Advocacy priorities

Council is committed to championing the interests of the Port Phillip community. Through advocacy, we work with State and Federal Government, sector partners and key decision makers to seek investment, policy reform and practical action on the issues that matter most to our city.

Our 2026–27 advocacy priorities focus on the areas where Council can have the greatest impact for the community, while continuing to monitor emerging issues and respond to opportunities as they arise.

Community safety and social cohesion
Safe and vibrant communities are important to everyone's health and wellbeing.
Fishermans Bend
Working to enhance local infrastructure and liveability for Fishermans Bend's growing community.
Improved sports and open space infrastructure
Precincts such as Elwood Foreshore, Albert Park Reserve, and the future Sandridge Recreation Precinct…
Coastal Health and Water Management in Port Phillip
Port Phillip’s coastline is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, rising sea levels, deterioratin…
Advocacy Items for Strategic Memberships
Collaboration and engagement are central to City of Port Phillip's advocacy efforts, with strategic me…

Current and Emerging Advocacy Priorities

Council also pursues additional advocacy priorities when there is a clear opportunity to influence outcomes, such as through government budgets, elections, policy reviews, grant programs or public consultations.

What we are seeking

Investment in better public transport services, capacity, accessibility and connectivity across Port Phillip, including tram, bus and rail improvements that support growing communities and improve access to jobs, education and local services.

Why it matters
- Reliable public transport helps people move around the municipality safely and efficiently.
- Better services reduce congestion and support more sustainable travel choices.
- Improved accessibility helps ensure people of all ages and abilities can access public transport.
- Better connections are critical to supporting population growth, particularly in Fishermans Bend and other growing areas.
What we are seeking

Funding and delivery of priority cycling infrastructure that improves safety, connectivity and access across Port Phillip.

Why it matters
- Safe cycling infrastructure encourages more people to choose active forms of transport.
- Better connections make it easier to travel between neighbourhoods, activity centres and public transport.
- Investment in active transport supports healthier communities and helps reduce congestion.
What we are seeking

Improvements that make walking safer and more accessible, including safer crossings, lower traffic speeds in key locations and better management of emerging transport modes.

Why it matters
- Walking is a key part of how people move around local neighbourhoods.
- Safer streets improve access to schools, shops, parks and public transport.
- Improved pedestrian safety benefits people of all ages and abilities.
- Creating safer places to walk encourages healthier, more connected communities.
What we are seeking:

State and Federal investment to support the long-term renewal of South Melbourne Market, including upgrades that improve accessibility, safety, capacity and visitor experience.

Why it matters:
- South Melbourne Market is one of Melbourne's most significant community and visitor destinations.
- Investment will help ensure the Market remains accessible, safe and fit for purpose for future generations.
- Renewal of key infrastructure will support local businesses, visitors and the Market's ongoing role as a community hub.
What we are seeking:

Ongoing government support for artists, arts organisations, live music, festivals and cultural events that contribute to Port Phillip's creative identity.

Why it matters:
Port Phillip is home to one of Victoria's most significant creative and cultural communities.

Arts and cultural activity enriches community life and attracts visitors to our city.

A thriving creative sector supports local businesses, jobs and the visitor economy.

Continued investment helps maintain a vibrant, diverse and resilient creative community.

Other advocacy priorities

Council continues to advocate on a range of additional issues that are important to the Port Phillip community and will pursue opportunities for progress as they arise.

- Paid lifeguard provision
- Albert Park Lake health
- Port Development Strategy
- Data centres
- Waste service agreements
- Station Pier activation
- PCYC
- St Kilda Park Primary School Hall
- Online misinformation and councillor harassment

If you would like to discuss any of these issues or suggest new advocacy items, please reach out to your ward councillor. You can also check out Council's Community Advocacy Toolkit for tips and tricks on doing your own advocacy.

Community safety and social cohesion

Fishermans Bend

Improved sports and open space infrastructure

Coastal Health and Water Management in Port Phillip

Advocacy Items for Strategic Memberships

Current and Emerging Advocacy Priorities

Improved Public Transport Infrastructure and Services

What we are seeking

Why it matters

Active Transport Treatments

What we are seeking

Why it matters

Pedestrian safety

What we are seeking

Why it matters

Futureproofing South Melbourne Market

Support for Arts Organisations and Artists

Other advocacy priorities

Current focus areas

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