Council meeting catchup - 22 April 2026

Key Decisions from the Council Meeting

• After considering all submissions and objections, and meeting the requirements of sections 163, 163A, 163B and 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act), Council declared the Port Melbourne Special Rate and Charge under section 163(1) of the Act. The purpose of this Special Rate is to support marketing, promotion and business development activities for the Port Melbourne Business Precinct.
• After considering all submissions and objections, and meeting the requirements of sections 163, 163A, 163B and 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act), Council declared the South Melbourne Special Rate and Charge under section 163(1) of the Act. The purpose of this Special Rate is to support marketing, promotion and business development activities for the South Melbourne Business Precinct.
• Council raised concerns about recent State Government planning changes that reduce local decision‑making and limit community input. Council reaffirmed its support for a fair and transparent planning system shaped by local knowledge, and asked the Mayor to write to the Minister for Planning to advocate for stronger local involvement. This includes calling for clearer planning rules on visitor parking and loading areas in high‑density developments, to better support residents, services, local businesses and emergency access, and reduce pressure on surrounding streets.
• Council acknowledged community concerns about unsafe and non‑compliant e‑bikes, e‑scooters and e‑motorbikes, including unsafe battery charging and storage—particularly in higher‑density housing—and dangerous riding behaviour. Council asked the CEO to advocate to the Victorian Government and relevant agencies for coordinated action to improve device and battery safety, strengthen compliance and enforcement, and increase education on road rules. The Mayor was also requested to write to the Victorian Minister for Public and Active Transport, and the Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, to highlight these concerns and call for coordinated action across all relevant agencies.