Advocacy submissions

Council highlighted the urgent need for more social and affordable housing in Port Phillip, where nearly 5% of residents live in social housing and over 1,000 face homelessness. This submission welcomed the Big Housing Build and proposed a formal partnership with the State Government to deliver well-designed, inclusive housing. It also stressed early planning, design excellence, and community engagement - principles guiding its upcoming Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy.

For more information, visit: Advocating for collaboration in public housing redevelopment - City of Port Phillip

City of Port Phillip proudly contributed to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Fraud and Corruption Control, showcasing its leadership in governance reform. On 28 July, Deputy Mayor Cr Bryan Mears and Director Robyn Borley presented Council’s submission, outlining key initiatives such as mandatory training, enhanced financial controls, and improved grant oversight. The submission also calls for sector-wide support, including funding, technology upgrades, and a standardised fraud control framework, reinforcing Council’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

City of Port Phillip has raised concerns about the proposed Grand Prix Bill 2025, citing limited consultation and potential impacts on community access to Albert Park Reserve. The extended race period could disrupt local sports clubs and restrict public use of the park. Council also seeks clarity on non-motor sport events and calls for increased funding to support environmental renewal and infrastructure upgrades. A partnership approach is recommended to manage impacts, ensure fair compensation, and enhance community benefits. Council remains committed to working with the AGPC and Victorian Government to deliver balanced outcomes.

For more information, visit: Our submission: Grand Prix Amendment Bill 2025 - City of Port Phillip

Council’s Advocacy team collaborated with local Members of Parliament who's electorates overlap with the City of Port Phillip to propose items for the 2025/26 Victorian State Budget. Notably, we worked on bids for:

• St Kilda Festival
• Electric Vehicle chargers at South Melbourne Market
• Acoustic Camera trial

Outcomes for our community through the Victorian Government’s budget included:

• Expansion of South Melbourne Primary School
• Upgrades to Luna Park
• $407 million for housing support programs
• $1.6 billion for justice and community safety initiatives, including crime prevention and reducing repeat offending

City of Port Phillip’s Advocacy team worked with the Federal Member of Parliament for Macnamara and Victorian Senators to present key priorities for the 2025/26 Federal Budget. Advocacy items included:

• Sandridge Precinct redevelopment
• Elwood Foreshore redevelopment
• Sport and recreation upgrades
• Community safety treatments

Federal budget outcomes for the Port Phillip community included:

• $31.4 million allocated for restoration of the Adass Israel Synagogue and community centre in Ripponlea

Some highlights for the broader local government sector funding included:

• $821 million for the Roads to Recovery Program in 2025–26, increasing to $1 billion annually by 2033–34
• $200 million+ for the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program
• $15 million for the Active Transport Fund
• $150 million for the Black Spots Program
• $50 million for the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program

In partnership with Glen Eira City Council, City of Port Phillip submitted a motion to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) 2025 National General Assembly, urging the Australian Government to strengthen and invest in community services that support safety and social cohesion. The motion was endorsed at the Assembly in June 2025. This aligns with Council’s ongoing advocacy through formal partnerships and memberships.

City of Port Phillip, with Stonnington, Bayside, and Glen Eira councils, led a successful motion at the MAV 2025 State Conference to strengthen advocacy for community safety. Approved on 16 May, the motion highlights effective collaboration and Council’s commitment to supporting safer, more cohesive communities.

City of Port Phillip’s submission to the Draft National Urban Policy calls for stronger collaboration across all levels of government to address urban growth challenges. It highlights the urgent need for infrastructure investment in areas like Fishermans Bend and identifies a $600 million local funding gap, urging evidence-based investment to support sustainable, liveable development. The submission calls for strengthened partnerships to support place-based outcomes.

City of Port Phillip has called for targeted investment in growth areas like Fishermans Bend, prioritising transport upgrades, affordable housing, climate resilience, and green spaces. The submission also advocates for streamlined infrastructure contributions and stronger cross-government collaboration to deliver sustainable outcomes.

In preparation for the Prahran By-Election on 8 February, Council’s Advocacy team make a submission of funding requests to candidates. A Priority Project Opportunities booklet was developed, highlighting key projects such as Children's Centre Infrastructure, St Kilda Primary School Hall/Community Hub, Community Safety, Active Transport and Pedestrian Safety, St Kilda Library Redevelopment, and Sustainability and Climate Action.

City of Port Phillip’s submission to the Victorian Multicultural Framework Review calls for stronger state guidance to promote diversity and cohesion. It highlights rising antisemitism, infrastructure needs for places of worship, support for migrants, and funding for interfaith networks. The submission urges funding eligibility for councils and community-led, place-based initiatives.

City of Port Phillip’s submission to the Inquiry advocates for a collaborative, community-led approach that preserves or increases social housing. It calls for design excellence, sustainability, and integration with local infrastructure, while warning against displacement without proper planning. The submission also urges stronger local government involvement and equitable housing standards.

In its submission to the Plan for Victoria, City of Port Phillip called for integrated planning across housing, transport, and jobs, alongside mandatory affordable housing and stronger climate resilience measures. It urged greater local government input, investment in public transport and open space, and reforms to address inner-city challenges, thus, reaffirming its commitment to working with the State Government for equitable, sustainable growth.

City of Port Phillip’s submission on the Proposed Circular Economy Regulations 2024 supports clearer enforcement, public education, and most service arrangements. It raises concerns about FOGO opt-outs, compostable liner exclusions, and accessibility. Council recommends a 2027 rollout for kerbside services where feasible, noting urban space constraints and financial challenges.

In its submission to the Draft 2055 Port Development Strategy, the City of Port Phillip supports port expansion while urging integrated planning with nearby urban areas like Fishermans Bend. It recommends improved rail freight, protected transport routes, and stronger environmental safeguards, while calling for transparent engagement and alignment with urban renewal to ensure inclusive, sustainable development.