Seeing double! City of Port Phillip finalists for Local Government Awards
The completed exterior of the Port Phillip EcoCentre
Port Phillip EcoCentre
Council has been recognised in the Award for Excellence: Community Assets and Infrastructure category for the redevelopment of the Port Phillip EcoCentre.
Delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government, the $6.7 million redevelopment has created a modern, environmentally sustainable community facility that sets a new benchmark for design and innovation. Achieving a 6-Star Green Star rating, the purpose-built EcoCentre showcases smart, future-focused infrastructure.
The building produces and stores more solar energy than it needs, demonstrating best practice in sustainable design. It also offers welcoming, accessible spaces for learning, collaboration and community activity, including Australia’s first Citizen Science Lab.
A key feature of the project was its strong focus on sustainability throughout construction, with 97 per cent of materials from the original building reused within the existing footprint. The result is a highly efficient, low-impact facility that supports both community connection and environmental leadership.
The Balaclava community turns out to have their say
Shaping Balaclava Together
Shaping Balaclava Together was acknowledged in the Community and Integrated Planning category for its innovative approach to community engagement.
Held in May 2025, the forum brought together more than 120 residents, community organisations, businesses and visitors to explore key local issues, share ideas and provide feedback through a series of hands-on, interactive stations.
Participants were able to engage with topics at their own pace, including land sales, streetscape improvements, urban greening, heritage redevelopment, safety and waste. It provided a safe and accessible environment to discuss key issues that are often polarising or emotive in the community.
As a first-of-its-kind engagement initiative, the event fostered constructive dialogue, strengthened collaboration across Council, and provided a transparent forum to address community concerns. The insights gathered have directly informed project priorities, ensuring local voices shape investment decisions and helping to establish a clear, community-led pathway for precinct revitalisation.