP Dogs Network request for Fencing, Port Melbourne Skatepark
|
· Tony Hallam |
· Louisa Larkin |
|
Item 8.1 Presentation of CEO Report – Issue 114, Quarter 2 2024-25
|
· Adrian King |
|
|
Item 14.1 Notice of Motion – Councillor Hardy – Local Law changes
|
· Claire Mear |
· Eamon Dawson |
· Jenni Roper |
|
· Una Steele |
· Michael Barrett |
· Patricia Jesson |
|
· Penny Essing |
· Kath Buden |
· Rhonda Small |
|
· Richard Ludlow |
· Angel Lea |
· Hugo Ottaway |
|
· Carolyn Hutchens |
· Brenda Forbath |
|
The mayor adjourned the meeting for a break at 8:00pm.
The meeting resumed at 8:13pm.
5. Councillor question time
· Councillor Cunsolo: In relation to the Mobile CCTV Trailor, is the maintenance the responsibility of Council or what’s the agreement?
Lachlan Johnson, General Manager Operations and Infrastructure advised that the maintenance responsibilities for the Mobile CCTV trailer under the agreement between Council and Victoria Police sit with Victoria Police.
Councillor Cunsolo followed up if we had been made aware that the mobile trailer was not working?
Lachlan Johnson, General Manager Operations and Infrastructure undertook to follow up the issues raised tonight with Victoria Police.
· Councillor Buckingham: Earlier tonight we had a question in relation to the Coles and Woolworths sites on Carlisle Street. I note that we’ve already had a response from officers on the revitalisation of the street. I’ve heard from many traders and community members that they’re concerned about the current state of Carlisle Street and whether the standard of cleaning is appropriate. Can officers please outline the current maintenance schedule for Carlisle Street?
Simon Hill, Executive Manager Waste and City Amenity advised that the Carlisle Street activity centre is serviced by the following cleaning schedule. The streets and gutters are swept nightly accompanied by staff using back pack electric blowers to clean footpaths and pick up any litter or waste. Staff attend three days per week to pick up any loose litter or waste A pressure washing contractor services the area once per week at night to washdown footpaths, bins cages and other fixed infrastructure. Public litter bins are collected daily and commercial bins and cardboard are collected weekly
Lachlan Johnson, General Manager Operations and Infrastructure added that Council officers have recently carried out audits prompted by feedback received from residents. A recent inspection of the street has identified that our weekly pressure washing service being delivered does not meet our standards and we have issued a notice to the contractor requiring them to rectify that within three days and we will ensure that those services as delivered to the community along Carlisle Street.
· Councillor Halliday: There was a question raised earlier about Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The officer response mentioned there were avenues for on street EV charging permitting other than the kerbside charging that we currently have in place. Can officers clarify that this is something that Council offers?
Craig McLean, Acting Manager City Planning and Sustainability advised that it’s not something that we currently offer as such but we are technology agnostic in the sense that if a technology provider were to contact us with a proposal or a technology, Council officers would assess it against safety and in line with licensing, leasing and assets to ensure compliance and that the proposal could work. This would be assessed in the same way that we assessed the private EV charging that we currently offer.
Councillor Halliday followed up to ask if an individual were to contact Council with a proposal similar to the ones quoted earlier used in Europe where charging cords could be installed safely on the footpaths, is that something that Council would consider approving?
Craig McLean, Acting Manager City Planning and Sustainability confirmed that yes Council would consider it.
· Councillor Buckingham: Yesterday I met with the leadership of the Adass Israel Shul in Ripponlea. Since the fire bombing attack of their Shul in December 2024 they have rallied as a community and progressed at speed to clean up the site and make plans for the future rebuild. Can officers please provide an update on the actions taken by the City of Port Phillip to support the Adass Israel community and the broader Jewish community?
Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing and Inclusion advised that in line with Council’s urgent and unanimous decision on 11 December 2024, officers have been working with community partners and leaders to support a coordinated and culturally sensitive response to the Adass Israel and broader Jewish community. Kylie Bennetts took the opportunity to thank Councillors and in particular, Councillor Buckingham for their leadership with officers on this matter.
In terms of supporting Adass Israel, an officer as part of their duties has been established as a dedicated contact for Adass Israel and is helping them to navigate Council services in a culturally sensitive and appropriate way. Officers are checking in regularly with community leaders to understand changing needs for the Adass community. This has included meeting with leaders to explore what assistance in required for the Shuls temporary location and its rebuild. Ongoing Council service provisions to Ripponlea has continued to occur which has included regular safety and amenity services and traffic and local law support. Officers have also connected Adass Israel leaders with community partners including the Victoria Police, a Jewish community liaison officer and other support services.
With respect to combating antisemitism, Council is continuing to do a range of different and new things including continuing to remove anti-Semitic graffiti and is responding to that rapidly. Council prioritises the removal of any graffiti that is deemed offensive and or obscene and that is usually removed within four hours. Council will also support reports to be made to relevant authorities when graffiti occurs, whether that is on private or public properties. This occurred in January after being notified of a particularly significant incident, Council dispatched its emergency response team to assist with the significant graffiti removal.
Council recognised the International Holocaust remembrance day on 27 January 2025 by illuminating the Town Hall in yellow and also shared a social media post which outlined the and shared some of the stories of local holocaust survivors.
Council has provided a range of information on its website which was developed in the lead up to Cultural Diversity Week which is occurring in March. That information has a range of community resources about how to respond to incidents of racism and antisemitism locally. This resource is on the website and also includes information about how to report to the Police, seeking legal assistance as well as emotional support. Officers will be looking to distribute this information to key Council networks such as the Multi Faith Network to ensure that local level awareness raising occurs. We are also making plans for a community event during Cultural Diversity Week which will be held at the St Kilda Library and is an opportunity to highlight the positive contributions of a culturally diverse Port Phillip.
Other activities that have been undertaken is that Council continues to support Port Phillip’s local Jewish community, express and maintain their cultural and religious identities. Council recently funded Grass Fruits Hanukkah events. Council officers are also supporting a number of local organisations to submit applications to develop community lead responses for the local anti-racism initiative grant program that is a State Government grant program where around $150,000 grants are available to support community lead responses to racism.
6. Sealing Schedule
Nil.
7. Petitions and Joint Letters
|
7.1 Petition: Request for changes to Parking Restrictions in Lyndon Street, Ripponlea |
|
A Petition containing 17 signatures, was received from residents of Lyndon Street, Ripponlea. |
|
1. Receives and notes the petition. 2. Thanks the petitioners for their petition. 3. As this petition pertains to an operational matter, in accordance with Council’s Governance Rules, Council refers the petition to the CEO for a response. 4. Notes that this request has been investigated in accordance with Council’s parking restriction change process, which determined that there was consistently parking availability on the residential frontage of Lyndon Street for residents and visitors despite the parking of boats, trailers and caravans. As such there was no trigger under Council’s Parking Management Policy to justify a change in parking restrictions. 5. Notes that in August 2024 Council resolved to commence the statutory process to introduce a municipal wide Local Law to effectively manage the long-term parking of caravans, trailers. 6. Notes that officers will advise the community of their opportunity to have their say on the proposed Local Law. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
|
A Petition containing 24 signatures, was received and presented to the 4 September 2024 Council Meeting. |
|
That Council: 1. Receives and notes the Petition. 2. Thanks the petitioners for their Petition for an upgraded Elwood Park Pavilion. 3. Notes the increase in sports participation in Elwood, and Council’s delivery of the Elwood Reserve Changeroom Facilities project to install an additional two change rooms and four toilets for sports club use. 4. Addresses Elwood Park Pavilion upgrades through the delivery of the Elwood Foreshore Masterplan, with continued tenant club engagement during detailed design phase. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
8. Presentation of CEO Report
9. Inclusive Port Phillip
Nil.
10. Liveable Port Phillip
Nil.
11. Sustainable Port Phillip
Nil.
12. Vibrant Port Phillip
Nil.
13. Well Governed Port Phillip
|
The following question was taken on notice during discussion of the item: Councillor Jay: In relation to the congestion levy, a 73% increase is massive in anything, I understand that the current charge for congestion is about $1,100 per property. Can officers advise who is impacted by the levy noting that it is already quite expensive as it is. Peter Liu, Chief Financial Officer took the question on notice to provide Councillors with reference material from the State Government. |
|
PURPOSE 1.1 To provide Council with an overview of the results of the Mid-Year 2024/25 Financial review including performance to budget (as required under Section 97 of the Local Government Act 2020) and seek approval for any unbudgeted items. |
|
That Council: 3.1 Notes that full year cumulative cash surplus before the mid-year budget requests is $1.54 million which is $0.92 million more than budget of $0.62 million. 3.2 Notes that the favourable surplus is being provisioned for the additional renewal and safety works for the South Melbourne Town Hall Renewal and Upgrade which is subject to a separate decision of Council. 3.3 Notes attachment 1 – Financial Statements with accompanying explanatory notes. 3.4 Notes the significant changes initiated by the Victorian Government that will result in cost shift to Council and our community including: 3.4.1 Congestion Levy to increase by 73% from 1 January 2026 which will increase Council’s cost base by approximately $0.76 million per annum. 3.4.2 Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will replace the Fire Services Property Levy commencing 1 July 2025. This change will see an increase of approximately 57% of additional levy from $24 million to $37.7 million to the Victorian Government to be paid by the community. An average increase of $177 per rateable property. Council will be providing further information to our community when available. 3.5 Approves the following additional funding requests (see attachment 2 –Budget Requests): 3.5.1 $60,000 for an additional City Amenity Officer ($110,000 per annum ongoing) to enable afternoon patrols throughout the year and not just during summer months. 3.5.2 $175,000 one off to deliver Sandridge Recreation Precinct masterplan to enable the delivery of additional open space on Council owned and managed sites. 3.5.3 $100,000 one off to support the procurement of the Open Space and Tree Maintenance Contract renewal including developing a transition plan and conducting asset audits to enable service uplift in the new contract. 3.5.4 $30,000 to progress the review into the local law provisions of caravan and other vehicle parking, to align with the future review and update of the local law. 3.6 Approves the following additional funding requests for 2025/26 subject to Budget 2025/26 endorsement (see attachment 2 –Budget Requests): 3.6.1 $127,000 one off for Coastal Planning resourcing to deliver the next stages of the Coastal Adaptation Plan and Foreshore Management Plan with funding re-prioritised within projects in the Public Space Strategy. 3.7 Notes attachment 3 – Portfolio updates and achievements. 3.8 Notes in accordance with Section 97(3) of the Act, the Chief Executive Officer supported by the Chief Financial Officer, concludes that a revised budget for 2024/25 is not required. 3.9 Delegates authority to the CEO, or their delegate, to reflect any changes made by Council at tonight’s meeting, and to make minor typographical corrections (including in any attachments to this report) before final publication. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
|
PURPOSE 1.1 To seek Council’s endorsement of one (1) motion to be put forward to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council meeting on 16 May 2025. The proposed motion calls on the MAV to take a greater role in advocating for community safety measures to support local communities. |
|
The following question was taken on notice during discussion of the item: Councillor Thomann: In relation to build to rent, the only one I know if is the one on the corner of Wellington Street and Brighton Road which is a 28 storey building with 300-400 apartments. Has there been a previous submission to the MAV on this topic? Robyn Borley, Director Governance and Performance took the question on notice |
|
That Council: 3.1 Endorse submitting the following motion to MAV State Council, in collaboration with the City of Stonnington, Bayside City Council, and Glen Eira City Council to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council Meeting on 16 May 2025: 3.2 “Fostering community safety and social cohesion” (Attachment 1) – That the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) advocates to the Victorian Government to: 3.2.1 Request additional Police resourcing as well as a commitment to joint patrols with Local Laws staff when required. 3.2.2 Provide dedicated funding streams and resources for local councils to implement evidence-based community safety initiatives that promote social cohesion and inclusivity. These initiatives may include infrastructure improvements (e.g. improved lighting, clear and effective signage, graffiti removal, safer pedestrian routes), delivery of events, community engagement programs, and anti-discrimination measures enhancing local laws units. 3.2.3 Support councils to work with local community groups and stakeholders to co-design place-based and/or targeted solutions that address specific local safety concerns and support community-based organisations, such as Neighbourhood Watch, to educate residents about safety, share resources, communicate and promote social cohesion. 3.2.4 Enhance community safety initiatives by improving access to Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) resources for community groups, expanding the availability of CCTV mobile trailers for Victoria Police, and fostering stronger community-police partnerships through safety engagements such as “Coffee with a Cop”. 3.2.5 Invest in statewide programs such as Welcoming Cities and YourGround that empower councils to address the unique safety concerns of diverse and vulnerable community groups, including women, youth, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. 3.3 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate to make any minor amendments that do not change the material intent of the Motions. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
The Mayor adjourned the meeting for a break at 9:14pm.
The meeting resumed at 9:23pm.
14. Notices of Motion
15. Reports by Councillor Delegates
Nil.
16. URGENT BUSINESS
Nil.
17. Confidential Matters
|
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 Public Open Space - Potential Acquisition 3(1)(a) Council business information, being information that would prejudice the Council's position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released 3(1)(c) land use planning information, being information that if prematurely released is likely to encourage speculation in land values 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: Includes commercial information that would jeopardise Council's commercial position if prematurely released, and information about potential changes to land use, which may potentially result in land speculation, and commercially sensitive information provided by a counter-party 17.2 Extension of Provision of Landfill Services Contract 3(1)(a) Council business information, being information that would prejudice the Council's position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released. Reason: The reports contains details of a contract extension which is subject to third-party negotiations and disclosure of Council's position. If prematurely released, this may impact Council's ability to negotiate an acceptable outcome for the extension. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
The meeting was closed to the public at 10:21pm.
The meeting reopened to the public at 10:28pm
As there was no further business the meeting closed at 10:28pm.
Confirmed: 19 March 2025
Chairperson ________________________________________
