Council Advocates for Key Community Projects Ahead of Federal Election

Shaping the Future of Port Phillip 

Our community is one of Melbourne’s most vibrant and diverse, spanning from St Kilda to Elwood, Balaclava to Fishermans Bend. While we have much to be proud of, there are opportunities to improve our City and enhance the quality of life for residents, traders, and visitors alike. 

Council has a strong track record of working with different levels of government to achieve major improvements in infrastructure, services, and community support. Effective advocacy is built on strong partnerships, and with the upcoming federal election on 3 May, we are engaging with candidates to champion key projects and secure critical funding. 

Priority Project Opportunities 

Council has prepared a Priority Project Opportunities document, which outlines key initiatives where Australian Government funding could make a real difference. This document has been presented to candidates running in the electorate of Macnamara, inviting them to consider these initiatives as part of their election commitments. 

The key priority projects include: 

Community Safety and Social Cohesion 

Council is calling for urgent support from the Australian Government to improve community safety and strengthen social cohesion. This includes funding for:  

• CCTV upgrades – Upgrades to CCTV across Fitzroy Street, Grey Street, St Kilda Foreshore, and Acland Street precincts, with potential expansion into other priority areas.
• Increased outreach services – Additional resources for housing and homelessness programs, drug and alcohol support, and mental health support services.
• Affordable housing - Investment in additional community and affordable housing stock to support vulnerable community members.
• Graffiti management - Funding for dedicated graffiti removal and promotion of street art initiatives.
• Anti-racism and social cohesion programs – Australian Government-led research and funding for place-based, community-driven initiatives to promote social cohesion and address racism, including anti-Semitism. 

Early Childhood Infrastructure Upgrades 

Council is seeking a $10 million contribution from the Australian Government to support the redevelopment of six ageing Early Childhood Education and Care Centres from 2026-2029, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and fit for purpose. 

Elwood Foreshore Redevelopment 

Council is requesting the Australian Government to co-fund the $50 million Elwood Foreshore Redevelopment, a staged 10-year project to revitalise this iconic area. 

Unlocking Fishermans Bend 

The delivery of key public transport projects is essential to unlocking the potential of Fishermans Bend. Council is advocating for the Australian Government to work with the Victorian Government on a timeline and funding strategy for the Melbourne Metro 2 rail project and an expanded tram network. 

Futureproofing South Melbourne Market  

To ensure the South Melbourne Market continues to thrive, Council is seeking Australian Government funding for public realm improvements, starting with the York Street precinct. 

Broadway Bridge Renewal 

With Broadway Bridge in Elwood reaching its 100-year lifespan, Council is seeking an Australian Government co-contribution towards the estimated $4 million project cost to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. 

Station Pier and Waterfront Place Revitalisation 

Council is advocating for joint Victorian and Australian Government funding to implement the Station Pier/Waterfront Place Precinct Masterplan, transforming this area into a vibrant and bustling precinct. 

For more information on these advocacy efforts, visit  Advocacy - City of Port Phillip 

Commitment to Collaboration 

City of Port Phillip will continue to work with all candidates to achieve the best outcomes for our community. 

Supporting the ‘Make Good Happen’ Campaign 

Council is also supporting the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) ‘Make Good Happen’ campaign, which highlights the Victorian local government sector’s five highest priorities ahead of the federal election. The campaign focuses on: 

• Community Infrastructure - Ensuring communities have the infrastructure they need to grow and thrive.
• Safer Roads - Investing in roads that connect communities and improve safety.  
• Fairer Energy - Supporting local governments and communities in Victoria’s energy transition.
• Resilient Communities - Future-proofing communities against natural disasters.
• Local Democracy - Strengthening community engagement and countering misinformation. 

Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford is representing the City of Port Phillip as a member of the Mayoral Delegation for the ‘Make Good Happen’ campaign. 

Stay Informed 

As the federal election approaches, Council will continue to advocate for these key projects and engage with candidates to ensure the best outcomes for our City. 

Council will also be launching a Candidate Election Commitment Tracker, a tool to allow the Port Phillip community to monitor the promises made by candidates during their campaigns and track they progress once elected. By providing transparent and accessible information, Council aims to foster greater accountability and trust between elected officials and the community. 

To stay up to date, visit Advocacy - City of Port Phillip