Rapid Response and joint patrols
Our Local Laws, Rapid Response and joint patrols
Council’s Local Laws outline what is and isn’t allowed on Council land, roads and streets. These Laws are developed under The Local Government Act 1989 (Victoria) to manage a range of community issues.
Our activities to manage and protect the safety and amenity of our community, including protection of amenity and Council land and how this is enforced are outlined in the Community Amenity Local Law 2023.
Proposed addition to Local Law
At the Council meeting on 10 December 2025, Council endorsed a motion to commence the statutory process to amend the Community Amenity Local Law 2023, that if endorsed would allow Authorised Officers to remove encampment equipment to help address behaviours that impact amenity and welfare.
This would be a last resort option and would only be used after all other options have been used including offering support from services.
This amendment process will also include renegotiating the Operating Protocol with Victoria Police to reflect the changes.
Further information regarding the community consultation will be communicated in early 2026 after early stages of the statutory process are complete.
Rapid Response
Our Rapid Response team patrol key areas of the City daily to clean the streets and support people sleeping rough. See the monthly social and amenity management reports below for more information about the work of the Rapid Response and City Amenity teams.
See below for information about our annual summer management campaign aimed at helping keep our City safe and clean when there are many visitors.
Joint patrols
Our Locals Laws officers work collaboratively with Victoria Police members from South Melbourne and St Kilda Stations to patrol on foot together along key high streets in the City.
These patrols are an opportunity to share information about issues on the streets, and for traders and residents to ask questions of our local Victoria Police and Local Laws Officers.
Joint patrols are dependent on police resourcing. We continue to advocate for extra police resources for these patrols to be held regularly.
Who to call and how to make a report
In most instances, your first call for reporting a crime or safety incident should be to Victoria Police or other emergency services.
| Who to contact | When to contact |
| Victoria Police | If you see any dangerous or life-threatening behaviour or are in danger, call triple zero (000) immediately. If the situation is non-urgent, then you can contact the Police Assistance Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 131 444 or via their online platform. If you have information that could help solve a crime and do not need immediate police assistance you can make a report via Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website For business support contact Business and commercial safety | Victoria Police |
| Council | Public space maintenance requests, local health and safety issues and pet and alcohol restriction non-compliance and other issues can be reported to Council by:
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Contact us
Our Building and Inclusion team is hear to help. For more information contact the City of Port Phillip Community Safety Lead.
Send us a message on My Port Phillip
Phone: 03 9209 6777