Minutes - Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council - 2 September 2025
MINUTES OF THE Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council HELD 2 September 2025 IN St Kilda Town Hall AND VIRTUAL VIA TEAMS
The meeting opened at 6:34pm.
IN ATTENDANCE
Cr Crawford (Chairperson), Cr Buckingham, Cr Cunsolo, Cr Halliday, Cr Hardy, Cr Jay (online), 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, Peter Liu, Chief Financial Officer, Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets, Mike Fisher, Manager City Planning and Sustainability, James Gullan, Head of Governance and Advocacy, Emily Williams, Senior Council Business Advisor, Joshua Vearing, Council Business Advisor.
The Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge their legacy and spiritual connection to the land and waterways across the City of Port Phillip and pay our heartfelt respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
1. Apologies
Nil.
2. Confirmation of Minutes
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That the minutes of the Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council held on 20 August 2025 be confirmed. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
3. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer declared a material conflict of interest in relation to confidential item 18.3: CEO Employment Matters – 2024/25 Performance Assessment and 2025/26 Annual Performance Agreement as the item related to their employment. The CEO advised that although they are not a decision maker in that process, they would leave the chamber for the item.
4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME and submissions
Public Questions are summarised below and can be listened to in full on our website: http://webcast.portphillip.vic.gov.au/archivephp.
Public Question Time:
· Frank Artuso: What are the budgeted gross dollars for the five highest revenue generating car parks for this financial year (2025/26) including St. Kilda Triangle Car Park and what are the opportunity costs when we don't manage car parks directly. Has the City a ranked data set of contributing indicators for the $3.3million budgeting impairment on parking fines of $20.9million, that’s a 15.77% uncollectable expectation. Budget papers indicate that $3.3million is an improvement by a one off fines Victoria collection boost, however what front end Council initiatives can be considered?
How extensive will the live music & entertainment offerings be at the renovated South Melbourne Town Hall?
An M9 alliance tender for the Resilient Asset Management & Investment Project. (RAMI) closed yesterday (1 September 2025). The key objective is to deliver a tool that can be embedded into Council systems and applied to nine high risk flood sites (one per Council) to build internal capacities using effective change management. What focus will this Council choose for the RAMI project? What don't we know about our infrastructure assets that this project will provide? Would you advise on all aspects of the of the funding arrangements and timing?
Peter Liu, Chief Financial Officer advised that the top five off-street carparks generate approximately $3.7m of paid parking revenue per annum. If these carparks were unmanaged, Council would lose the revenue generated by paid and potentially see increased overstays which could relate in infringements. Naturally, the loss of these revenue sources, would result in Council needing to look at other ways to address the funding deficit. In relation to unpaid fines, although a formal review has not been undertaken, Council believes nonpayment of fines is largely due to financial hardship, offenders residing interstate where recovery is harder to chase, and those who simply ignore the law. In regards to what Council can do to further reduce the debt, once the fines referred to Fines Victoria, Council loses control over recovery. However, prior to this, Council can encourage payment through timely reminder notices, and Council follows this currently in line with legislation In cases involving multiple fines, Council may escalate to the Magistrates’ Court, which has had some success, though it's less effective for those experiencing financial hardship.
Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets advised, in relation to the South Melbourne Town Hall, that together with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), City of Port Phillip is undertaking major works to preserve and transform the South Melbourne Town Hall for future generations. This major restoration is expected to be completed in late 2027, and the building will be publicly accessible in 2028. The project will result in a brand new 150-seat performance space that will sit alongside the existing, re-imagined 350-seat auditorium. Once complete, both venues will boast 21st-century amenities and technical functionality, as well as improved front-of-house areas, a new commercial catering kitchen, new meeting rooms, and spaces for hire which will service increased visitor numbers. In addition to a new home for ANAM, the very purpose of this restoration project is to provide live music and entertainment. Although the opening of this venue is still some time away, ANAM are already working to secure bookings for live music and entertainment at this significant venue.
Mike Fisher, Manager City Planning and Sustainability advised, in relation to the Resilient Asset Management & Investment (RAMI) Project, this is being led by the M9 group of Councils with procurement led by the City of Melbourne. A site has not yet been chosen. The intent of the project is to deliver a tool for asset managers to assess flood risk to infrastructure and better understand infrastructure resilience during and post an event. Council is constantly gathering information about how our assets respond during flood conditions in order to build knowledge and support future asset planning. This project is federal grant funded through the disaster ready fund. No additional dollar investment from Council is required, however officer time is being contributed to the project working groups. The project will run for another 2 years and once the project is complete Council would assess any ongoing funding commitment.
· Adrian King: Please advise the Council's approach specifically to tackling homeless women sleeping rough in the municipality, the category of homeless most at risk including dangers associated with sexual predators. Where could the City of Port Phillip Council improve its performance with regard to women currently sleeping rough?
Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing and Inclusion advised that Council recognises that women sleeping rough face a range of risks including threats to personal safety and exposure to violence. Council is committed to playing its part to address this as part of the broader Homelessness Housing and Support Service system.
Women are a priority cohort under the Port Phillip Zero initiative which aims to connect people experiencing homelessness with safe housing and tailored support. Council’s local law officers have received training to engage safely and respectfully with vulnerable women and check in to ensure they are connected to appropriate services.
While not specifically targeted towards women, Council made a significant financial contribution to Madden House (also known as the Wellington Street Common Ground Facility), which will be managed St Kilda Community Housing. This development, once open, will provide housing for people who’ve been rough sleeping including women and First Nations people. Council also holds sponsorship rights to support people in housing need aged over 50 (or 45 for First Nations people) with a connection to Port Phillip to access some public housing locally close to their established community.
Despite this work, Council acknowledges there is more to do. Council is currently developing an affordable housing and homelessness strategy with a draft scheduled for presentation at the next Council meeting to enable a release for community consultation. This draft strategy will outline Council’s proposed role in responding to affordable housing and homelessness challenges for community and service agencies feedback. Council is also working with Port Phillip Zero and local service agencies to look at ways to strengthen service coordination and outreach support for all priority cohorts including women.
· Caroline Clarke: I would like to ask Council to explain why public funds have been allocated to support an event that is associated with US based Zionist organisations? How does Council justify this use of ratepayers' money, given the broader community concern about external political and ideological influence in local civic life? Further, does Council recognise that exceptionalising antisemitism above other forms of racism risks creating greater division, rather than unity in our community? What steps is Council taking to ensure that all forms of racism are treated with equal seriousness and all forms of racism are addressed equally in funding and policy decisions?
Robyn Borley, Director Governance and Performance advised that as home to one of Victoria’s largest Jewish communities, the City of Port Phillip has witnessed a rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years including increased reports of antisemitic graffiti on Council and public assets, and the horrific arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024.
Council has consistently condemned antisemitism and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting our diverse community. This commitment is embedded in the recently endorsed Council Plan 2025–2035, which prioritises building “a healthy and connected community” and includes a clear focus on combating discrimination, racism, and antisemitism. In alignment with this strategic direction, representatives will attend the upcoming Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism. Their participation reflects Council’s responsibility to engage in national conversations and advocate for meaningful action to combat this growing issue.
Council is also developing a multicultural strategy that will shape how Council plans, delivers and evaluates services to ensure equitable outcomes, promote social cohesion and address racism.
The Mayor advised that in accordance with section 51.8 of the Governance rules, like questions relating to the Carlisle Street proposed sale of land would be grouped together and a group response provided.
· Abigail Jabines: There are 23, mostly mature, trees in and alongside the carpark behind the Carlisle Street shops between Nelson and Camden streets. What protections have been put in place for those trees in the event that Council sells the remaining car park and laneways to Coles? Which conditions and concerns that were raised in the community are not under negotiation as part of Section 173, how are these being addressed? It was flagged that Council will be making a decision on this on 17 September, if the concerns of the community including those under negotiation are not addressed by then will Council reschedule this date?
Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets advised that while Council seeks to maintain vegetation it is likely that under a significant development such vegetation may be lost. As no development application has been made as yet, Council is not aware of any impact to these trees.
In relation to the question regarding concerns raised by the community as part of the Section 173, this question was taken on notice.
· Geraldine McLoughlin: Please outline how the proposed sale of public land on the Balaclava Coles carpark site complies with the Local Government Act 1989 and the City of Port Phillip’s own policy on sale of public land, including the engagement of a probity officer to oversee the sale process to a private entity?
Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets advised that Council is required to carry out statutory procedures where it intends to sell land or to discontinue and transfer roads. In relation to the Local Government Act 1989, at its ordinary meeting on the 21st of August 2024, Council voted unanimously to: In accordance with clause 3 of Schedule 10 of the Act, commence the statutory procedures to discontinue the Roads; In accordance with sections 207A and 223 of the Act, give public notice of the proposed discontinuance of the Roads stating that if the Roads are discontinued, Council proposes to sell the land in the Roads to Coles Group Property Developments Ltd for no less than market value; and in accordance with section 223 of the Act, hear and consider any submissions received in response to the public notice. Port Phillip’s “Road Discontinuance and Sale of Roads Policy” sets out Council’s approach to the discontinuance and sale of roads and laneways to ensure that those roads reasonably required for public access remain open to the public and those not generally required for public access may be discontinued and the land sold. In accordance with this policy, Council may support discontinuance of a Road and any subsequent sale of land for reasons including that is may result in a better use of land, and where the land has no strategic value to Council. Further, the policy sets out sale conditions including that Council reserves the right to place any easement or covenant on the land to be sold, the land will be valued at the current market value, and stipulates that the sale of land must align with the requirements held under Council’s “Property Policy”
· Anna Malos: In advance of the decision about whether to sell Council land to Coles, has the Council sought a valuation of the expected market value per sq m after the purchase is combined with Coles' existing landholdings? If not, has the Council otherwise estimated the uplift in value per sq m that Coles would expect to see once it buys the land given it will create a block that is much more amenable to large-scale development? How is the Council seeking to ensure this additional value for Coles is given due weight in negotiations over the sale, including through the Section 173 agreement?
Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets advised that a valuation has been commissioned, the basis of valuation is equitable value which is no less than market value. The equitable value methodology considers the synergistic value of consolidating Council’s land with Coles’ land as well as the obligations on Coles or any future land owner contained within the section 173 and contract of sale.
· Julien Vincent: Does the Council possess any analysis indicating the sale of the car park and laneways adjacent to Coles Balaclava and likely development of that site into a mixed residential and commercial space would improve the economic conditions for businesses to operate financially sustainably along Carlisle and other nearby streets? If so, could that analysis be made public? Similarly, does Council have an alternative scenario analysis that considers the opportunity cost of selling the carpark and laneways to Coles, and considers whether selling or retaining this land better enables Council to achieve its goals for the area regarding supporting businesses to operate sustainably and achieving vibrancy and diversity of business along Carlisle and other nearby streets? Again, if this analysis exists can it be made public?
Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets took the question on notice, but noted that the proposed sale of land and discontinuance and transfer of roads is aligned with Council’s vision under the 2009 Carlisle Street Retail Renewal Precinct Structure Plan.
· Lisa Milburn: Given the public consultation outcome showed the community is in favour of a sale in Carlisle Street are there sufficient considerations in place to ensure a good quality development that enhances the neighbourhood and has legal advice been sort on this matter?
· Ruth Slonimsky: Given the size of the site, how does council intend to maximise community benefit via the sale of the Coles carpark, as determined to be a key condition for community support for the sale in the consultation report?
Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets advised that legal advice has been sought on the matter and the community benefit is likely to be secured through the contract of sale, a section 173 agreement and also through a memorandum of understanding that serves to encompass feedback that has been received through engagement channels and deliver the transactional objectives that have been outlined previously.
5. Councillor question time
· Councillor Thomann: Do we know when the Wellington Street Common Ground property will open?
Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing anticipated the opening to be within the coming months, but took the question on notice to confirm the exact date.
· Councillor Halliday: Followed up a question raised during public question time in relation to the Carlise Street proposed sale of land. When we use a probity officer in a sale of land process, is that something that Council is obliged to do? Do we do that by practice or by exception? Has a probity officer been engaged for the Carlisle Street proposed sale of land?
Lachlan Johnson, General Manager Operations and Infrastructure advised that there are a number of different policies that relate to how Council undertakes transactions, whether that be procurement, discontinuance of laneways, and through the sale of land. Under those different policies they provide guidance as to when independent probity or legal advice should be sought. Under Council’s procurement policy, for certain procurement activities there are thresholds where it is recommended that independent probity advice is provided. Under Council’s property policy it refers to Council’s broader probity obligations and leaves it at the discretion of each individual transaction. It’s common practice for Council to use independent probity advisors, but it is not necessarily used in every single activity.
Lachlan Johnson confirmed that Legal advice and probity advice has been sought through this process, but in terms of a probity advisor being appointed or a probity plan, took the question on notice to provide an accurate response.
· Councillor Makin: Given it has now been reported that Melbourne University is delaying the opening of its campus in Fishermans Bend, what impact is that likely to have on Fishermans Bend and the projections?
Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development advised that while the location of the university is technically outside of the municipality of the City of Port Phillip, the university is proposed to be a core tenant and the outcome will be disappointing and may delay the delivery of Fishermans Bend vision. Council continues to advocate and call on the Victorian Government to build confidence in Fishermans Bend including through finalising its precinct planning and infrastructure funding arrangements and of course committing to the delivery of the Fishermans Bend tram and Metro.
· Councillor Halliday: Do we have any car parks that are owned by Council but managed by third parties?
The Mayor responded not that Council is aware of.
6. Sealing Schedule
Nil.
7. Petitions and Joint Letters
Nil.
8. Presentation of CEO Report
Nil.
9. A Healthy and Connected Community
Nil.
10. An Environmentally Sustainable and Resilient City
Nil.
11. A Safe and Liveable City
Nil.
12. A Vibrant and Thriving Community
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PURPOSE 1.1 To update Councillors on the outcomes of the advocacy strategy for the Live Music Venue proposal and seek approval on the next steps for the St Kilda Triangle site. |
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That Council: 3.1 Places all work related to the Live Music Venue proposal on hold until there is further interest from the State Government or another third party. 3.2 Requests officers to investigate options for short-term amenity and beautification upgrades for the St Kilda Triangle site for consideration through the Great Places and Precinct Program in 2025-26. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
13. An Engaged and Empowered Community
The Mayor adjourned the meeting for a break at 8:08pm.
The meeting resumed at 8:16pm.
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PURPOSE 1.1 To present an updated Procurement Policy (the Policy) for Council endorsement, in accordance with section 108(5) of the Local Government Act 2020. |
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That Council: 3.1 Adopts the updated Procurement Policy 6.4.1 as per Attachment 1 noting the following key amendments: 3.1.1 Financial Delegation Limits: Updates to financial delegations to improve procedural efficiency and standardise management role groupings. These changes are based on benchmarking with other councils, procurement trends, resource assessments, alignment with the new Council Plan and project portfolio, audit findings, lessons from past projects and staff feedback. 3.1.2 Additional Financial Delegation - Insurance Expenditure Delegation limits: Increase in delegation limit to $4 million, reflecting the current insurance operating environment. 3.1.3 Spend Thresholds: Adjustments made to better align with the updated Financial Delegations Limits in section 3.1.1. These changes aim to enhance internal efficiencies, account for inflation, and ensure a greater focus and support from the Procurement team on higher-risk procurement activities. 3.1.4 Provision for establishing single-supplier arrangements for specialist service: Aims to efficiency and economy of scale where works are aggregated and explicitly signalling to the market that the successful tenderer is guaranteed a volume of work. 3.2 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate, to finalise and make minor changes that do not materially alter the Procurement Policy. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
14. A Trusted and High-Performing Organisation
Nil.
15. Notices of Motion
Nil.
16. Reports by Councillor Delegates
Councillor Makin reported as the Councillor delegate to the Metropolitan Transport Forum that the Metropolitan Transport Forum’s annual general meeting will be held on 3 September 2025 and that will be confirming a meeting date change as there has been ongoing conflicts with the Wednesday Council meeting cycle.
Councillor Jay reported on the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) conference, having met with other Councillors and local government staff from across Australia and attending talks from experts on everything from social media misinformation to the use of futurists at local government.
17. URGENT BUSINESS
Nil.
18. 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: 18.1 South Melbourne Town Hall - Contract Variation 3(1)(a) Council business information, being information that would prejudice the Council's position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released. Reason: This report contains contractual information, including project and construction contract contingency provisions, that if released at this time would disadvantage Council in its ability to manage its construction contract in the best interests of the community. 18.2 71A Acland Street - Expression of Interest Process 3(1)(e) legal privileged information, being information to which legal professional privilege or client legal privilege applies 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: This report outlines the details of a recently completed procurement process which contains confidential commercial information that if released would prejudice commercial businesses and Council. The report also includes confidential legal and probity advice in relation to the procurement and property management information. 18.3 CEO Employment Matters – 2024/25 Performance Assessment and 2025/26 Annual Performance Agreement 3(1)(f) personal information, being information which if released would result in the unreasonable disclosure of information about any person of their personal affairs Reason: Under the CEO Employment and Remuneration Policy, Section 16 - Confidentiality, Council does not disclose any personal information, being information which if released would result in the unreasonable disclosure of information about any person or their personal affairs. The CEO's performance and remuneration fall into that category. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
The meeting closed to members of the public at 8:21pm.
The meeting reopened to members of the public at 9:52pm
As there was no further business the meeting closed at 9:52pm
Chairperson ________________________________________