Advocacy submissions
How Council uses submissions to influence change
Policy and budget submissions are a key advocacy tool used by Council to influence decisions made by the Victorian and Australian Governments, as well as other relevant institutions. These submissions present evidence, community priorities, and practical recommendations to help shape policies, programs, and funding decisions that impact the local area.
Why submissions matter
Influencing policy and investment
Attracting support for local projects
Representing community needs
Types of submissions Council makes
Submissions are made in response to:
- State and federal budget processes
- Public consultations and policy reviews
- Parliamentary inquiries
- Legislative reform proposals
- Topics commonly addressed include transport, housing, climate action, community wellbeing, arts and culture, and local government reform.
Recent submissions
Here are some of the submissions Council has made recently:
Council's submissions in 2025/26
- City of Port Phillip’s submission to the Electric Line Clearance Regulations Review emphasises the need to better balance electricity safety with the protection of urban trees, which are critical for cooling cities, supporting biodiversity and improving community wellbeing.Council raises concern that the proposed reforms do not go far enough to support canopy growth or address climate change impacts, particularly in dense urban areas where space is limited and many trees sit near powerlines. The submission calls for greater investment in network upgrades such as insulated or underground powerlines, improved data sharing, and clearer, more consistent trial processes to reduce tree pruning. Council also highlights the financial and administrative burden placed on local government and advocates for stronger policies that support both safe infrastructure and the expansion of urban tree canopy.
For more information, visit Council is advocating for safer powerlines and greener, cooler streets
- The City of Port Phillip’s submission to the Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability highlights growing financial pressures on councils and the need for long‑term reform. It explains that councils are taking on more responsibilities, but funding has not kept pace due to rate capping, rising costs and reduced contributions from state and federal governments. This has created a gap between what councils are expected to deliver and the money available, with Port Phillip alone experiencing a significant revenue shortfall. The submission calls for increased federal funding, fairer rate‑setting based on real costs, clearer assessment of how new policies impact councils, and stronger shared funding arrangements. It also emphasises the need for coordinated investment to manage climate change risks, particularly for coastal infrastructure, to ensure councils can continue providing essential services and supporting resilient communities.
- City of Port Phillip’s submission to the Fair Work Commission raises concerns about a proposed rule that would require councils to pass on rising fuel costs in transport contracts. Council explains that this could increase costs, create extra administration, and lead to more disputes, while also clashing with existing contracts and how councils normally manage risk.The submission highlights that councils already operate under tight budgets due to rate caps and growing costs, and that the proposed fuel price trigger does not reflect unusual price spikes. Council supports a more flexible, shared‑risk approach, warning that the current proposal would place too much financial pressure on councils and the communities they serve.
City of Port Phillip made seven submissions to the Municipal Association of Victoria's 2026 State Conference. They include a focus on strengthening community wellbeing, infrastructure and safety through greater state government support. Key priorities include:
- Strengthening council-led social cohesion initiatives
- Statewide multi-year beach renourishment program
- Improving bus service frequencies in Victoria
- Protecting Local Law officers as authorised workers
- Legislation and funding to the EPA to support acoustic cameras to mitigate hooning
- Statewide active & accessible transport acceleration
- Strengthened homelessness responses, social housing access, and rental stability
These motions were considered and endorsed at the 18 March 2026 Council Meeting.
- The City of Port Phillip has submitted the following motions to the 2026 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly, calling on the federal government to support:
- A dedicated federal funding program for open space and community infrastructure
- A national partnership with local government to prevent and reduce homelessness
- Strengthening national social cohesion and responses to antisemitism and all forms of racism
- A national “Better Cities” style investment partnership for equitable, transit-oriented urban renewal
These motions were considered and endorsed at the 18 February 2026 Council meeting.
- City of Port Phillip’s submission supports the Draft Ministerial Guidelines on the payment of rates and charges, highlighting their role in helping councils respond to financial hardship in a fair and compassionate way.Council notes that its own Financial Hardship Policy is already closely aligned with the guidelines and includes measures such as extra pensioner rebates, flexible payment plans, referrals to support services and fee waivers. The submission also calls for practical tools like shared templates and training to help councils apply the guidelines consistently, and supports reducing barriers for people in hardship by simplifying processes and automatically recognising eligibility for existing support programs.
- City of Port Phillip’s submission on proposed waterway rule changes at St Kilda Pier supports aligning the no‑boating zone with the new pier design to improve safety for swimmers and other water users. Council agrees the changes will help reduce risks in the water and also calls for stronger measures, including extending exclusion zones for personal watercraft (such as jet skis) along local beaches. The submission highlights ongoing safety concerns despite previous efforts and advocates for clearer rules, improved enforcement and further reforms to better separate powered watercraft from swimmers. Council also expresses its willingness to work with state agencies to enhance safety across Port Phillip Bay.For more information, visit - Council advocating to hit the brakes on Jet Skis around St Kilda Pier
- City of Port Phillip’s submission highlights strong support for EV uptake alongside the unique challenges of a dense inner‑city area with limited off‑street parking. Council called for coordinated action between government, utilities and industry to deliver accessible charging infrastructure, including kerbside, pole-mounted and fast chargers, while promoting off‑peak charging through smart technology. The submission also emphasises the need for grid upgrades, planning reform, funding support and improved access for apartment residents, renters and businesses. While recognising EVs as important to reducing emissions, Council notes they must sit within a broader approach that also invests in public and active transport.
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 2026/27 Victorian State Budget. Notably, we worked on bids for:
- Community safety treatments, including improved CCTV, increased police resourcing and graffiti mitigation and removal funding.
- Acoustic camera trial in Port Phillip.
- Improved resourcing to social housing and wrap around services.
- Investment in Fishermans Bend, including the delivery of a tram and community infrastructure to support growth.
- Coastal health and water improvement to renew and protect our beaches.
- Albert Park facilities upgrades.
- Funding for St Kilda Festival and St Kilda Film Festival.
- Station Pier Linear Park Upgrades.
City of Port Phillip’s motions for the MAV October 2025 State Conference focus on improving key systems that support strong, sustainable communities. Motions include
- A transport plan for Victoria
- Improving acute mental health response programs
- Improving the Planning Scheme Amendments approvals process
- Support for local initiatives to accelerate climate action
- Protecting and expanding urban tree canopy through planning and vegetation management reform
These motions were considered and endorsed by Council at the 6 August 2025 council meeting.
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
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.
Council's submissions in 2024/25
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.
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
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City of Port Phillip engages regularly with community on a range of policies and initiatives. To have your say on Port Phillip’s future, visit Have Your Say Port Phillip