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- Council meeting catchup - 10 December 2025
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Council meeting catchup - 10 December 2025
The 10 December 2025 Council Meeting was held at St Kilda Town Hall.
Items actioned included:
- endorsing the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy
- endorsing the Community Safety Plan 2025-29
- authorising the CEO to commence the statutory process for a Local Law amendment to allow Authorised Council Officers to respond to behaviours in encampments that have or may have adverse amenity and welfare impacts, provided the conditions in the local law are met, and empowering Council’s Authorised Officers to remove encampment equipment.
Council meeting agenda
A Petition containing 34 signatures, was received local community members.
Moved Crs Halliday/Crawford
That Council:
1. Thanks, the petitioner for their petition.
2. Receives and notes the petition, with a formal response to be provided as part of the ‘Positive Ageing in the City of Port Phillip’ report scheduled for Council consideration in early 2026.
3. Notes that officers will advise the lead petitioner of the timeline for Council consideration once confirmed.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 For Council to endorse the:1.1.1 Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy (November 2025) and associated implementation plan.
1.1.2 Allocation of homelessness and housing project funding in 2025/26 and 2026/27.
Moved Crs Mears/Buckingham
That Council:
3.1
Thanks, all community members, organisations and other stakeholders who have contributed to engagement and provided feedback to inform the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy.
3.2
Adopts the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy (Attachment 1) and delegates to the Chief Executive Officer the ability to make amendments that do not materially alter the intent of the Strategy.
3.3
Endorses the Implementation Plan for the Strategy (Attachment 2).
3.4
Releases the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy Engagement Report (Attachment 3).
3.5
Thanks service providers who submitted further detail on initiatives that Council could make a financial contribution to that would make a contribution to addressing root causes of homelessness and affordable housing in Port Phillip.
3.6
Endorses the allocation of:
3.6.1
$150k in each of 2025/26 and 2026/27 to South Port Community Housing to target upstream homelessness and support priority cohorts (including youth, First Nations and those experiencing homelessness), reducing reliance on crisis accommodation and improving long-term stability.
3.6.2
$100k in each of 2025/26 and 2026/27 to South Side Justice for embedded lawyers to provide early intervention for private renters at risk of eviction, advocacy for housing rights, and capacity building for frontline workers.
3.6.3
$50k in 2025/26 for initial feasibility work of Council sites that could potentially be proposed for development of affordable housing by community housing providers, following an expression of interest process.AMENDMENT
Moved Crs Halliday/Crawford
That Council adds items 3.7 -3.10 to the recommendation:
3.7
Prioritise delivery of action 3.2 to identify Council land for partnerships with community housing providers, including development of an expression of interest (EOI) process for community housing providers to propose affordable and social housing projects in Port Phillip using Council land or facilities. Identified sites would be tested with Council and any EOI would be subject to a further Council decision,
3.8
Report back to Council on an outline of work seeking to understand the extent of non-hosted short-stay accommodation in Port Phillip and options for implementation of a revenue-positive fee, charge, or rates mechanism on non-hosted short-stay accommodation, seeking to ensure these do not displace long term residents and increase rents,
3.9
Report back to Council on options for changes to council’s developer contribution mechanism to:
3.9.1
Increase the open space levy to ensure equitable access to open space across the City of Port Phillip,
3.9.2
Implement a developer contribution to support council infrastructure costs, and
3.9.3
Implement an affordable housing levy on developments that don’t meet a minimum threshold of affordable or social housing, and
3.10
In addition to the action in the Housing Strategy to amend the Port Phillip Planning Scheme to set a voluntary target of 10% of new dwellings in future developments as affordable housing (pending Council approval), report back to Council on further mechanisms to increase delivery of affordable housing in Port Phillip, including mandatory and voluntary mechanisms.A vote was taken and the AMENDMENT was CARRIED unanimously.
The AMENDMENT became the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION.
A vote was taken and the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To outline the work undertaken in the development of the Community Safety Plan.
1.2 To present the Engagement Report for the final stage of feedback from the community.
1.3 To present the Community Safety Plan 2025-2029 for endorsement.Councillor Jay left the meeting at 8:45 pm and was not present for the vote.
Moved Crs Halliday/Thomann
That Council:
3.1 Thanks all community members, organisations and other stakeholders who have contributed to engagement and provided feedback to inform the Community Safety Plan.
3.2 Releases the Community Safety Engagement Report (Attachment 3).
3.3 Endorses the Feel Safe. Be Safe. Community Safety Plan 2025-2029 (Attachment 1) and authorise the Chief Executive Officer (or delegate) to make minor editorial amendments that do not materially alter the intent of the Plan.
3.4 Endorses the allocation of:
3.4.1 A further $60,000 in 2026/27 in addition to the $60K in 2025/26 already allocated to Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation to support delivery of targeted support and outreach to First Nations residents experiencing homelessness improving long-term health and housing outcomes and stability.
3.4.2 $181,000 per annum in 2025/26 and 2026/27 to Better Health Network to fund the Whole of Housing Pre-Housing Model AOD worker or nurse to provide health-led, trauma informed outreach to address complex needs and support those experiencing homelessness for housing.
3.4.3 $50,000 to fund implementation of the Community Safety Plan as determined through the Project Control Group with a focus on advancing priority projects.
3.5 Notes that officers will work with the Salvation Army in relation to the Access Health van outreach to explore opportunities for advocacy or consideration by Council through future reviews of service agreements and budget processes.AMENDMENT
Moved Crs Buckingham/Crawford
That Council adds part 3.6 to the recommendation:
3.6 Requests officers investigate how to improve reporting pathways and a streamlined contact point for residents and traders for community safety issues (that are not an emergency) in the City of Port Phillip. This investigation would explore how Council could provide advice to residents and support in the referral of issues to the relevant Council team, community service provider or government agency.A vote was taken and the AMENDMENT was CARRIED unanimously.
The AMENDMENT became the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION.
A vote was taken and the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
The Mayor adjourned the meeting for a break at 8:49 pm.
Councillor Jay returned to the meeting at 8:55 pm.
The meeting resumed at 8:55 pm.PURPOSE
1.1 To update Council on the outcome of community engagement on proposed amendments to the Community Amenity Local Law 2023 (Local Law), consider possible amendments to the Local Law and recommend endorsing an Operating Protocol with Victoria Police (VicPol).
Councillor Buckingham: The report states that it will cost $60k if either Option A or Option B is passed tonight. How much has Council spent in the last 12 months on investigating changes to our Local Law? Has Council costed implementation of these changes?
Nellie Montague, Manager Safety and Amenity advised that the $60k to be spent relates to the requirements for a comprehensive engagement plan including resourcing of things like neighbourhood pop-ups, the creation of a lengthy engagement report so that Councillors can understand feedback from the community, as well as legal costs associated with the certification that is required. In relation to the exact dollar figure spent in the last 12 months, the question was taken on notice.
Councillor Jay: There’s been a referral to the cost of implementing and potential changes at $50k. Can we get an understanding of how much these encampments are costing us in the form of Local Laws, cleaning, time, rapid response and what the financial cost is of managing these spaces currently?
Nellie Montague, Manager Safety and Amenity advised that the exact costs of current encampments is difficult to provide a single figure on as it covers a lot of areas of Council but took the question on notice to provide a more accurate figure.
The Mayor advised that the motion would be voted in three parts in line with clause 35.1 of Council’s Governance Rules.
Moved Crs Mears/Thomann
That Council:
Endorses Option B, which:
Part 1
3.2 Authorises the CEO to commence the statutory process for a Local Law amendment to add a new Part 4A Encampment Equipment on Council Land as per Attachment 3 allowing Council’s Authorised Officers to respond to behaviours in camps that have or may have adverse amenity and welfare impacts, provided the conditions in the local law (Attachment 3) are met and empowering Council’s Authorised Officers to remove encampment equipment.
3.3 Allocates $60,000 for communications, engagement, reporting, and legal review to fulfil the Local Government Act requirements for a new Local Law amendment.
A vote was taken and part 1 of the MOTION was CARRIED.
FOR: Crs Makin, Jay, Thomann, Mears, Hardy and Cunsolo
AGAINST: Crs Crawford, Buckingham and Halliday
Part 2
3.4 Authorises the CEO or delegate to renegotiate the Police Protocol (Attachment 1) so that it applies to Option B and requests that any renegotiated Protocol is brought to a future Council meeting for endorsement.
3.5 Authorises the CEO, or their delegate, to make minor amendments to Attachment 3 that does not materially alter the intent of the Local Law Amendment.
A vote was taken and part 2 of the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
Part 3
3.1 Thanks the community for their feedback during May and June 2025 on the proposed Local Law 'no-encampment designation' amendment.
A vote was taken and part 3 of the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
EXTENSION OF TIME
Moved Crs Cunsolo/Halliday
That Council in line with provision 10.2 of the Governance Rules extends the meeting on 10 December by 30 minutes (until 10:30 pm).
That Council in line with provision 10.2 of the Governance Rules extends the meeting on 10 December by an additional 30 minutes (until 11:00 pm).A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED.
PURPOSE
1.1 To delegate to the Chief Executive Officer (including the power to on delegate), the power to enable specific planning activities to be undertaken between the last Ordinary Council meeting being 10 December 2025 and the first Council meeting in February 2026.
Moved Crs Halliday/Cunsolo
That Council:
3.1 Delegates to the Chief Executive Officer (including the power to on delegate), effective for the period 10 December 2025 until the first sitting of the new Ordinary Council meeting in February 2026, the power to:
3.11 To instruct Council’s Statutory Planners and/or Council’s advocates in relation to any application lodged with VCAT under Part 4, Division 2 or 3 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
3.2 All determinations made during the period 10 December 2025 through the exercise of these delegations until the first sitting of the new Planning Committee will be reported to an Ordinary Council Meeting or Planning Committee before the end of March 2026.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED.
FOR: Crs Makin, Thomann, Mears, Hardy, Crawford, Buckingham, Halliday and Cunsolo
AGAINST: Cr Jay
PURPOSE
1.1 To commence the statutory process to introduce the South Melbourne Special Rate and Charge, for the 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031 period, for the purpose of marketing, tourism, promotion, business development and centre management of the South Melbourne Business Precinct.
Moved Crs Jay/Thomann
That Council:
3.1 Notes the letter received the Clarendon and Coventry Streets Business Association (CCSBA) requesting the implementation of the special rate and charge scheme (Scheme) for the South Melbourne Business Precinct (Precinct) (Attachment 1).
3.2 Having otherwise considered all relevant matters, commences the statutory process under the Local Government Act 1989 (Act) to implement the Scheme to and for the properties within the Precinct. The Scheme will -
(a) Be used for the purposes of defraying expenses for advertising, marketing, business development and centre management, associated with the encouragement of commerce, retail and professional activity and employment in the Precinct;
(b) provide collected funds to CCSBA, to be used solely for the purposes outlined above, subject to the approval, direction, and control of Council;
(c) raise up to $280,000 in the 2026–2027 financial year;
(d) be indexed for each subsequent year of the Scheme using the Consumer Price Index (All Groups, Melbourne Index Number) rate provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the 12-month period as at the March quarter (CPI), with a minimum increase of two percent and a maximum increase of four percent;
(e) operate for a five-year period, commencing 1 July 2026 and concluding 30 June 2031; and
(f) have a total maximum funding cap of $1,518,612.36 for the five-year period of the Scheme.3.3 In accordance with the Act, publish a Public Notice (Attachment 3) in The Age and on Council’s website, advising of Council’s intention to declare a special rate and charge. The notice will outline the objection process and provide a minimum of 28 days for any person liable for the special rate and charge to lodge an objection.
3.4 In accordance with the Act, send individual letters to all affected property owners and occupiers within the proposed South Melbourne Business Precinct boundary (Attachment 4), advising of the intention to declare the special rate and charge, the commencement of the statutory process including a copy of the Public Notice and an estimation of the special rate or special charge payable, based on FY2025-26 Net Annual Value (NAV) valuations that would be applied to the property.
3.5 Considers the proposed Scheme at two further Council Meetings in 2026:
(g) Following the objection period outlined in the Public Notice, review all written objections and submissions; and
(h) decide to declare the Scheme for 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031.3.6 Advises the CCSBA of the matters specified in this resolution.
3.7 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer or their delegate to –
(i) Make any minor amendments to the Public Notice that do not change the material intent of the that Public Notice to ensure legislative compliance;
(j) carry out any and all other administrative procedures necessary to enable Council to carry out its functions under section 163A and section 163(1A), (1B) and (1C) and sections 163B and 223 of the Act.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To commence the statutory process to implement the Port Melbourne Special Rate and Charge, for the 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031 period. The Special Rate and Charge is for marketing, tourism, promotion, business development and centre management of the Port Melbourne Business Precinct.
Moved Crs Cunsolo/Hardy
That Council:
3.1 Notes the letter received the Port Melbourne Business Association (PMBA) requesting the implementation of the special rate and charge scheme (Scheme) for the Port Melbourne Business Precinct (Precinct) (Attachment 1).
3.2 Having otherwise considered all relevant matters, commences the statutory process under the Local Government Act 1989 (Act) to implement the Scheme to, and for the properties within the Precinct. The Scheme will –
(a) Be used for the purposes of defraying expenses for advertising, marketing, business development and centre management, associated with the encouragement of commerce, retail and professional activity and employment in the Precinct;
(b) provide collected funds to PMBA, to be used solely for the purposes outlined above, subject to the approval, direction, and control of Council;
(c) raise a maximum amount of up to $320,000 per annum for a total of up to $1,600,000; and
(d) operate for a period of five years, commencing on 1 July 2026 and ending on 30 June 2031.
3.3 In accordance with the Act, publish a Public Notice (Attachment 3) in The Age and on Council’s website, advising of Council’s intention to declare a special rate and charge. The notice will outline the objection process and provide a minimum of 28 days for any person liable for the special rate and charge to lodge an objection.
3.4 In accordance with the Act, send individual letters to all affected property owners and occupiers within the proposed Port Melbourne Business Precinct boundary (Attachment 4), advising of the intention to declare the special rate and charge, the commencement of the statutory process including a copy of the Public Notice and an estimation of the special rate or special charge payable, based on FY2025-26 Net Annual Value (NAV) valuations that would be applied to the property.
3.5 Considers the proposed Scheme at two further Council Meetings in 2026:
(e) Following the objection period outlined in the Public Notice, review all written objections and submissions; and
(f) decide to declare the Scheme for 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031.
3.6 Advises the PMBA of the matters specified in this resolution.
3.7 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer or their delegate to –
(g) Make any minor amendments to the Public Notice (Attachment 3) that do not change the material intent of the that Public Notice to ensure legislative compliance.
(h) carry out all other administrative procedures necessary to enable Council to carry out its functions under section 163A and section 163(1A), (1B) and (1C) and sections 163B and 223 of the Act.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To outline options for the Port Melbourne Netball Infrastructure project based on recent feasibility investigations and seek Council approval for preferred next steps.
Moved Crs Cunsolo/Jay
That Council:
3.1 Notes that further feasibility studies were required for the Port Melbourne Netball Infrastructure project in response to significant infrastructure, financial and legal risks at Elder Smith Reserve arising from multiple high-pressure pipelines and underground assets, which require complex agreements and additional funding.
3.2 Endorses undertaking community engagement on Option 2: investigate delivery of the project at JL Murphy Reserve.
3.3 Notes that community engagement will commence in early 2026.
3.4 Notes further work in relation to flood and water retention management will be undertaken, particularly in the context of the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal project.
3.5 Notes an independent stage gate review will be undertaken following community consultation and flood / water retention management work being undertaken to help inform Council’s decision making on the most appropriate final pathway for this project.
3.6 Notes that once engagement outcomes are known, Council endorses a proposed way forward, and the design development process is progressed, if additional budget is required to deliver Council’s preferred option this will be considered at a quarterly budget review.
3.7 Notes that alternative uses at Elder Smith Reserve could be considered in future planning, including options such as dog off-leash areas, to offset potential loss of open space at JL Murphy Reserve.
3.8 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer (or their delegate) to formally advise the State Government of the proposed change in scope and negotiate associated grant funding variation requirements for Ministerial approval as required.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To present the:
1.1.1 St Kilda Esplanade Market Annual Report 2024-25 and customer survey report for Council to note.
1.1.2 Recommended panel members for the St Kilda Esplanade Market Reference Group 2026 -2028 for Council endorsement.
1.1.3 Updated St Kilda Esplanade Market Reference Group Terms of Reference for Council endorsement.Moved Crs Jay/Mears
That Council:
3.1 Receives the St Kilda Esplanade Market Annual Report as outlined in Attachment 1.
3.2 Receives the St Kilda Esplanade Market Customer Survey Report as outlined in Attachment 2.
3.3 Thanks members of the St Kilda Esplanade Market Reference Group for their service to the Market and the broader Port Phillip community.
3.4 Appoints members to the St Kilda Esplanade Market Reference Group as outlined in confidential Attachment 3.
3.5 Authorises the CEO (or delegate) to release from confidence the composition of the St Kilda Esplanade Market Reference Committee once all nominees have been advised of the outcome of the selection process.
3.6 Adopts the updated Terms of Reference for the St Kilda Esplanade Market Reference Group as outlined in Attachment 4.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To update appointments of Councillors to advisory committees, reference groups and external bodies.
Moved Crs Thomann/Hardy
That Council:
3.1 Appoints Councillor representatives to advisory committees, reference groups and external bodies as per Attachment 1, effective from the date of this resolution until the end of the Council Term (unless otherwise resolved by Council) and publishes the respective appointments to Council’s website.
3.2 Removes a Councillor delegate appointment to the Esplanade Market Reference Group
3.3 Appoints Councillor Hardy as the alternate Councillor delegate appointment to the Older Persons Advisory Committee (OPAC)A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 This report presents the quarterly Records of Informal Meetings of Councillors held between 1 July and 30 September 2025 in accordance with chapter 6 of the City of Port Phillip Governance Rules.Moved Crs Mears/Halliday
That Council:
3.1 Receives and notes the Records of Informal Meetings of Council held from 1 July to 30 September 2025:
3.1.1 Records of Informal meetings of Council July 2025 (Attachment 1)
3.1.2 Records of Informal meetings of Council August 2025 (Attachment 2)
3.1.3 Records of Informal meetings of Council September 2025 (Attachment 3)A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
Councillor Jay left the meeting at 10:20 pm and did not return for the remainder of the meeting.
PURPOSE
1.1 To provide an update on Council’s strategic and operating environment and to provide an overview of the assumptions and the parameters for the review of the Council Plan and development of the Budget 2026/27 and the Long-Term Financial Plan.
Moved Crs Halliday/Crawford
That Council:3.1 Notes the outcomes from a preliminary review of the operating environment and strategic risks (Attachment 1 – Section 2) highlights the increasing external pressures including climate change adaption, economic resilience, technology disruptions (opportunities and threats), rising community expectations and financial sustainability.
3.2 Notes our strategic response is to maintain current risk levels. This will require reprioritisation of resources, trade-offs in service delivery, and continuous monitoring and review.
3.3 Notes that the Victorian Government continues to set the rates cap on forecast inflation well below actual inflation to mitigate cost of living pressures while requiring Council to absorb this shortfall gap. Council has absorbed up to 9.20 per cent over the last five budget years.
3.4 Endorses NOT applying to the Essential Services Commission for a higher rate cap for 2026/27.
3.5 Notes the 10-Year Financial Outlook and key parameters (outlined in Attachment 1) and the existing financial strategy which will be reviewed as part of the development of Budget 2026/27.
3.6 Notes that without intervention, Officers project a cumulative financial deficit of $90 million (rates capping challenge) over ten years at existing service levels while maintaining our $3.7 billion of infrastructure and community assets and responding to population growth particularly in Fishermans Bend.
3.7 Notes that financial risks may further add to this financial deficit including uncertainty around projected inflation rates and future rates increase, growing difficulty in achieving 1% efficiency savings target and ongoing cost shifting from other levels of Government.
3.8 Notes that to address this projected deficit and provide capacity/contingency for unbudgeted service requests, the following parameters will be used to guide the development of the draft Budget 2026/27:
3.8.1 Organisational efficiency target of 0.7 per cent of operating expenditure (excluding depreciation).
3.8.2 Review the project portfolio to ensure deliverability and value for money.
3.8.3 Development of options to generate new or additional revenue stream.
3.8.4 A global user fee increase assumption of 3.00 per cent (inflation plus 0.25 per cent) with consideration of benchmarking, fee cost recovery and affordability for the community.
3.9 Delegates authority to the CEO, or their delegate, to reflect any changes made by Council at tonight’s meeting, and to make minor typographical corrections (including in any attachments to this report) before final publication.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To note the submission to the Draft Ministerial Guidelines for Councils relating to the payment of rates and charges.
Moved Crs Crawford/Thomann
That Council:
3.1 Notes the City of Port Phillip’s submission to the Draft Ministerial Guidelines for Councils relating to the payment of rates and charges (attachment 1).
3.2 Notes that Council updated its Financial Hardship Policy in September 2025.
3.3 Notes that the policy is broadly aligned with the draft ministerial guidelines, Council supports the Guidelines.
3.4 Recommends the Department of Government Services:
3.4.1 Adopt a consistent, sector-wide approach supported by standard templates and training materials. These resources would ensure knowledge can be easily shared and applied across the sector.
3.4.2 Make it easier for those needing support the most. For example, the Victorian Government Utilities Relief Hardship Scheme provides a grant to help with overdue electricity, gas and water bills. Port Phillip Council recognises eligible applicants automatically without requiring duplicate applications, reducing administrative burden and improving access.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
Moved Crs Halliday/Mears
That Council:-
Request the Mayor of the City of Port Phillip write to the Mayor of the City of Yarra confirming Council’s support for their advocacy campaign to extend the Route 78 Tram, including, that the Mayor of Port Phillip offer to be a co-signatory or provide a formal signature of support on any correspondence from the City of Yarra to the State Government regarding this matter.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
Moved Crs Thomann/Cunsolo
That Council resolves to move into confidential to deal with the following matters pursuant to section 66(2) of the Local Government Act 2020:
17.1 The Avenue Childcare Centre - Appointment of Builder
3(1)(a) Council business information, being information that would prejudice the Council's position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released
3(1)(f) personal information, being information which if released would result in the unreasonable disclosure of information about any person or their personal affairs
3(1)(g(i)) private commercial information, being information provided by a business, commercial or financial undertaking that relates to trade secrets
3(1)(g(ii)) private commercial information, being information provided by a business, commercial or financial undertaking that if released, would unreasonably expose the business, commercial or financial undertaking to disadvantage.
Reason: Contains commercial information that may unfairly advantage competing tenderers. Names the members of the Tender Evaluation Panel. Contains information, the disclosure of which would compromise Council's commercial position with respect to the procurement of works for the subject childcare centre, and other early childhood education and care centres.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
The meeting closed to members of the public at 10:26 pm
The meeting reopened to members of the public at 10:40 pm
As there was no further business the meeting closed at 10:40 pm.
More information
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