Port Phillip Pushes for Safer, More Inclusive Communities at MAV State Council

Published 4 June 2025

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Cr Buckingham and Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos

City of Port Phillip has taken a leading role in advocating for stronger community safety and social cohesion measures at the recent Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council, held on 16 May at Melbourne Town Hall.

Cr Libby Buckingham and Director of Governance and Performance, Robyn Borley represented City of Port Phillip at the conference, which brought together local government leaders from across Victoria to collaborate on shared priorities and shape the future of local government advocacy.

Port Phillip’s key contribution was a joint motion developed in partnership with the Cities of Stonnington, Bayside, Glen Eira, and supported by a similar submission from Yarra. It called for the Victorian Government to invest in place-based safety initiatives. The motion, titled “Fostering Safety and Social Cohesion”, was successfully carried and recognised as “Significant to Sector” by MAV delegates.

The motion calls on the State Government to:

Provide dedicated funding for evidence-based safety programs, including infrastructure upgrades, community events, and outreach services.
Support councils in co-designing local safety solutions with community groups and stakeholders.
Invest in statewide programs that address the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Expand mobile police resources and strengthen community-police partnerships.
Apply Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to enhance public spaces.
Increase police resourcing and support joint patrols with local law officers.

This motion reflects Council’s commitment to building safer, more inclusive communities through collaboration and innovation. Council is proud to work alongside our neighbouring councils to advocate for meaningful change.

The MAV State Council considered a record 65 motions this year, with other key advocacy themes including opposition to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, coastal erosion, addressing homelessness, and the financial sustainability of councils.

Port Phillip’s advocacy team will continue working closely with MAV and partner councils to progress these priorities and deliver tangible outcomes for the community.