Minutes - Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council - 4 February 2026
MINUTES OF THE Meeting of the Port Phillip City Council HELD 4 February 2026 IN St kilda town hall AND VIRTUAL VIA TEAMS
The meeting opened at 6:30pm.
IN ATTENDANCE
Cr Makin (Chairperson), Cr Buckingham, Cr Crawford, Cr Cunsolo, Cr Halliday, Cr Hardy, Cr Jay, Cr Mears, Cr Thomann (online).
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, Brian Tee, General Manager City Development, Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing, Robyn Borley, General Manager, Governance and Performance, Paul Wood, Acting General Manager, City Infrastructure, Daniel Lew, Acting Director, People and Experience, James Gullan, Acting Manager Communications and Governance, Christine Dening, Manager Community Building and Inclusion, Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets, Mike Fisher, Manager City Planning and Sustainability, Renae Walton, Principal Climate Officer, 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 10 December 2025 be confirmed. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
3. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Nil.
CONDOLENCE MOTION – Bondi Massacre
Mayor Makin stated that the City of Port Phillip stands with Local Governments across Victoria in grief and solidarity following the anti-sematic terror attack in Bondi on 14 December 2025. Our hearts are with the victims, the families and the broader Waverley community.
Through the combined leadership of the City of Port Phillip and the City of Glen Eira, and with the support of the Municipal Association of Victoria, we were proud to deliver a signed joint statement to the City of Waverley on behalf of Councils across Victoria.
This statement sent a powerful message of compassion resilience and unwavering support of our Jewish Communities. Now more than ever the role of Local Government is clear – to bring people together, to promote social cohesion and build inclusive communities where everyone feels safe and valued. We remain committed to working every day to stand against anti-semitism and all forms of hate and to ensure that our City is a place of respect an belonging for all.
Councillor Buckingham read a statement in relation to the Bondi massacre:
“Since we last met in these Council chambers there has been deep suffering in Bondi, Sydney, across Australia, and right here in the City of Port Phillip. Before our final meeting of 2025, the Councillors took a photograph outside the Town Hall, standing proudly in front of the Menorah. We smiled, and were, and continue to be, proud to wish Chag Sameach to our Jewish community and all those that celebrate during the festive season. None of us could have imagined the pain that would follow a few days after that happy photograph.
As I reflect on how we finished 2025 and how we begin 2026, I believe we are all hurt and many of us are bereaved. We remember and honour the 15 people murdered at Bondi Beach. We think of those that who now are living with long term injuries and deep trauma from that day. I did not personally know the victims of Bondi, but I would have liked to. I would have liked to have danced with them on the beach, have shared a ponchke with them, and celebrated simchas together.
I am heartbroken for the people that were taken and for the moments and milestones that will now never be shared. Almost every Jewish person in my neighbourhood was at least one degree of separation from a victim at Bondi, a cousin, a friend, a colleague. The pain of December 14 has then grown because of more violent incidents locally. Cars have been burnt and children have been chased. While we mourn the lives lost on December 14, I also grieve for the hatred and violence that has become part of our daily lives. This week families across Port Phillip sent their children back to school. Many parents felt that familiar mix of excitement and worry. New teachers, new classrooms, new beginnings. Jewish parents in Port Phillip share these same emotions, but they carry an additional burden. Will the school be targeted? Will my child be singled out for being Jewish? Can they safely gather in public spaces? What is the future for my child in this place? No parent should have to carry these fears, but this is the reality for Jewish families in Port Phillip right now.
Yet even in the midst of this violence we continue to witness extraordinary bravery, kindness and hard work. I acknowledge the courage or ordinary people who ran towards danger that day and did what they could to help, and the bravery of the first responders at Bondi and the medical practitioners that saved lives. One of the greatest privileges of being a Councillor is meeting extraordinary people - creative, compassionate, generous people who work tirelessly for others. I know that many of our local leaders are exhausted, they have aged under the weight of worry and grief, yet still, they show up. We have seen remarkable leadership locally here in Port Phillip, and I do want to acknowledge the leadership of Mayor Makin and Mayor Zmood for their tireless efforts over the summer and in the wake of Bondi. There is so much work to be done locally so that all of us can live free from violence and hate. In Ripponlea alone there is a shul to be rebuilt, a masterplan to deliver, and multicultural strategy to implement. This work matters now more than ever, not only so our community is physically safe, but so that Jewish life here can be lived openly, joyfully, fully in public spaces.
This week many school children did return to their Jewish schools, they marked their first days back by celebrating Tu B'Shevat, the Festival of Trees. They showed up, they sang songs, and they planted seeds, they honour the earth and the future. We are still processing our grief from Bondi, but this I do know. We will stand with those children who are planting the seeds, and we are determined to work for them every day so that they can grow into adults who can live freely as part of a thriving, proud, Jewish community and is part of a proud Port Phillip.”
Mayor Makin read the joint statement in response to the tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach:
We, the undersigned Mayors, stand united in grief and solidarity following the horrific antisemitic terror attack in Bondi. At least 15 lives have been lost, and our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the Waverley community.
Victoria is home to some of Australia’s largest Jewish communities, and many are feeling deeply shaken. We condemn antisemitism and violence in all its forms. Hate has no place in our cities, and no place in Australia.
This tragedy comes as many prepare to celebrate Chanukah, a festival that symbolises light triumphing over darkness. It is heartbreaking that such darkness has overshadowed the start of this season of hope. Let us honour the spirit of Chanukah by standing together and rejecting hate in all its forms.
To our Jewish community, we say: We see you. We stand with you. This is your home, and you should not feel afraid.
Now more than ever, our role as Councils is clear: to bring people together, promote social cohesion, and build inclusive communities. We will continue to work every day to stamp out antisemitism and hate, and to ensure our cities remain places of safety, respect, and belonging for all. Together, we stand united against hate.
Moved Crs Makin/Buckingham
That Council:
· Expresses its deep regret on the passing of those who lost their lives during the Bondi massacre of December 2025.
· Offers its sincere condolences to their families, other victims and the Waverley community.
· Places on record the City of Port Phillip’s solidarity with the Jewish community and all impacted communities.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
2026 Victorian Senior Citizen of the Year Award – Bryan Lippman AM
The Mayor acknowledged and congratulated Bryan Lippman AM on his recent recognition as the 2026 Victoria Senior Australian of the Year.
Bryan is the founder of Wintringham, a pioneering organisation with the goal of ending homelessness for older Australians. For over 30 years, Bryan has led innovative housing and support models that have transformed aged care and homelessness services nationally and within the City of Port Phillip.
This prestigious award recognises outstanding contribution and service, and Mr Lipmann’s achievement reflects a longstanding commitment to the community and to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award – Raissa Bolotnikova
The Mayor acknowledged and congratulated Raissa Bolotnikova on her recent recognition at the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards with a Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award for her extraordinary dedication to Holocaust survivors and positive ageing in our community.
For nearly two decades, Raissa has been an instrumental part of the Association of Former Inmates of the Nazi Concentration Camps and Ghettos from the Former Soviet Union, helping to keep members connected, supported and celebrated.
Through her compassion, commitment and countless acts of kindness, Raissa embodies the very best of community spirit and resilience.
The Mayor adjourned the meeting for a break at 6:52pm.
The meeting resumed at 6:58pm.
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:
· Matthew Roberts: Southport Community Housing Group is a registered community housing organisation with properties in the City of Port Phillip and beyond. On 10 December 2025, Councillors voted to endorse the allocation of $150k in the 2025/26 year and a further $150k in the 2026/27 year to go to this community housing provider. Prior to this vote, did any Councillors or Council staff meet with, speak to, or email any of the staff from this housing provider about this allocation of these funds?
Christine Dening, Manager Community Building and Inclusion advised that Southport Community Housing Group provided a submission to the Community Safety Roundtable in early 2025 alongside other homelessness, housing and community safety services. Following the release of the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy for public consultation in October 2025, Councillors requested further information from service providers to better understand project objectives, scope and costings relating to their submissions. During this period Council officers met with Charlie Beckley, CEO of Southport Community Housing Group to obtain further information and clarification on the organisations proposal to deliver and upstream housing program targeting priority cohorts including young people, First Nations communities and people experiencing homelessness. This engagement confirmed the proposals close alignment with Council’s homelessness and affordable housing strategy and funding was subsequently allocated to a number of organisations when the strategy was adopted in December 2025. Since this time officers have worked closely with Charlie Beckley to ensure strict governance arrangements are in place for the service agreement including clearly defined KPIs and acquittal requirements.
· Kurt Reiter: Prior to voting to allocate $300k to the Southport Community Housing Group, did Councillors or any Council staff meet with, speak to or email any of the renters (tenants) of Southport Community Housing Group about this planned allocation of funds?
Christine Dening, Manager Community Building and Inclusion advised that renters at existing Southport Community Housing Group site were not engaged during the process of assessing and considering the organisation’s proposal. This was due to the funding proposal being related to the assessment of a future program model and organisational capacity, rather than changes to existing service delivery or tenancy requirements at existing properties.
· Christine Turner: I would like to bring to the Council’s attention, an area along the foreshore that could cause a liability to them. A few weeks ago I experienced a fall due to a jutting screw and some rotten boards on the walkway opposite Elwood Sailing Club. Are the Council going to replace these rotten boards?
Vicki Tuchtan, Manager Property and Assets advised that as part of Council’s foreshore program sections of the Elwood boardwalk have been programmed for renewal in the coming financial year. Approximately 410m2 of deteriorating timber will be renewed which includes boards opposite the Elwood Sailing Club and at this stage works are expected to commence in July 2026.
· Frank Artuso: In relation to Waste bin contamination costs. Council correspondence to me dated 7 May 2025 stated that overall waste bin contamination costs range between $800,000 and $1million per annum. However, the 10 December 2025 Council meeting minutes cite contamination costs of $374,490 for FY2024/25 and forecast $466,453 FY 2025/26. Can Council reconcile these differing figures?
In relation to the Red bin lid changeover costs and funding. What amount has the City of Port Phillip spent to date on red bin lid changeover mandated by the Circular Economy Act 2021? Can Council confirm that grant funding for this cost is not assured? Has Council formally advocated to the State Government for relief regarding this specific cost imposition? What financial outcome, if any, has resulted?
Paul Wood, Acting General Manager City Infrastructure advised that in relation to the red bin changeover - as part of Council’s waste transformation program, Council has committed minimal funds to scoping the implementation of Recycling Victoria’s bin standardisation program. The actual allocation of funds is difficult to quantify as it sits within a program of works that includes the development of the recently adopted ‘Don’t Waste It' waste transformation strategy. Grant funding for the bin standardisation program is not assured, but Council will pursue any related grant funding opportunities. Council has undertaken advocacy including through supporting Municipal Association of Victoria State Council motions for funding for waste management as part of the M9 group of councils. There has been no direct financial outcome at this stage.
In relation to waste bin contamination costs, the question was taken on notice.
· David Johnston: In the South East corner of Waterloo Crescent, rubbish is dumped and cars are broken into daily etc. Families are scared and cars and houses are being robbed constantly. I had to sweep broken glass of a car seat this morning before I drove my children to school Can the Council install signage or install CCTV cameras to deter this behaviour and to stop the constant crime?
Christine Dening, Manager Community Building and Inclusion thanked David for raising these concerns and acknowledged how distressing and disruptive this situation is for residents. In terms of installing CCTV, Council’s permanently installed CCTV network is currently limited to designated activity centres and priority precincts, however Council officers will liaise with Victoria Police to request that a mobile CCTV trailer be deployed in the Waterloo Crescent area. Mobile CCTV units can be effective in deterring criminal behaviour and supporting police enforcement subject to access placement and privacy considerations. While crime prevention and enforcement is the responsibility of Victoria Police, Council will continue to work with them and address safety concerns in this area specifically. Council encourages residents to continue to report all incidents directly to police and support appropriate action. In relation to what signage can be installed as a deterrent to crime, the question was taken on notice.
Council Report Submissions:
Condolence Motion – Bondi Massacre
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· Abe Schwarz |
Item 6.1 Deputation Response: Community Safety in Church and Dow Streets, South Melbourne
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· Frank Artuso |
Item 8.2 Friends of Suai Annual Report 2024/25
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· Megs Alston |
Item 14.1 Notice of Motion – Councillor Crawford – Clarke Reserve Dog off Leash Area
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· Jen Bishop |
5. Councillor question time
· Councillor Crawford: Following up on the Elwood Foreshore boardwalk safety concerns raised by Christine Turner during public question time. Is there an interim safety measure that can be implemented to highlight the raised screws and rotting boards on the boardwalk in the months prior to it being fixed?
Vicki Tuchtan,
Manager Property and Assets advised that since Council has become aware of the
injuries sustained on the boardwalk Council is investigating and will implement
the appropriate safety measures.
· Councillor Halliday: Following up on the Southport Community Housing Group questions raised during public question time. What assessments did officers make of the operations at Southport Community Housing Group in recommending that budget request for funding?
Christine Dening, Manager Community Building and Inclusion advised that as part of the assessment approach Council did not look specifically at the organisations operations, but Council have had a close relationship with Southport Community Housing Group for a long time and are well across their annual reports.
Councillor Halliday followed up to ask whether Council have any reason to doubt their capacity to deliver safe and secure housing for their tenants?
Christine Dening, Manager Community Building and Inclusion advised that there is no doubt and Council are confident that Southport Community Housing Group are suitable providers.
· Councillor Cunsolo: Have there been any plans commenced about the official opening for the Lagoon Reserve pavilion?
Kylie Bennetts, General Manager Community Wellbeing advised that Council officers have been planning the official opening after the practical completion of the venue but took the question on notice to confirm the specific details.
· Councillor Halliday: Following up from Frank Artuso’s question raised during Public question time. When the State Government mandates things like changing the lids of our bins, is Council provided funding for that changeover? Or is this a cost we bear through our overall budget?
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer advised that when the Government has required the Council to make changes such as this, it is an expenditure that the Council needs to meet. Council has received small amounts of funding for implementing service standards more broadly, changes but any revenue we have received is nowhere near the cost of implementation. The question was taken on notice to provide a more accurate figure specifically for the bin lid changeover process. Council also looks at broader funding for these types of things through Council’s waste charge, there is an element of enhanced cost recovery for that service but Council is mindful that any increase in that service are affordable and mindful of the broader rates cap. Council has to operate outside of the rates cap because the cost increase of the waste levy far outstrip inflation and CPI and the rates cap. There is a bit of insulation for this cost in terms of hitting other expenditure items in Council because of the nature of how Council funds it for the waste charge.
Councillor Halliday followed up to ask whether most of that cost is passed on to rate payers through the waste charge, but that there are some ancillary costs that might come through the general revenue and thus impacts other projects?
Chris Carroll, Chief Executive Officer advised that in general that is correct but undertook to provide a more detailed response.
· Councillor Jay: What are the rules around arboring trees around electrical lines in the City of Port Phillip, and what are the parameters would require the removal of a tree? In particular, the trees on Heather Street, South Melbourne which there is an existing query in the system for.
Paul Wood, Acting General Manager City Infrastructure took the question on notice.
· Councillor Makin: The Fishermans Bend Integrated Transport Plan through its three horizons identified the immediate horizon the provision of a bus route connecting Fishermans Bend and Port Melbourne to Anzac Station. All services through ANZAC station commenced on 2 February 2026. Has the bus route been delivered by the State Government?
Brian Tee, General Manager City Development advised that the bus route has not commenced despite the opening of ANZAC station in February.
Councillor Makin followed up to ask that given this bus route has not been delivered. Does Council have any clarity on timeframes from the State Government or the Department of Transport and Planning as to when it will be delivered, noting that it was identified as an immediate priority through the Fishermans Bend Integrated Transport Plan?
Brian Tee, General Manager City Development advised that it was identified as an immediate priority in horizon one of the Fishermans Bend Integrated Transport Plan, and the State Government has not provided any specific operational date. The City of Port Phillip has identified, with the City of Melbourne, this issue and has publicly criticised the plan for its lack of a clear delivery timeline or funding commitment..
6. Petitions, Joint Letters and deputations
Nil.
8. A Healthy and Connected Community
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PURPOSE 1.1 To present the draft Accessibility Action Plan 2026-2030 and seek Council’s endorsement for public exhibition. |
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Councillor Thomann left the meeting at 7:58pm and was not present for the vote. |
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That Council: 3.1 Thanks those who have participated in early engagement to help inform the draft Accessibility Action Plan (2026-30), particularly those with lived experience and their carers. 3.2 Endorses the release of the draft Accessibility Action Plan (2026-30) for the next phase of community engagement in February and March 2026 which includes public exhibition of the draft Plan (Attachment 1). 3.3 Notes that prospective applicants for Council’s Disability Advisory Committee will be asked to share their views on the Action Plan as part of the recruitment process and advised of the opportunities the Disability Advisory Committee will have to shape implementation and future iterations of the Plan. 3.4 Council will continue to be an active participant in a range of advocacy forums, including the Metropolitan Transport Forum, to ensure City of Port Phillip remains strong and effective in advancing public transport accessibility. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
The mayor adjourned the meeting to address a technical issues with Councillor Thomann at 8:01pm.
The meeting resumed at 8:06pm.
Councillor Thomann returned to the meeting at 8:06pm.
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PURPOSE 1.1 To present the Friends of Suai 2024/25 Annual Report (Attachment 1) and inform Council of the achievements of the friendship. |
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That Council: 3.1 Notes the 2024/25 Friends of Suai Annual Report (Attachment 1). 3.2 Acknowledges the ongoing work of the Friends of Suai Community Reference Committee and thanks the Committee for its efforts. 3.3 Acknowledges the work of the Covalima Community Centre in Suai throughout 2024/25 and the role it has played in enhancing the lives of the Covalima community. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously. |
9. An Environmentally Sustainable and Resilient City
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PURPOSE 1.1 To seek Council endorsement for: · the installation of additional electric vehicle public fast charging within the City of Port Phillip; and · the signing of licence agreements for additional utility pole-mounted chargers with infrastructure providers and utility companies. |
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The following question was taken on notice during consideration of the item: Councillor Jay: Is there any plans to upgrade the EV chargers at the South Melbourne Market? Mike Fisher, Manager City Planning and Sustainability took the question on notice. |
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That Council: 3.1 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate to negotiate and execute licence agreements with Fast Cities Australia Pty Limited (trading as Evie Networks) for the design, supply, install, operation, management and maintenance of public fast EV charging infrastructure at; · Marlborough Street, Balaclava; · Centre Avenue, Garden City; · Dundas Place, Albert Park; and · Spring Street North, Port Melbourne. 3.2 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate to negotiate licences for the installation of pole mounted chargers with Intellihub Australia Pty Ltd as sites are identified. A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRID unanimously. |
10. A Safe and Liveable City
Nil.
11. A Vibrant and Thriving Community
Nil.
12. An Engaged and Empowered Community
13. A Trusted and High-Performing Organisation
14. Notices of Motion
15. Reports by Councillor Delegates
Councillor Crawford reported as the Councillor delegate to the Linden Art Gallery Board who are hosting the Melbourne Art Print Fair this weekend from the 6-8 February 2026.
Mayor Makin reported that they were in Sydney on 23 and 24 December 2025 presenting the Joint Statement of Solidarity on behalf of Victorian Local Government Sector with Mayor Zmood to Mayor Nemesh of Waverley City Council.
16. URGENT BUSINESS
Nil.
17. Confidential Matters
Nil.
As there was no further business the meeting closed at 8:49pm.
Chairperson ________________________________________