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Council meeting catchup - 19 November 2025
The 19 November 2025 Council Meeting was held at St Kilda Town Hall.
Items Actioned included:
- adopting the Don't Waste It! Waste and Recycling Strategy 2025-28
- endorsing the Council Committee Framework.
Council meeting agenda
The City of Port Phillip acknowledges the passing of Peter Goad. A longstanding citizen of Port Phillip, Peter was a metallurgist, editor, yachtsman and skier, and became an unlikely activist when they joined and later assumed leadership of Save Albert Park, the group which has fought the increasing encroachment on public land of the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Moved Crs Thomann/Halliday
That Council:
• Expresses its deep regret on the passing of Peter Goad.
• Offers its sincere condolences to their family
• Places on record its appreciation for their service to the City of Port Phillip.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
Mayor Makin recognised the City of Port Phillip as being the host of the 2026 Victorian Interfaith Network Conference. The Mayor had the pleasure of being invited to the Broadmeadows Town Hall in the City of Hume where they received the Message Stick in their capacity as Mayor on behalf of the City of Port Phillip in recognition of Port Phillip being the host of this invaluable conference in 2026.
The Mayor noted that the Interfaith Network has a proud history at the City of Port Phillip. The Mayor called on Councillor Thomann to say a few words:
Councillor Thomann shared the Mayor’s optimism and passion about the event returning to the City of Port Phillip. They noted that the Victorian Interfaith Networks Festival, delivered annually by the Faith Communities Council of Victoria, celebrates dialogue, diversity, and unity among faith communities across the state. Councillor Thomann noted that they were a Councillor and member of the Port Phillip Multifaith Network in 2011 when the Council hosted this event for the first time, and expressed pride in welcoming it back in 2026. Councillor Thomann highlighted that a key moment during their previous time on Council was being involved in the Multifaith Network and driving the first Iftar dinner in the City of Port Phillip, which was held discreetly against Council officers’ advice. Councillor Thomann stated that the Port Phillip Multifaith Network, established in 2002 in the spirit of peace and solidarity, now represents over 50 faith groups committed to inclusivity, spiritual wellbeing, and social justice. They commended the Network for doing a wonderful job of bringing diverse communities together.
The Mayor also called on Councillor Buckingham to say a few words:Councillor Buckingham thanked Mayor Makin for the opportunity to say a few words. They stated that it was a very exciting moment for the City of Port Phillip and acknowledged that the Mayor had travelled to the City of Hume to accept the ceremonial Message Stick on behalf of the City of Port Phillip. Councillor Buckingham acknowledged the members of the Interfaith Group who were present in the chamber and commended their tireless work on the Interfaith Network. They noted that the group volunteered their time and effort to promote conversations, safe spaces, and collaboration across the diversity of the City of Port Phillip.
Councillor Buckingham reflected that, as a new Councillor, members of the network had approached them over the past 12 months to stress the importance of this summit, which had been in planning for many years despite some hurdles along the way. They expressed their pleasure that the ceremonial stick had now been accepted and planning for the special summit in 2026 could begin. Councillor Buckingham stated that they saw this summit as an opportunity for Port Phillip to step up as a leader across the state in this field, welcoming people from all over Victoria and showcasing the city’s wonderful faith communities and work. They also noted that the summit would highlight the fabulous work of faith institutions and groups within the City of Port Phillip.
Councillor Buckingham believed the summit would take place in November 2026 and emphasised that the process over the next 12 months to ensure its success would be constructive for both the Council and the communities it serves. They concluded by expressing their eagerness to work with members of the Interfaith Network to make the summit a success.
A Petition containing 48 signatures, was received via OpenPetition.
Moved Cunsolo/Crawford
That Council receives and notes the petition and provides a response to a future Council meeting.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To provide Council with a regular update from the Chief Executive Officer regarding Council’s activities and performance.
Moved Crs Halliday/Thomann
That Council:
3.1 Notes the CEO Report – September 2025 Issue 122 – First Quarter Review (provided as Attachment 1).
3.2 Authorises the CEO or their delegate to make minor editorial amendments that do not substantially alter the content of the report.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To guide the ways Council will transform our waste services over the next three years.
MOVED Crs Hardy/Crawford
That Council:
3.1 Adopts the Don’t Waste It! Waste and Recycling Strategy 2025-28 as outlined in Attachment 2 and authorises the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate to make minor editorial changes that do not materially alter the content, to finalise the document for publication.
3.2 Notes the attached Phase Two Don’t Waste It! Strategy Consultation Summary as outlined in Attachment 1.
3.3 Notes Action 1.3 of the Strategy that includes transitioning houses and townhouses to fortnightly garbage commencing in financial year 2026-27.
3.4 Thanks residents and the community for their contributions to the development of the Strategy.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
This item was deferred to the 3 December Council meeting.
Mayor Makin adjourned the meeting for a break at 7:44 pm.
The meeting resumed at 7:53 pm.PURPOSE
1.1 The City of Port Phillip is reviewing its advisory committee model to ensure it continues to support inclusive engagement, good governance, and alignment with Council’s strategic priorities. With a new Council term and Plan in place, this review explores how committees operate, introduces a new committee framework, and compares two committee models to guide future engagement for Councillor consideration.Councillor Jay moved an amended motion to include additions to item 3.5 of the recommendation as indicated in bold:
3.5 Endorses Option 1: the continuation of the current community cohort committee model and re-establishment of the following committees in accordance with Council Committee Framework, and commences recruitment at the earliest opportunity:
- LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee
- Multicultural Advisory Committee
- Older Persons Advisory Committee
- Youth Advisory Committee; and
- The establishment of a Disability Advisory Committee and directs officers to undertake a review into the development of a Community Safety Committee, including mandate, membership, alignment with concurrent community safety work, and resource implications, and report back to council in the first quarter of 2026.The Motion LAPSED for want of a seconder.
MOVED Crs Crawford/Thomann
That Council:
3.1 Acknowledges and thanks all individuals who have contributed to Council’s advisory committees and subject reference groups for their time, expertise, and service.
3.2 Endorses the proposed Council Committee Framework, which provides guidance for the establishment, operation, and review of Council advisory committees and reference groups (attachment 1)
3.3 Authorises the CEO, or their delegate, to make non-material changes to the Council Committee Framework to ensure its suitability, depending on the option selection in item 3.5.
3.4 Endorses the continuation of the following Subject Reference Groups, including the renaming of select groups to align consistent naming conventions:
- Art Acquisition Reference Group (currently Reference Committee)
- Business Reference Group (currently Business Advisory Group)
- Cultural Heritage Reference Group (currently Reference Committee)
- Esplanade Market Reference Group (currently Reference Committee)
- Friends of Suai/ Covalima Community Reference Group (currently Reference Committee)
- Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship Reference Group (currently Reference Committee)3.5 Endorses Option 1: the continuation of the current community cohort committee model and re-establishment of the following committees in accordance with Council Committee Framework, and commences recruitment at the earliest opportunity:
- LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee
- Multicultural Advisory Committee
- Older Persons Advisory Committee
- Youth Advisory Committee; and
- The establishment of a Disability Advisory Committee3.6 Authorises the CEO or their delegate, to update names of committees, upon establishment, providing their purpose does not materially change from intended alignment with Council Strategic Priorities. Authorises the CEO to update any relevant strategies, policies, or plans to reflect the updated committee names, ensuring consistency across Council documentation.
3.7 Endorses the updated Terms of Reference corresponding to the committee model endorsed in item 3.5.
3.8 Requests that that all advisory committees and subject reference groups be adjusted, where practicable, to align with the Council Committee Framework Terms of Reference and updated Terms of Reference.
3.9 Remains committed to working with First Nations communities and traditional land-owner groups in the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Council as recommended in the CoPP Reconciliation Action Plan.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED.
FOR: Crs Makin, Thomann, Mears, Hardy, Crawford, Buckingham and Cunsolo
AGAINST: Crs Jay and HallidayPURPOSE
1.1 To report on the expenses incurred by Councillors during October 2025 in accordance with the Councillor Expenses and Support Policy.Moved Crs Thomann/Mears
That Council:
3.1 Notes the monthly Councillor expenses report for October 2025 (attachment 1) and that this will be made available on Council’s website.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 April and 30 June 2025 in accordance with chapter 6 of the City of Port Phillip Governance Rules.
Moved Crs Halliday/Crawford
That Council:
3.1 Receives and notes the Records of Informal Meetings of Council held from 1 April to 30 June 2025:
3.1.1 Records of Informal meetings of Council April 2025 (Attachment 1)
3.1.2 Records of Informal meetings of Council May 2025 (Attachment 2)
3.1.3 Records of Informal meetings of Council June 2025 (Attachment 3)A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To update the appointment of Councillor delegates to the CEO Employment Matters Committee following the Mayoral election.Moved Crs Cunsolo/Crawford
That Council:
3.1 Appoints the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Cr Halliday and Cr Crawford to the CEO Employment Matters Committee as per Table 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.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED.
FOR: Crs Makin, Thomann, Mears, Hardy, Crawford, Buckingham, Halliday and Cunsolo
AGAINST: Cr JayPURPOSE
1.1 To provide Council with an overview of the results of the first quarter 2025/26 Financial review including performance to budget (as required under Section 97 of the Local Government Act 2020) and seek approval for any unbudgeted items.Councillor Cunsolo declared a material conflict of interest in relation to this item and left the meeting at 8:28 pm.
Moved Crs Crawford/Mears
That Council:
3.1 Notes that full year cumulative cash surplus before the first quarter budget requests is $0.89 million which is $0.35 million more than budget of $0.54 million.
3.2 Notes attachment 1 – Financial Statements with accompanying explanatory notes.
3.3 Approves the following additional funding requests for 2025/26 (see attachment 2 –Budget Requests):
3.3.1 $45,000 for Ripponlea Place Plan technical background works including feature and level survey, preliminary tree and soil contamination assessments, community engagement and Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) approval fee.
3.3.2 $20,000 for Emerald Hill Masterplan Refresh technical investigation including feature and level survey, preliminary tree assessment and Traditional Owner engagement.
3.3.3 $35,000 for Sustainable Business Project and $45,000 for Sustainable Apartment Program to be funded through savings from Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Project.
3.4 Approves the following portfolio timing and budget updates which impact 2025/26 and future years (see attachment 2 – Budget Requests):
3.4.1 $845,000 additional for Burnett Gray Playspace Upgrade to include the expanded playspace upgrade. This is proposed to be funded by drawing down on Open Space Reserves and will be delivered in 2026/27.
3.4.2 $1.6 million additional for Beacon Cove Boat Landing Upgrade. While it is proposed to be funded from Council’s Asset Renewal Fund due to safety risks, operational disruptions and greater expenditure required for inspection and maintenance. Advocacy work will continue for external funding.
3.4.3 Updated delivery timelines for Woodruff Oval Renewal, with $50,000 brought forward from 2027/28 for early works and allow for feasibility investigations to commence in third quarter 2025/26.
3.5 Notes the following essential portfolio timing and budget updates which impact 2025/26 and future years (see attachment 2 – Budget Requests):
3.5.1 $382,000 additional expenditure for Alma Park Play Space Upgrade through reprioritised savings from St Vincent Garden's Playground Upgrade.
3.5.2 $78,000 for the Sandbar Power Upgrade to be funded through the Asset Renewal Reserve
3.5.3 $270,000 for North Port Oval Player’s Race Reconstruction to be funded through the Asset Renewal Reserve.
3.6 Approves the following items funded from the remaining $270,000 of the St Kilda Festival budget reduction agreed in Budget 2025/26:
3.6.1 $50,000 for public art in Port Melbourne & Balaclava in the event Council is successful in its grant application through the Business Victoria’s Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program.
3.6.2 $220,000 remaining for 2025/26 is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer for allocation using the allocation principles (as outlined in 4.2 of this report) and following consultation with the Mayor and Councillors.
3.7 Notes attachment 3 – Portfolio updates and achievements.
3.8 Notes in accordance with Section 97(3) of the Act, the Chief Executive Officer supported by the Chief Financial Officer, concludes that a revised budget for 2025/26 is not required.
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.
Councillor Cunsolo returned to the meeting at 8:32 pm.
PURPOSE
1.1 To make a recommendation on the selection of a successful respondent following the recent Expression of Interest (EOI) process for a new lease of 129 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park – specifically, to recommend to Council that it award a lease to Albert Park College for a lease up to 10 years contingent upon the tenant delivering a program of capital investment in the property.
Moved Crs Hardy/ThomannThat Council:
3.1 Thanks all respondents for their submissions and engagement in the Request for Expressions of Interest process for a new lease of 129 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park.
3.2 Advises Albert Park College that they have been selected as the preferred respondent.
3.3 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate, to enter a lease with the successful respondent, Albert Park College, on the following terms:
3.2.1 A lease of five (5) years with a five (5) year extension option (total of ten (10) years) conditional on satisfactory completion of a minimum $250,000 investment in improvement of the building.
3.3.2 An initial rent of $25,000 per annum + GST subject to annual CPI review.
3.3.3 A market rent review at the lease option (5th anniversary).
3.3.4 The tenant will be responsible for all outgoings.
3.2.5 The tenant will be responsible for delivering all works including any alternations to base building, and tenant “fit-out” works.
3.4 Notes that specific terms will address the final agreement of scope, approvals and delivery of improvement works to the property, and the management of risk through the project.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 For Council to consider whether part of the Government Road known as the Herbert / Montague Street intersection, along Kerferd Road, Albert Park, outlined in red on the aerial image below (“the Road”) should be discontinued pursuant to the Local Government Act 1989 (Vic) (“the Act”) and;
1.2 A request be made to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) for the reservation of that part of the Government Road for park / open space purposes and appoint Council as the Committee of Management.Moved Crs Mears/Hardy
That Council:
3.1 Having considered that there were no submissions received in response to the public notice regarding Council’s proposal to remove the Road known as KERR0140L and KERR0140R (also known as Herbert / Montage Street intersection (along Kerferd Road), Albert Park) from Council’s Register of Public Roads and discontinue the Road.
3.2 Resolves to discontinue the Road as it considers that the Road is not reasonably required for public use for the following reason:
3.2.1 The Herbert / Montague Street intersection is already temporarily closed to road users and the permanent discontinuance will not further impact on adjoining roads or users of the road.
3.3 Directs that a notice pursuant to clause 3 of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1989 is published in the Victorian Government Gazette;
3.4 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer or their delegate to negotiate, approve, and enter into such documentation to complete the discontinuance, and transfer of the Road as described;
3.5 Directs that the Chief Executive Officer or their delegate signs an authorisation allowing Council’s solicitors to execute transfer documents and any other documents required to be signed on Council’s behalf in connection with the transfer of the discontinued Road;
3.6 Directs that any easements, rights or interests required to be created or saved over the Road by any public authority be done so and not be affected by the discontinuance and sale of the Road;
3.7 Apply to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to:
3.7.1 Initiate the reservation of the Road and appoint Council as the Committee of Management; and
3.7.2 Issue a licence pursuant to the Land Act 1958 (Vic) (or as otherwise necessary) to enable Council to access the Road and perform any required works for the development of the reservation as a permanent open space / park, pending the reservation of the land and appointment of Council as Committee of Management, following formal gazettal of the proposed discontinuance.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To present the report of the Tender Evaluation Panel (the TEP) for RFT000345 Cleaning of Council Buildings and Public Amenities and to recommend awarding of contracts to G.J & K. Cleaning Services Pty. Limited (ABN 64 006 418 908).
Moved Crs Thomann/Halliday
That Council:
3.1 Notes that this tender is for the award of contracts related to the provision of scheduled cleaning of Council Buildings, Public Amenities, periodical cleans, and emergency call out cleans, as follows:
3.1.1 Contract A – Cleaning of Council Buildings, and
3.1.2 Contract B – Cleaning of Public Amenities.
3.2 Awards tender RFT000345 for both Parts A and B to G.J & K. Cleaning Services Pty. Limited for a period of five (5) years, in the amount of $14.3M including GST, comprised of:
3.2.1 Contract A: Council Buildings = $8.1M.
3.2.2 Contract B: Public Amenities = $6.2M.
3.3 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate, to execute the Contract Document on behalf of Council.
3.4 Notes that the contract includes contingency and other project/service costs as detailed in confidential Attachment 1.
3.5 Notes the financial savings achieved as a result of this tender are approximately $0.18M per annum and around $0.9M over the five-year term of the contract.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
PURPOSE
1.1 To present the reviewed Asset Management Policy (Attachment 1) to Council for formal endorsement.
Moved Crs Halliday/Thomann
That Council:
3.1 Adopts the Asset Management Policy at Attachment 1, which supports the Asset Plan required under Section 92 of the Local Government Act 2020 (Vic).
3.2 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate, to finalise the document and make any minor amendments that do not materially alter the intent of the policy.A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
Councillor Jay attended the Community Chest Awards at the Middle Park Bowls Clubs in South Melbourne. The Community Chest is an Opportunity Shop in South Melbourne and is a community organisation that uses their profit for purpose, they utilise peppercorn rent from the City of Port Phillip and donations from the community. This year they proudly raised approximately $73K which was then granted to 30 different community organisation in the value of approximately $4,100 each.
These included HeartSpace that replenish bee pollinated corridors and public gardens, First Step helping our locals out of addiction, Rawkus our local theatre. Some of the groups used the funds to create lunches for kids to ensure they are fed, the funds were also used to buy books for underprivileged school kids, and to also issue first aid courses to some play groups. Every cent was spent well to support the community.
Councillor Jay thanked Gary, Brenda and Anita who run a fantastic profit for purpose organisation within the community and who put together a great awards ceremony.
As there was no further business the meeting closed at 8:56 pm.
More information
To view the full agenda, upcoming or past Council meeting minutes and relevant attachments, visit our Meetings and Agendas - City of Port Phillip
Please note: The minutes of the Council meeting will be confirmed at the next meeting.