Strategies, policies and plans
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Who we are
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| Council Plan | The Council Plan sets out what we want to achieve for the City of Port Phillip by 2027, and how we will support the current and future health and wellbeing of the City and our people. | Annual editions | July 2027 |
| Health and Wellbeing Strategy (PDF 2.7 MB) | The Health and Wellbeing Implementation Strategy (HWIS) forms the legislative requirement for a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, together with the integrated Council Plan 2017-2027. It provides guidance and accountability for the delivery of a range of initiatives. | 2020 | TBC next review |
Arts and heritage
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
Art and Soul - Creative and Prosperous City Strategy 2018-22 (PDF 1.7 MB) Art and Soul - Creative and Prosperous City Strategy 2018-22 (DOCX 0.9 MB) | Art and Soul Strategy deliver programs, services and spaces and promote community participation and engagement in arts, culture and heritage; provide funding support for artists and cultural organisations; manage and develop the Port Phillip City Collection; plan, develop and support new and existing creative industries. | 2022 | 2022 |
| Heritage Recognition Program Guidelines (DOCX 57 KB) | Provides a coordinated approach to identifying, marking and linking places of historical or cultural interest and significance across the City of Port Phillip. They provide a strategy and criteria for the nomination, selection and installation of heritage recognition markers. | 2020 | 2022 |
| Monuments and Memorials Guidelines (PDF 548 KB) | To inform the administration, assessment and development of Council’s memorials and monuments collection, including collection management and asset management procedures that apply to the maintenance of Council-owned objects. | TBC next review | 2022 |
| The guiding document for collection management and key decision-making relating to the Collection, outlining the requirements around collection development through acquisition, documentation, conservation and access. | 2021 | 2022 | |
| Public Art Guidelines 2017 (DOCX 34 KB) | Outlines the principles and objectives to further develop public art and integrate it into Council’s public realm planning, and in programs that support arts and cultural activity. It maps a direction for the development of public art in the City of Port Phillip within the context of Council’s existing policies and plans. | 2021 | TBC next review |
Council assets
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| Asset Management Policy 2018-21 (PDF 1.4 MB) | Council is the custodians of $3.0 billion worth of assets that enable Council to provide the services that our community value. This strategy covers the management of these assets, including buildings, Council-owned land, roads, footpaths, drainage pipe and pits, art, library books and other assets. | 2020 | TBC next review |
| Catering Policy (DOCX 281 KB) | The purpose of this policy is to provide the framework for the provision of catering at the City of Port Phillip that delivers the best value and is defensible to our community | 2025 | TBC next review |
| CCTV in Council Buildings Policy (PDF 401 KB) | The purpose of this Policy is to regulate the use and operation of CCTV equipment in Council occupied buildings and by tenants of buildings owned managed or leased by Council. | 2021 | TBC next review |
| CCTV in Council Buildings Operational Procedure (PDF 786 KB) | The purpose of this procedure is to implement the CCTV Buildings Policy. Ensuring that regulates the use and operation of CCTV equipment in Council occupied buildings and by tenants of buildings owned managed or leased by Council. | 2021 | TBC next review |
Community Facility Access and Allocation Policy 2015 (PDF 36 KB) | The Community Facility Access and Allocation Policy has been developed to ensure fair, appropriate and equitable allocation of Council owned or managed community centres for activities of the community. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
| Discontinuance and Sale of Roads Policy 2011 (PDF 74 KB) | This policy sets out the conditions and principles under which a road may be discontinued and the land sold. | 2021 | TBC next review |
| Property Policy (PDF 579 KB) | The purpose of this Policy is to provide a sustainable framework for the management of the property portfolio into the future, taking into account changes occurring within the portfolio and the Port Phillip landscape. | 2020 | TBC next review |
| Road Management Plan 2017 (DOCX 1.4 MB) | This Road Management Plan is a plan for road management in the City of Port Phillip. The Plan outlines Council’s road management responsibilities, lists the road assets and details the standards of service, maintenance and construction for roads within the City. | 2020 | 2020 |
| Road and Lane Naming Guidelines 2005 (DOC 81 KB) | The Local Government Act 1989, confers on Council the authority to name or re-name roads or lanes. When naming or re-naming roads or lanes, the Council must also abide by the guidelines set out in the Geographic Place Names Act 1998. | 2020 | TBC next review |
| Town Hall Hire Policy (PDF 13 KB) | The purpose of the Town Hall Hire Policy is to clarify the priority of access to the St Kilda, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne Town Halls in their capacity as venues for hire and to ensure that all hirers comply with associated legal and council requirements. The intent of this policy is to reinforce the civic and community focus of Council’s town halls and associated meeting rooms. | 2020 | TBC next review |
Councillors
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| The Councillor Code of Conduct 2017 Agreement signed by the successful Council candidates from the 2017 election. | 2020 | 2024 | |
| Councillor Gift and Hospitality Policy 2016 (PDF 112 KB) | Councillors are required to act impartially and with integrity and avoid conflicts of interest in the performance of their duties as a Councillor. This policy establishes guidelines to help Councillors comply with the conflict of interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1989 where they are offered gifts or hospitality. | 2020 | TBC next review |
| Interim Councillor Support and Expense Reimbursement Policy 2020 (PDF 1.1 MB) | The Purpose of this policy is to outline the provision of facilities, resources and reimbursement of reasonable expenses for the Mayor and Councillors. | 2020 | TBC next review |
| Election Period Policy 2019-23 (PDF 460 KB) | Council staff and Councillors must observe specific legislative and governance requirements during the period leading up to an election. | 2023 | 2023 |
Events and activities
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| Commercial Recreation Policy 2019 (PDF 666 KB) | Provides a framework for the City of Port Phillip to manage the provision of Commercial ross the municipality and support a range of recreation opportunities that reflect the cities diverse community. | 2024 | 2025 |
| Events Strategy 2018-22 (PDF 2.6 MB) | The City of Port Phillip aims to plan, attract and direct events to ensure our city is welcoming, healthy, safe and vibrant for all. It is commonly recognised and accepted that events bring a wealth of benefits to a community, from the health and wellbeing of residents through to economic development for local businesses, cultural vibrancy and social engagement. | 2020 | 2022 |
| Activating Laneway Strategy | The objectives of the strategy are to recognise the role and character of the City of Port Phillip laneways and little streets in creating a fine grain public realm. To maintain and enhance existing laneways, facilitate and create opportunities for activation in designated laneways, improve the walkability and permeability of the public realm. | 2021 | 2021 |
| Outdoor Events Policy 2017-22 (PDF 174 KB) | The policy applies to all outdoor events, promotions and markets on Council managed public space within the municipality. Including (but not limited to) events that are run by private organisations, businesses, schools, special interest groups or community groups. | 2022 | 2022 |
| Placemaking Action Plan 2018-21 | The plan for reactivating areas of Port Phillip. | 2021 | 2021 |
| St Kilda Festival Operational Plan 2019-21 (PDF 1.3 MB) | To promote Australian music, the local music scene and support Australian musicians and artists through a premier event that provides opportunities for musicians and artists to reach new audiences. To provide a large scale outdoor celebration that welcomes encourages and engages the community with access to a broad variety of music and culture while contributing to economic development and tourism in St Kilda. Adopted 15 August 2018. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
| St Kilda Festival Sponsorship Policy 2018 (PDF 218 KB) | Sets out the principles and approach which guide the City of Port Phillip’s management of sponsorship arrangements with the aim of protecting and promoting the best interests of the Festival, its program, its partners and the City of Port Phillip. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
| Sport and Recreation Strategy 2015-24 (PDF 3 MB) | Council strategy in facilitating sport and recreation opportunities within Port Phillip over the next ten years, through engaging and supporting our local community. | 2024 | 2023 |
Families, youth and children
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| The purpose of this policy outlines the City of Port Phillip’s strong commitment to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people and provides procedures to manage their safety. Statement of commitment to child safety - the City of Port Phillip has zero-tolerance for child abuse. | 2020 | TBC next review | |
Child Safe Standards Incident or Disclosure Report Form 2018 (DOCX 61 KB) | Council’s Child Safe Standards incident and disclosure reporting forms for responding to and reporting any allegations or suspicions of child sexual abuse. This document should be read in conjunction with the City of Port Phillip’s Child Safe policy. | 2020 | TBC next review |
| This policy describes Council’s role in children’s services and what we will do to support the wellbeing and development of children and families in our community. The City of Port Phillip has developed the Children’s Services Policy to guide how we support, deliver and invest in children’s services. | 2021 | 2024 | |
| Family Youth and Children Strategy 2014-19 (PDF 538 KB) | The Family, Youth and Children strategy is the key document that will guide the delivery of this vision for families, young people and children. We will do this by ensuring quality and accessible family, youth and children’s services that meet the needs of the community. | 2020 | 2019 |
| Interim Childcare Policy 2018/19 (DOCX 151 KB) | The purpose of this policy is to provide council and community childcare centres with certainty over the approach to quality of care in childcare centres, and funding and managing of infrastructure. | 2021 | 2021 |
| Middle Years Commitment Action Plan 2014-19 | The plan to carry out the vision for the City of Port Phillip being an engaged, healthy, resilient and vibrant city for young people. | 2020 | 2019 |
| Youth Commitment 2014-19 | The City of Port Phillip’s vision is that all young people are Happy, Healthy and Heard. To ensure that we realise this vision, Council has made a series of Commitments to young people which are outlined in the City of Port Phillip Happy, Healthy and Heard: Youth Commitment 2014-19. | 2020 | 2019 |
Funding and relief
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| Code of Conduct for contractors 2017 (PDF 289 KB) | Code of conduct for contractors and to be used for the procurement process. | 2020 | TBC next review |
Establishes guiding principles and a framework for the delivery of grants, subsidies, donations and funding agreements to community organisations. | 2020 | 2023 | |
Emergency Relief Implementation Policy and Procedures (PDF 513 KB) | At a special meeting of Council on 25 March 2020, Council confirmed our commitment to provide transparent, effective, efficient and affordable support to our community and economy, to enhance resilience to and recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. | 2021 | 2024 |
| Business Parklet Program Guideline 2020 (PDF 1.4 MB) | A Parklet is the temporary use of parking space/s to extend public open spaces in activity centres, neighbourhoods and high streets across the municipality, with the intention to provide a safe place for congregation, accessible public seating, street greening and additional footpath space. | 2021 | 2021 |
Local laws and animals
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-21 (PDF 2.7 MB) | The City of Port Phillip Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) has been developed to adhere to the State Government requirement that all Councils have a DAMP in place. Which aims to provide harmonious and responsible pet ownership across the City of Port Phillip. | 2020 | 2021 |
| Footpath Trading Guidelines (PDF 4.1 MB) | Footpath trading involves the use of our public footpaths for commercial purposes. The footpath is the area between the property boundary and the kerb of a road that is provided for use by pedestrians. Footpath trading permits are required for all footpath use. The Footpath Trading Guidelines have been in place since 2010, with updates adopted in 2013 and 2017. These Guidelines were designed to balance the many competing uses of our footpaths, including pedestrian accessibility and safety, footpath dining, business trading and achieve a prosperous local economy. The Guidelines provide specific standards for pedestrian zone widths, curb zone widths, outdoor furniture, heaters, awnings and footpath signage, and aims to achieve the intent of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). | 2020 | 2024 |
| Footpath Trading Fees 2019/20 and Policy (PDF 161 KB) | On 1 July 2019, a new fee structure was introduced, with tailored rates for different areas. The use of public land for outdoor dining is charged at a rate of 20 per cent of the average retail rents of each area. The rate is 30 per cent for businesses that have glass screens. The data that informs these rates is collected annually. | 2020 | 2020 |
| Local Law Protocol and Procedure Manual 2016 (PDF 299 KB) | Protocols and procedures and conditions that are applicable under the City of Port Phillip Local Law No.1 (Community Amenity) (the Local Law). | 2020 | 2024 |
| Port Phillip Local Law No.1 (Community Amenity) 2018 (PDF 416 KB) | The purpose of this Local Law is to provide for the peace, order and good governance of the City of Port Phillip in a way that is complementary to Council’s Council Plan. | 2024 | 2024 |
Our community
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statement of Commitment | Council's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statement of Commitment. | 2022 | 2022 |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Strategy 2014-17 (PDF 1.8 MB) | The strategy is an outcome of Action 13 from the City of Port Phillip’s Reconciliation Action Plan. It aims to ensure resources are available for the annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts calendar. | 2020 | TBC next review |
Access and Inclusion Plan 2019-21 (PDF 2 MB) Access and Inclusion Plan 2019-21 (DOCX 2.9 MB) Access and Inclusion Plan 2019-21 - easy English (PDF 0.9 MB) | The Accessibility Plan and Actions for 2019-21. That will be measured and reported on. | 2020 | 2021 |
Friends of Suai Strategic Plan 2010-20 | The City of Port Phillip is proud to have been the first Australian local government to sign a statement of friendship with East Timor. Through Friends of Suai, a community task force have given time, goods, money, skills and friendship to our near neighbours in Suai and Covalima. A new strategy has been endorsed and will be available soon. | 2020 | 2020 |
| Homelessness is recognised as a major issue for our community and seeks to address its impact across a range of approaches that incorporate housing, information and support. | 2020 | 2020 | |
| Affordable Housing Strategy 2007 (PDF 1.8 MB) | The Housing Strategy sets out a broad vision and makes recommendations for housing and residential development in Port Phillip. | 2020 | TBC next review |
| In Our Backyard - Growing Affordable Housing in Port Phillip 2015-25 (PDF 1.8 MB) | Council strategic framework to guide initiatives that aim to increase the supply of socially affordable housing through direct investment, project facilitation, partnerships with social housing organisations and the Victorian Planning System. | 2021 | 2025 |
Protocol For Assisting People Who Sleep Rough 2018 (PDF 99 KB) | The Protocol applies to public places such as parks, open spaces and community facilities, which are accessible to the public and which are Council owned, controlled or managed. | 2021 | TBC next review |
The City of Port Phillip is committed to achieving Currently under review. | 2020 | TBC next review | |
| Social Justice Charter 2013 | The City of Port Phillip Social Justice Charter seeks to make sure that the rights of all people in our community are considered in a fair and equal way. | 2020 | TBC next review |
Parks and open spaces
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| Commercial Recreation Policy 2019 (PDF 666 KB) | Provides a framework for the City of Port Phillip to manage the provision of Commercial Recreation activities across the municipality and support a range of recreation opportunities that reflect the cities diverse community. | 2024 | 2025 |
| Elster Creek Flood Management Plan | This Flood Management Plan (the Plan) is a continuation of the Elster Creek Action Plan 2018 and looks to establish a long-term coordinated approach to flooding in the Elster Creek Catchment. | 2022 | 2024 |
Elwood Foreshore and Recreation Reserves Management Plan 2005 (PDF 5 MB) | The City of Port Phillip is the delegated manager for the Foreshore Reserves under the provisions of the Crown Land Reserve Act 1978. The City continues to manage this important resource on behalf of its residents and all Victorians. The Plan provides guidelines to implement the Foreshore and Hinterland Vegetation Management Plan. | 2020 | 2020 |
| Foreshore and Hinterland Vegetation Management Plan 2015 (PDF 15.7 MB) | Plans to maintain and upgrade the foreshore including vegetation projects and maritime infrastructure renewals. | 2020 | 2025 |
| Foreshore Management Plan 2012 (PDF 6.1 MB) | Provides guidance for the future use, development and management of the Port Phillip foreshore. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
| Nature Strip Guidelines 2013 (PDF 1.9 MB) | Nature strip guidelines are the City of Port Phillip stipulations to support residents in greening the local area and keeping within a checklist of guidelines. | 2021 | 2021 |
| Open Space Strategy 2009 (PDF 670 KB) | The Open Space Strategy 2009, the principles of the Open Space Framework inform the Open Space Strategy and are intended to guide future decisions taken by Council in regard to the supply and management of public open space. | November 2015 | TBC next review |
| Playspace Strategy 2011 (PDF 3.5 MB) | The Playspace Strategy sets the vision, policy context and framework for the future development of play spaces in the City of Port Phillip and prioritises future play space works. | 2020 | 2020 |
| Open Space Water Management Plan 2011 (PDF 2.9 MB) | This report provides guidance on alternative water source options which may be suitable for parks and open space within the municipality, including rainwater harvesting, stormwater harvesting, groundwater extraction and sewer mining. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
| Port Melbourne Waterfront Urban Design Framework | The public realm proposal for Waterfront Place recognises the important arrival function of the precinct. It also acknowledges the significant traffic function that the precinct performs and describes a more coherent and integrated multi-functional landscape for space. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
| Public Lighting Policy 2004 (PDF 14 KB) | This report provides guidance on alternative water source options which may be suitable for parks and open space within the municipality, including rainwater harvesting, stormwater harvesting, groundwater extraction and sewer mining. | 2021 | TBC next review |
| St Kilda Botanical Gardens Directions Plan 2009 (PDF 6.7 MB) | The basis of the Botanic Gardens is the plant collection. The four roles of the botanic garden are scientific, conservation, education and recreation, which depend on the plant collections, other than the recreation component. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
| Sport and Recreation Strategy 2015-24 (PDF 2.9 MB) | Council strategy in facilitating sport and recreation opportunities within Port Phillip over the next ten years, through engaging and supporting our local community. | 2024 | 2023 |
Payments, privacy and risk
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| Payment Card Policy 2019-23 (PDF 565 KB) | This document and additional supporting documents represent the City of Port Phillip’s policy to prevent loss or disclosure of sensitive customer information, specifically payment card data. | 2020 | 2023 |
| Rating Strategy 2018 | Council rates are the contribution that ratepayers make towards the community services and community infrastructure that councils deliver. Rates are a form of property tax, with each ratepayer contributing based on the value of the property they own. It is intended that the rates contribution made by each ratepayer represents a fair measure of the benefit received by each property and reflects the capacity of the property owner to pay for a share of Council’s costs. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
| Risk Management Policy 2017-19 (DOCX 199 KB) | This policy sets out the key requirements, roles and responsibilities in relation to risk management at the City of Port Phillip. It is designed to embed an advanced risk management culture. Itis incumbent on Council to understand and manage the strategic, operational and project risks and opportunities it faces to enable it to make informed decisions and meet its responsibilities, council priorities and community expectations. | 2020 | 2020 |
Planning and building
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
Industry and Business Strategy 2003 | The Port Philip industry and business strategy addressing precinct and use of industrial land. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
| An incorporated document to the Port Phillip Planning Scheme that supports heritage decisions. | As required | As required | |
Documentation submitted by the City of Port Phillip Planning Scheme. This is supported by the planning scheme incorporated and background documents. | As required | As required |
South Melbourne Market
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| South Melbourne Market EOI and new licence Policy | Policy for South Melbourne Market applicants to apply for Expression of Interest for a new licence. | 2020 | TBC next review |
| South Melbourne Market Licence Policy 2011 | Policy for South Melbourne Market for a licence. | 2019 | 2020 |
| South Melbourne Market Licence Renewal Policy | Policy for renewal licence at South Melbourne Market. | 2020 | TBC next review |
| South Melbourne Market Sale of Liquor for Consumption 2007 (PDF 164 KB) | This policy is designed to (a) To allow the South Melbourne Market Management Committee to consider applications by stallholders to sell liquor for consumption from their leased or licensed area at the South Melbourne Market, and (b) To outline the approval process and to detail explicit decision guidelines. | 2020 | 2020 |
| South Melbourne Market Strategic Plan 2015-20 (PDF 1.3 MB) | The strategy outlines the effective governance for the South Melbourne Market through commitment charter and vision. | 2020 | 2020 |
Sustainability
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
Act and Adapt, Sustainable Environment Strategy 2018-28 (PDF 2.8 MB) | This Strategy outlines the City of Port Phillip’s commitment to environmental sustainability for the organisation and the wider community. It establishes a pathway that will assist to transition the City to a greener, cooler more liveable City where we are all reducing our impact on the environment and are more resilient to the impacts of climate change. | 2022 | 2028 |
| Greening Port Phillip - an Urban Forest Approach 2010 (PDF 3.6 MB) | Implementing the street tree planting program 2017-22 and ongoing investment in park trees and streetscape improvements, including in Fishermans Bend. | 2022 | 2022 |
Greening Port Phillip Street Tree Planting Guide 2017-22 (PDF 8.4 MB) | The Greening Port Phillip Strategy provides the strategic framework and policy context for the development and management of trees in the City of Port Phillip. | 2020 | 2022 |
| Sustainable Design Strategy 2013 (PDF MB) | The strategy incorporates a revised Sustainable Design Policy and reinforces Council’s philosophy of creating sustainable buildings which collectively contribute to a more sustainable urban environment. | 2017 | 2020 |
| Sustainable Public Lighting Guidelines 2011 (PDF 1.5 MB) | Providing guidelines for a clear direction for the management and continuous improvements | 2020 | TBC next review |
Sustainable Public Lighting Strategy for Streets and Open Space 2011-16 | The Sustainable Public Lighting Strategy builds upon Council’s past successes and provides direction for improvement to reduce greenhouse gas emission for public lighting, improve planning for public lighting capital works and improve the management of the open space and street light assets. | January 2015 | 2016 |
| Tree Protection Guidelines (PDF 8 KB) | Guidelines for tree protection management for the City of Port Phillip. | 2021 | TBC next review |
Transport and parking
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
| The purpose of this policy is to define the benefits of car share to members, the local community and Council, encourage the expansion and increase of car share across the municipality and reduce the number of privately-owned vehicles and create a shift to sustainable travel choices. | TBC next review | TBC next review | |
This strategy aims to increase the range of healthy, safe, connected and convenient walking and bike riding choices by delivering changes to our city’s transport network, streets and places to cater for our growing community. Find out more about the Move, Connect Live Strategy. | 2028 | TBC next review | |
| Parking Permit Policy 2015 (DOC 110 KB) | Details and definitions of parking permits within the City of Port Phillip. The Parking Management Policy 2020 will override this policy from 1 July 2021. | 2019 | 30 June 2021 |
| Parking Management Policy 2020 (PDF 1 MB) | The Parking Management Policy comes into effect on 1 July 2021. Find out more about the Parking Management Policy. | TBC next review | TBC next review |
Waste, recycling and cleaning
| Document | Purpose | Review date | Expiry date |
Don't Waste It! Waste Management Strategy 2018-28 (PDF 2.1 MB) Don't Waste It! Waste Management Strategy 2018-28 (DOCX 0.5 MB) | The strategy is to reduce waste going to landfill through kerbside and public place recycling, hard waste and green waste collection, operating the Resource Recovery Centre and waste education; provide additional waste management services through kerbside refuse services and removal of waste from street litter bins. | 2022 | 2028 |
| The Graffiti Management Plan for the City of Port Phillip has an annual graffiti removal budget. The graffiti removal is carried out via contractors with specialist mobile services. | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Public Toilet Plan 2013-23 (PDF 1.1 MB) | Provide guidance and practical assistance for planning and decision making in the development, maintenance and operations for the public toilet network across the City of Port Phillip. | 2022 | 2023 |