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Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council

Minutes

17 September 2025

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Minutes - Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council - 17 September 2025

 

 

MINUTES OF THE Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council HELD 17 September 2025 IN St Kilda Town Hall AND VIRTUAL VIA TEAMS

 

 

The meeting opened at 6:30pm.

 

IN ATTENDANCE

Cr Crawford (Chairperson), Cr Buckingham, Cr Cunsolo, Cr Halliday, Cr Hardy (online),      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, Tarnya Mckenzie, Acting General Manager Organisational Capability and Experience, Robyn Borley, Director Governance and Performance, Mike Fisher, Manager City Planning and Sustainability, Peter Liu, Chief Financial Officer, Nellie Montague, Manager Safety and Amenity, Christine Dening, Manager Community Building and Inclusion, 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

Moved Crs Thomann/Mears

That the minutes of the Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council held on 2 September 2025 be confirmed.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

 

3.      DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Councillor Thomann declared a material conflict of interest in relation to item 8.3 Community Grants Program 2025-26 Recommendations and stated they would leave the chamber for the item.

Councillor Cunsolo declared a material conflict of interest in relation to item 8.3 Community Grants Program 2025-26 Recommendations and stated they would leave the chamber for the item.

CONDOLENCE MOTION – ANNE SCAMBARY

The City of Port Phillip acknowledges the passing of Anne Scambary, Digital Programming & Engagement Officer, in early September following a sudden illness. Anne made a profound contribution over their 28 years of service, passionately championing arts, culture, and local heritage. Their legacy will be deeply felt across the organisation and community.

Moved Crs Thomann/Halliday

That Council

·       Expresses its deep regret on the passing of Anne Scambary.

·       Offers its sincere condolences to their family

·       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: Archive | City of Port Phillip Meetings Webcast

Public Question Time:

·     Joshua Kinal: In view of another months long closure of Peanut Farm for soil improvement works, how much has the council spent in previous years and what is the budget for these current works? How much does the Council earn in hire fees for the club rooms and grounds?  What does the Council propose dog owners do during this multiple months closure? The Elwood fenced dog park is too small to accommodate the hundreds of dogs that visit the peanut farm daily. Can the Renfrey Gardens be made dog off-leash with the standard exclusion zone from play equipment for the duration of the peanut farm closure?

Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing and Inclusion advised that Council allocates a standard maintenance budget to all sportsgrounds, including Peanut Farm, typically between $50,000 and $80,000 per year. The upcoming works at Peanut Farm go beyond regular maintenance. They’re needed to upgrade turf and drainage so the ground can handle extra usage when Elwood Reserve closes next year for Melbourne Water’s drain duplication project. These works, costing around $260,000, are being funded by Melbourne Water, not Council.  Council receives approximately $4,000 per annum from the hire of the Peanut Farm sportsground and pavilion. This is from a range of bookings including sports clubs, schools and other community and event providers. Council understands the inconvenience this temporary closure may cause for our community and appreciate the challenges this presents. To support dog owners during this time St Kilda Beach and St Kilda Marina Reserve are approximately 350 metres away and offer off-leash areas, the fenced dog park at MO Moran Reserve is approximately 900 metres away, and signage will be installed on-site to help direct dog walkers to these nearby areas.  In relation to Renfrey Gardens, dog off leash areas are set under the Local Law. To temporarily change Renfrey Gardens to a dog off-leash area Council would need to amend the Council Order. This process includes undertaking community engagement, a formal decision by Council and then gazetted changes to the local law.

·     Jonathan Green: Does Council recognise that the current tax system—by failing to adequately tax foreign multinationals, gas companies under the PRRT, and billionaires—reduces Commonwealth revenue and spending on hospitals, schools, and housing, forcing states to pick up the slack? And does Council acknowledge that this leaves states with less money for services like police and school crossing guards, which ultimately increases the financial pressure on local councils? Given this will Council take a public position and advocate for fairer taxation of multinationals, gas companies, and billionaires?

James Gullan, Head of Governance and Advocacy advised that the Australian taxation system is complex, and not one councils traditionally play a role - particularly decisions regarding the taxation of multinationals, resource companies, and high-net-worth individuals. Whilst, Council receives Federal Government - this is generally through financial assistance grants and competitive funding programs. The revenue derived is a very small percentage of our total revenue. In response to whether Council would advocate on this issue, in August Council endorsed a range of large-scall priorities, which set out our advocacy agenda. This matter is not currently one of Council’s endorsed advocacy priorities. It was advised that individuals engage directly with the local Federal Member of Parliament regarding any concerns relating to federal taxation policy.

 

·     Julian Vincent: Regarding the under consideration sale of the carpark and laneways adjacent to Coles Balaclava, and noting that in the 2009 Carlisle Street Activity Centre Structure Plan there are dozens of references to the importance of retaining and enhancing laneways for their economic, vibrancy and public mobility value, did Council receive any recommendations at the time about whether it was better to sell laneways or keep them in public hands in order to best support the 2009 strategy outcomes? If so, what were they?

Lachlan Johnson, General Manager, Operations and Infrastructure advised that a range of community and stakeholder consultations contributed to the development of the 2009 Carlisle Street Activity Centre Structure Plan. The Vision and Strategic Directions for the Carlisle Street Activity Centre were informed by an understanding of the centres defining characteristics, including its strengths, opportunities, and challenges, as well as key community aspirations, which were expressed during consultations. Officers are not aware of any specific submissions or recommendations at the time regarding laneways. The current proposed discontinuance of laneways and sale of land to Coles is consistent with the Vision and Strategic Directions of the Plan. Council’s position of maintaining access to laneways particularly behind the existing properties along Carlisle Street, is paramount, and both a carriageway easement and a Section 173 Agreement are proposed to secure and preserve such access. Council will consider the discontinuance and sale of the laneways at next week’s Council meeting.

·     Adrian Columb: Members of the public were shocked to learn that PCYC will be closing it gym in St Kilda. I came here tonight to stress the significant importance of this vital not for profit organisation to our community, and I ask if there is something that Council can do to fund the PCYC so they don’t need to close?

Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing and Inclusion stated that Council understands this new is very difficult for many in the community. The St Kilda PCYC has made many valuable contributions to the city over many decades positively impacting local youth, families and the health and wellbeing of people of all ages. While no formal funding request was received through Council’s 25-26 Council Plan and Budget process from PCYC, Council did consider the possibility of providing financial support. Council also facilitated introductions with neighbouring Councils to explore broader support options for PCYC. From what Council understands from PCYC, the level of funding required to prevent the sale of the Inkerman Street site and the closure of community gym was significantly beyond what Council could reasonably contribute given the need to balance a wide range of community priorities. Council has met with PCYC several times and offered to explore ways to support what the transition for clients who would be most impacted by the PCYC decision. As a standalone community organisation, Council is not able to specifically stop a particular course of action they may choose to take. Councillors may choose to take this under further consideration.

 

Council Report Submissions:  

Item 6.1 Bin Permit on Bridport St, Albert Park

·     Wayne Power

 

Item 8.1 Draft Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy

·     Jess Richter

·     Rhonda Small

·     Adrian King

·     Delia Bradshaw

·     Ofir Levi

·     Claudia Craig

·     Andrew D’Arcy

 

 

Item 10.1 Draft “Feel Safe. Be Safe. Community Safety Plan 2025-29”

·     Jess Richter

·     Rhonda Small

·     Adrian King

·     Delia Bradshaw

·     Eamon Dawson

·     Rory La Roche

·     Amanda Swanson

·     Dawn Starrett

·     Leslie Rosenblatt

 

Item 11.1 South Melbourne Market 2024-25 Annual Report

·     Amanda Stevens

 

5.      Councillor question time

·     Councillor Halliday: Does Council have an estimate of the increased costs on Council from cost shifting from the Commonwealth and State Governments?

Peter Liu, Chief Financial Officer advised that cost shifting remains a significant financial challenge for Council and the Local Government sector as a whole. In the current year budget, Council has two major cost shifts. These are the landfill levy which increased by 28% (a cost of $1m), and the congestion levy increased by 73% (an estimated cost of $400k for this year and another $400k next year). Those two alone take up a large portion of the rates increase. From a historical context, Council’s ongoing cost base are higher due to cost shifts, with some examples of cost shifting including lower funding for library services, maternal and child health, additional costs for electrical line clearance, and reduced school crossing subsidies. There is also a cost burden imposed on our ratepayers with the Emergency Services Levy which went up 57%, raising nearly $13m from the community.

 

·     Councillor Buckingham: Does the City of Port Phillip have an understanding of the impact that the closure of The St Kilda Police & Community Youth Club (PCYC) will have on the local community? Do we know how many people are impacted and what flow on effect this will have to our other limited recreation facilities in the area?

Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing and Inclusion advised that PCYC have shared information with Council officers about the number of clients that access certain classes which is commercial in confidence information which cannot be shared in a public meeting without consent from PCYC. Council does have information in relation to the number of people that potentially access classes during a period of time, but not necessarily information on those that access the gym. In terms of the impact that might have on other infrastructure that Council has, at this point that is not known. Council is developing a new sport and recreation strategy to guide investment in local sport and recreation facilities, infrastructure and programs over the next 10 years across the municipality. As part of the development of this strategy, an independent community needs assessment for facilities of this nature is being undertaken which will help support Council in its decision making and that will need to reflect the impact of any changes that might occur at PCYC if the closure of the gym goes ahead.

Councillor Buckingham followed up, in the short-term, what plans do the Council have to support the current members that will lose this service to fill the gap in the medium-term?

Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing and Inclusion advised that Council has met with PCYC several times and offered to explore ways to support the transition for their clients who are most impacted by the PCYC decision. While Council acknowledges the facilities are different to what is offered at PCYC, there are a range of alternate venues and services available across Port Phillip to stay active and connected which are outlined on Council’s website and there will be a statement added to Council’s website to help direct residents to where they may find that information.

 

·     Councillor Makin: There was an inquiry into Local Government funding and services commissioned by the State Government that was tabled in Parliament on 28 November 2024 and the Government response was tabled on 19 June 2025. Has there been advice back to the sector or to Council around the State Government progressing some of those recommendations, looking at the subject matter of cost shifting and funding?

Lachlan Johnson, General Manager, Operations and Infrastructure took the question on notice.

 

·     Councillor Halliday: What actions has Council taken to act and advocate on behalf of residents of Enfield Street to address the crime and amenity issues in that area?

Nellie Montague, Manager Safety and Amenity advised that Council has raised the issue with Police and the Local Area Commander as well as at the weekly hotspot meetings to ensure all levels of Police are aware of the concerns in this location. Council officers have also contacted the Prahran office of Prahran Housing to represent the concerns of the residents and ask about measures that could be taken to address the behaviour at this site. Homes Victoria and Crimestoppers are also involved in this scenario.

Council officers conduct daily local law patrols around all hotspots including the Jackson Street and Enfield Street area. This includes patrols with rapid response cleaning crew to remove items that residents have mentioned they have found in the public areas. Council also attempt to have conversations with people who may be gathering in those areas to ensure they are connected to services they may need, and to reiterate the requirements under the local law around nuisance and behaviour on public land. Police are also called if there is evidence of crime occurring.

Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer advised that as part of the investment that Council has already committed to around the upgrade of the public space CCTV network, Council is looking to expand an additional camera in the Jackson Street carpark based on feedback recently received from residents. Additional funding is yet to be received by the Federal Government, but once received it may be used to extend further cameras to the Enfield Street location. Council will continue to advocate to Police, Prahan Housing and other agencies around the situation and take up the residents’ concerns.

 

·     Councillor Jay: Is Council aware of any coordinated responses with services and welfare providers, as an activation of the Community Safety Roundtable, or any support tailored to those who are rough sleeping?

Nellie Montague, Manager Safety and Amenity advised that the hotspot meetings include service providers and through the Port Phillip Zero program Council works closely with local service providers to ensure Council has responses available. This aligns strongly with the roundtable recommendations regarding a triaged health first approach to people experiencing challenges in our public areas, and this is reflected in what Council wants to achieve moving forward. These concerns have been raised with service providers and ensuring people in public domain and housing facilities receive the support they need.

 

·     Councillor Makin: Does Council have an update in regards to flagged pedestrian improvements for Smith Street and Williamstown Road to coincide with Narrarrang Primary School in Fishermans Bend, and also whether there is an update for intersection improvement catering to Port Melbourne Secondary College with Plumber Street and Graham Street?

Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development advised that unfortunately the drop off and pick up on Smith Street will not be completed by the time the school opens early next year. This is due to the fact that construction will still be ongoing and the street will be needed for those construction purposes. The Williamstown Road pedestrian operated signal which is not affected by construction and will be in place at the opening of the school year with construction starting in November 2025. While permanent drop off and pick up facilities will not be in place, the Victorian Building Schools Authority (VSBA) will be providing temporary facilities until they can be delivered. At this stage it is proposed that Council will deliver those permanent pick up and drop off safe areas and that will occur in the second half of 2026.

In relation to Port Melbourne Secondary College, prior to its opening in 2022 there had been concerns about safe access and Council assisted by providing School Crossing Supervisors. There was commitment by the State Government in August 2024, they announced $1.5m for pedestrian safety measures including a new electronic 40km/h speed signage, new road markings and other signage. That work is currently underway and will be completed shortly.

 

·     Councillor Thomann: Following the earlier mention of possible implementation of CCTV cameras at the Enfield Street site, is it possible to have a mobile camera in this area to show proof of what is occurring on the street?

Nellie Montague, Manager Safety and Amenity confirmed that Council does have a mobile CCTV camera that was purchased with Council funds and Council works closely with Police to decide where it is placed. Council has recommended to police that the mobile CCTV camera be placed in those locations. It has previously been placed in the Jackson Street carpark, and is currently in other locations around Port Phillip, but Council will support it being placed in Enfield Street very shortly.

 

·     Councillor Makin: Given concerns around the lack of sustainable public transport in Fishermans Bend. Does Council have an update on the State Government and Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) transport study that had been muted for Fishermans Bend?

Brian Tee, General Manager City Growth and Development advised that unfortunately there is no public update on the release of the transport study being undertaken by the State Government and no commitment on when it will be released.

 

6.      Petitions, Joint Letters and deputations

6.1 Petition: Bin Permit on Bridport Street, Albert Park

A Petition containing 11 signatures, was received from residents of Bridport Street

Moved Crs Hardy/Crawford

That Council:

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 officers will take into account the position outlined in the petition for the review of the Waste Management Plan in question and respond in writing noting the outcome of the review.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

 

6.2  Petition: Review of Council Parking Policy - Parking Restrictions on Thistlethwaite St, South Melbourne

A Petition containing 15 signatures, was received from residents in Thistlethwaite Street, South Melbourne.

Moved Crs Makin/Thomann

That Council:

1.       Receives and notes the Petition.

2.       Thanks, the petitioners for their petition.

3.       Does not initiate a standalone review of the Parking Management Policy at this time, noting a comprehensive review of the Parking Management Policy is scheduled to commence within the next 12 to 24 months.

4.       Requests that officers advise the lead petitioner of the planned area-wide parking and kerbside management approach for Fishermans Bend and keep them informed of planned community engagement.

5.       Requests that officers advise the lead petitioner of Council’s process for requesting changes to parking restrictions, including the need for demonstrated support from multiple properties and a clearly documented suggested parking restriction(s).

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

 

7.      Presentation of CEO Report

Nil.

z

change to order of business

The Mayor noted that item 13.2 Proposed Discontinuance and Sale - Part Union Place (Adjoining 154-158 Bank Street) South Melbourne had been deferred to the 24 September 2025 Council meeting due to an administrative error in the publishing of the agenda.

In light of public interest relating to agenda item 10.1 ‘Draft "Feel Safe. Be Safe. Community Safety Plan 2025-29’ in accordance with Chapter 2 Provision 21 of Council’s Governance Rules, the Mayor made a change to the order of business.

 

8.      A Healthy and Connected Community

8.1     Draft Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy

PURPOSE

1.1     To present the draft Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy (the Strategy) to Council and seek approval to proceed with the next stage of engagement, including public exhibition of the draft Strategy for community feedback.

Moved Crs Buckingham/Halliday

That Council:

3.1     Thanks all community members and service providers that have contributed to community engagement to inform the draft Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy, particularly those with lived experience of homelessness, accessing social (public and community) or affordable housing, housing or rental stress or living on a very low or low income.

3.2     Endorses the draft Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy (Attachment1) to enable the next phase of community engagement, and authorises the Chief Executive Officer (or delegate) to make minor editorial amendments that do not materially alter the intent of the draft Strategy.

3.3     Endorses the allocation of:

3.3.1    An additional $100K in 2025/26 and $250K in 2026/27 to St Kilda Community Housing to support a proactive solution to provide housing and tailored support services building on the Madden House Common Ground model, on the condition that additional funding from the State, Federal Government or other source is received to implement such a program effectively.

3.3.2    $15k in 2025/26 and 2026/27 to BridgeIt to support operational costs associated with providing young women and gender diverse people who have experienced the out-of-home-care system or homelessness with a home and community in Port Phillip.

3.4     Notes that during community consultation on the draft Strategy, additional information will be requested on specific projects suggested by Ngwala, Sacred Heart, Southside Justice and South Port Community Housing as well as consideration of other ideas that come through the community consultation process.

3.5     Notes that during community consultation on the draft Strategy, officers will work with service providers on what budget may be required to further consideration of accessible, safe daytime social spaces (hubs) with appropriate and relevant facilities for rough sleepers and vulnerable community members.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

 

10.    A Safe and Liveable City

10.1   Draft "Feel Safe. Be Safe. Community Safety Plan 2025-29"

PURPOSE

1.1     To outline the work completed to date in the development of the Community Safety Plan and to present the draft Plan for endorsement for the next phase of engagement including public exhibition to seek community feedback.

The Mayor advised there was an officer correction to item 5.19 and 12.21 of the draft Community Safety Plan that states in the second dot point “the targeted engagement will be up to 3 community members with lived experience of homelessness and rough sleeping”. This will be amended to “the targeted engagement will be a minimum of 3 community members with lived experience of homelessness and rough sleeping”.

The following question was taken on notice during discussion of the item:

Councillor Cunsolo: What is Council’s approach to rough sleepers on bike paths, specifically around Beaconsfield Street and Fitzroy Street?

Nellie Montague, Manager of Safety and Amenity advised that with any public areas in Port Phillip there is a local law that outlines that camping is not allowed on public land, with the exemption of people experiencing homelessness or have complex needs that Council will not enforce the local law through enforcement processes. Instead they will be connected with services to assist them

Councillor Cunsolo followed up asking whether the obstruction on bike paths is exempted under the Local Law for people experiencing homelessness?

Nellie Montague, Manager of Safety and Amenity advised took the question on notice.

Moved Crs Crawford/Makin

That Council:

3.1    Notes the work done to date on the draft Community Safety Plan.

3.2    Endorses the release of the draft Community Safety Plan for the next phase of community engagement which includes the public exhibition of the draft Plan (Attachment 1).

3.3    Notes the Community Safety Engagement Report (Attachment 2) outlining feedback received during community engagement which took place between 22 May to 29 June 2025.

3.4    Endorses all Community Safety Roundtable Recommendations (Attachment 3) noting that these actions have also been included within the draft Community Safety Plan and draft Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy.

3.5    Notes that the Police Protocol and proposed Local Law amendment are progressing and Council is currently waiting on legal advice from Victoria Police.

AMENDMENT

Moved Councillor Mears/Buckingham

That Council:

Amends part 3.2 of the recommendation as indicated in bold:  

3.2    Endorses the release of the draft Community Safety Plan for the next phase of community engagement which includes the public exhibition of the draft Plan (Attachment 1) and that those with lived experience as residents in our local communities experiencing unsafe environments are engaged via targeted consultation, and trauma informed consultation with people with experience of homelessness, and reconvenes the Community Safety Roundtable to seek their feedback.

A vote was taken and the AMENDMENT was CARRIED unanimously.

The AMENDMENT became the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION.

That Council:

3.1    Notes the work done to date on the draft Community Safety Plan.

3.2    Endorses the release of the draft Community Safety Plan for the next phase of community engagement which includes the public exhibition of the draft Plan (Attachment 1) and that those with lived experience as residents in our local communities experiencing unsafe environments are engaged via targeted consultation, and trauma informed consultation with people with experience of homelessness, and reconvenes the Community Safety Roundtable to seek their feedback.

3.3    Notes the Community Safety Engagement Report (Attachment 2) outlining feedback received during community engagement which took place between 22 May to 29 June 2025.

3.4    Endorses all Community Safety Roundtable Recommendations (Attachment 3) noting that these actions have also been included within the draft Community Safety Plan and draft Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy.

3.5    Notes that the Police Protocol and proposed Local Law amendment are progressing and Council is currently waiting on legal advice from Victoria Police.

A vote was taken and the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

 

The Mayor adjourned the meeting for a break at 8:17pm.

The meeting resumed at 8:30pm

 

8.2     Engagement on Community Infrastructure Plan

PURPOSE

1.1     To outline the proposed delivery approach of the Community Infrastructure Plan (CIP).

1.2     To seek Council’s endorsement to initiate the first stage of community engagement for the CIP.

Moved Crs Makin/Thomann

That Council:

3.1     Approves the proposed approach to deliver the Community Infrastructure Plan including the first phase of exploratory community engagement, scheduled from 6 October to 2 November 2025.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

 

8.3     Community Grants Program 2025-26 Recommendations

PURPOSE

1.1     To seek Council endorsement of funding recommendations made by the Community Grants Assessment Panel for applications to the Community Grants Program 2025-26.

Councillors Cunsolo and Thomann declared material conflicts of interests in relation to this item and left meeting at 9:31pm.

Moved Crs Halliday/Crawford

That Council:

3.1    Thanks, all applicants for their interest in Council’s Community Grants Program.

3.2    Endorses the Community Grants Assessment Panel’s funding allocation recommendations for the Community Grants Program 2025-26, as detailed in confidential Attachment 1.

3.3    Endorses the Community Grants Assessment Panel’s funding allocation recommendations for the Community Grants Program 2025-26, as detailed in confidential Attachment 2.

3.4    Makes public the list of successful applications for the Community Grants Program 2025-26 on Council’s website once all applicants have been advised of the outcome of their application.

3.5    Endorses reallocation of residual funds from the Community Grants Program 2025-26 for potential allocation under the Quick Response Grants Program.

3.6    Formally thanks the voluntary members of the Community Grants Assessment Panel for their valuable time and contribution to the community life of the City of Port Phillip.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

 

Councillors Cunsolo and Thomann returned to the meeting at 9:33pm

 

9.      An Environmentally Sustainable and Resilient City

Nil.

11.    A Vibrant and Thriving Community

11.1   South Melbourne Market 2024-25 Annual Report

PURPOSE

1.1     To endorse the South Melbourne Market Annual Report 2024-25.

Moved Crs Jay/Makin

That Council:

3.1     Endorses the South Melbourne Market Annual Report 2024 – 25 (Attachment 1).

3.2     Authorises the Chief Executive Officer (or their delegate) to make any minor editorial changes that do not materially alter the Annual Report.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

12.    An Engaged and Empowered Community

Nil.

13.    A Trusted and High-Performing Organisation

13.1   In Principle Approval of the 2024/25 Annual Financial Statements and 2024/25 Performance Statement

PURPOSE

1.1       To obtain Council’s in principle approval of the annual financial statements and performance statement for the financial year ending 30 June 2025.

Moved Crs Mears/Crawford

That Council:

3.1     Notes the financial performance for financial year 2024/25 which includes an operating surplus and a low-risk rating on the Victorian Auditor General’s Office Financial Sustainability.

3.2     Gives in principle approval to the annual financial statements and performance statement (the statements) for the financial year ended 30 June 2025.

3.3     Authorises the Mayor, Councillor Louise Crawford, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bryan Mears, to certify the annual financial statements and performance statement for the financial year ended 30 June 2025.

3.4     Approves the materiality threshold in the performance statement at +/- 10 per cent of Council’s 2023/24 result for the explanation of variances between the 2024/25 and 2023/24 result.

3.5     Authorises the Mayor and the Chief Executive Officer, to certify the Governance and Management checklist.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

 

13.2   Proposed Discontinuance and Sale - Part Union Place (Adjoining 154-158 Bank Street) South Melbourne

Deferred to the 24 September 2025 Council meeting.

 

14.    Notices of Motion

Nil.

15.    Reports by Councillor Delegates

Councillor Makin reported as the Councillor delegate to the Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) to advise that at the Annual General Meeting it was agreed to amend its meeting dates to enable Councillor Makin to attend, previously the meetings clashed with the City of Port Phillip Council meeting cycle.

Councillor Jay advised that  they and Councillor Halliday had attended a presentation by the Environmental Leadership Graduates. The City of Port Phillip Environmental Leadership Program has been running since 2018 with 300 graduates through the program. Councillor Jay highly commended the Sustainability team and officers at the City of Port Phillip who are in charge of this program who delivered an excellent presentation.

Councillor Halliday reported as the Councillor delegate to the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCA) who attended their mayoral forum last week. At this meeting they heard from Sarah Baker, an environmental lawyer, about the obligations of local Councils and the emerging risks and liabilities if reasonable steps are not taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change risks in the future.

Councillor Thomann advised that they attended an event at St Kilda Town Hall organised by the Eco Centre along with the City of Port Phillip, City of Glen Eira and Bayside City Councils to celebrate what we love about our Earth. 230 students attended from 23 local schools. Councillor Thomann was proud to declare that the St Kilda Park Primary School won the Victoria Container Deposit Scheme Award for greatest amount of bottles collected with money going towards the School.

16.    URGENT BUSINESS

Nil.

17.    Confidential Matters

Nil.

 

As there was no further business the meeting closed at 9:48pm.

 

Confirmed:                  24 September 2025

 

Chairperson    ________________________________________