Council meeting catchup - 16 April 2025

The Mayor accepted an award on behalf of Sanda Stewart, Council’s Subdivision Officer who won the 2025 Consulting Surveyors Victoria Award for Municipal Excellence

Paul Wood, Manager City Development advised The Association of Consulting Surveyors Victoria, the body which represents businesses employing Licensed Surveyors (who are legally responsible for all subdivisions in Victoria), undertakes a biennial survey, where its members rate the performance of Municipal Councils across the state on efficiency; response time; understanding of the Subdivision Act; and facilitation of subdivision outcomes. The City of Port Phillip has been awarded their highest honour, the 2025 Municipal Excellence Award.

Paul acknowledged Sandra Stewart, Council’s subdivision officer who develops great working relationships with the surveying sector and is often consulted on complex subdivision matters by other local government subdivision practitioners. The award is a great reflection of the professionalism that Sandra has in administering the subdivision function.

The Mayor congratulated Sandra and the City Development team on behalf of the City.

Richard Norton, an Australian martial artist, actor, stunt performer and long-term resident of Port Phillip sadly passed away on Sunday 30 March 2025.

Moved Crs Thomann/Cunsolo

That Council:
• Expresses its deep regret on the passing of Richard Norton.
• Offers its sincere condolences to their family and places on record its appreciation for their service to the City of Port Phillip.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

Petition: Keep Albert Park Peaceful. Relocate this commercial activity to an industrial area

A Petition containing 182 signatures, was received from local residents.

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7.24 pm. The meeting resumed at 7.30 pm.

MOVED Crs Halliday/Crawford
That Council:
1. Receives and notes the Petition.
2. Notes the request to relocate the kitchen.
3. Notes that Council does not have the power to relocate the kitchen to a different site.
4. Notes that officers are using Council’s existing powers to address any breaches of State or Council laws and Council will continue to work with the Temple and the Community to ameliorate any adverse amenity impacts.
5. Requests officers write to the lead petitioner thanking them for their petition and advising them of the outcome.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED.
Cr Halliday called for a DIVISION.
FOR: Crs Jay, Hardy, Makin, Mears, Halliday, Cunsolo, Crawford, Buckingham and Thomann
AGAINST: Nil

The MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

8.1 Presentation of CEO Report Issue 116 - February 2025

Councillor Jay left the meeting at 7.44 pm and was not present for consideration and voting of this item.

PURPOSE
1.1 To provide Council with a regular update from the Chief Executive Officer regarding Council’s activities and performance.

MOVED Makin/Thomann

That Council:
3.1 Notes the CEO Report – Issue 116 (provided as Attachment 1)
3.2 Authorises the CEO, or their delegate, to make minor editorial amendments that do not substantially alter the content of the report.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED.

The Mayor adjourned the meeting for a break at 7.48 pm. The meeting resumed at 7.56 pm.
Councillor Jay returned to the meeting at 7.56 pm.

PURPOSE

1.1 To consider the release of the draft Plan for Port Phillip (including Budget) 2025-35, including the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan, Asset Plan, the draft Financial Plan (10-year), the draft Revenue and Rating Plan, and the draft Budget 2025/26 for public consultation.

MOVED Crs Makin/Buckingham

That Council:

PART 1

3.1 Endorses the draft Plan for Port Phillip 2025-35 (Attachment 1), including the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan, Asset Plan, draft Financial Plan (10-year), draft Revenue and Rating Plan and draft Budget 2025/26 and the Rating Strategy 2025-29 (Attachment 2) to be released for community engagement.

3.2 Expresses its thanks and gratitude to the community panel members for their involvement in providing recommendations for the development of the draft Plan for Port Phillip (including Budget) 2025-35.

A vote was taken and part 1 of the MOTION was CARRIED.
Cr Halliday called for a DIVISION.
FOR: Crs Hardy, Makin, Mears, Halliday, Cunsolo, Crawford, Buckingham and Thomann
AGAINST: Nil
ABSTAINED Cr Jay

Part 1 of the MOTION was CARRIED.

The Mayor advised that the remainder of the parts for this item be taken under division.

PART 2 A

3.3 Notes that the draft Budget 2025/26 includes:
3.3.1 An increase of 3.0 per cent to the average general rate, which is equivalent to the rates cap set by the Victorian Government.

FOR: Crs Makin, Halliday, Cunsolo, Crawford, Buckingham and Thomann
AGAINST: Crs Hardy and Mears
ABSTAINED Cr Jay

Part 2 A of the MOTION was CARRIED.

Part 2 B

3.3.2 General rates continuing to be raised by application of differential rates under section 161 of the Local Government Act 1989 for residential, commercial, industrial, derelict, vacant and unactivated retail land.
3.3.3 With consideration of the draft 2025 revaluation and consistent with our Rating Strategy, a 2.0 per cent rates reallocation from residential to non-residential properties, to maintain fairness and consistency in the distribution of rates.
3.3.4 An increase in the Default Waste Charge of 13.1 per cent from $203.60 to $230.30 primarily due to the State Government Landfill Levy increasing by 28 per cent in 2025/26 (a 158 percent increase since 2019/20).
3.3.5 An increase in the Private Waste Collection Rebate from $69.50 to $89.00 to reflect the increase in the waste charge and to make a more equitable rebate.
3.3.6 Continuing targeted support to the community through:
3.3.6.1 One-off rate waivers up to a maximum of $750 or 50 per cent of the general rates and charges imposed on rateable land, whichever is less, in cases of extreme financial hardship, on application to the Chief Financial Officer.
3.3.6.2 Increasing the Council-funded pensioner rates rebate by 4.5 per cent to $230 in 2025/26 – the City of Port Phillip is one of the few councils that offers this scheme in addition to the State Government rebate.
3.3.7 Fees and charges generally increasing by 3.15 per cent, noting that these may be subject to variation, and to provide support to those who need it most.
3.3.8 Statutory fees set by the Victorian Government being updated prior to the final adoption of the budget based on the gazetting of 2025/26 penalty rates and units.
3.3.9 Ongoing commitment to efficiency savings of $0.8 million (and $3.6 million in one-off efficiencies) in Budget 2025/26 with a commitment to look for more during the financial year.
3.3.10 No debt, aside from some finance lease liabilities will remain as part of our financing strategy.
3.3.11 Capital investment of $75 million to maintain, grow and improve services and assets.
3.3.12 Intention to lease three properties as required by section 115 of the Act as outlined in this report

FOR: Crs Hardy, Makin, Mears, Halliday, Cunsolo, Crawford, Buckingham and Thomann
AGAINST: Nil
ABSTAINED Cr Jay

Part 2B of the MOTION was CARRIED.

PART 3

3.4 In response to Community Panel recommendations and reflecting on updated Council priorities and the updated Municipal Health Plan, the draft Budget 2025/26 includes provision for the following items:
3.4.1 Additional $250,000 ongoing budget to fund activities addressing loneliness and isolation, social connection and combating discrimination and racism and antisemitism including:
3.4.1.1 $43,000 to increase base funding to South Port Day Links to $100,000 from 2025/26 (the substantive funding agreement remains the same).
3.4.1.2 Funding of an embedded volunteer coordinator to support and build the capacity of important community volunteer organisations.
3.4.1.3 $60,000 to fast track the delivery of the Multicultural Strategy development.
3.4.2 Additional $250,000 ongoing budget to fund new actions emanating from the community safety roundtable and the community safety plan.
3.4.3 Additional $200,000 ongoing budget to uplift city amenity including increased street cleaning and pressure washing of main streets across the city.
3.4.4 Additional $400,000 ($100,000 ongoing) to improving greening throughout the city including the development of urban forest precinct plans.
3.4.5 Re-prioritisation of $450,000 from the St Kilda Festival to fund greater investment in local arts and events.
3.4.6 Reinstate $15,000 funding for Friends of Suai until the end of the friendship in 2030.
3.4.7 An ongoing commitment to Wild at heart at $9,000 per annum replacing the three-year fixed term support which expires in 2026/27.

FOR: Crs Makin, Mears, Halliday, Cunsolo, Crawford, Buckingham and Thomann
AGAINST: Cr Hardy
ABSTAINED Cr Jay

Part 3 of the MOTION was CARRIED.

PART 4

3.5 Notes that the draft Budget 2025/26 informed by the updated Asset Plan (included in Attachment 1), includes a project portfolio of $92.6 million for 2025/26 and an updated 10-year project portfolio (full detail outlined in Attachment 1) which includes the following key items:
3.5.1 Additional $8.9 million investment over the next 10 years in the South Melbourne Market (total project $30.5 million excluding contingency) to deliver the full scope of works for Project Connect including mandatory compliance, loading bay and waste optimisation and York Street and Coventry Street Open space and public realm works.
3.5.2 Additional $9.0 million investment over the next 10 years for a greater focus improving road condition and local infrastructure.
3.5.3 Additional $4.5 million to progress with the demolition and remediation of the newly acquired Sandridge public open space.
3.5.4 Provisional one-off allocation of $1.2 million for affordable housing, pending the development of the updated housing and homelessness strategy.
3.5.5 Continued investment in strategic land acquisitions with:
3.5.5.1 Additional $3.0 million for open space development in Lakeside Ward.
3.5.5.2 Future acquisitions to be subject to review and prioritisation.
3.5.6 Continued investment in major projects including South Melbourne Town Hall, Lagoon Reserve, the delivery of the Elwood Masterplan and Council’s commitment to upgrade six childcare centres across the City.

FOR: Crs Hardy, Makin, Mears, Halliday, Cunsolo, Crawford, Buckingham and Thomann
AGAINST: Nil
ABSTAINED Cr Jay

Part 4 of the MOTION was CARRIED.

PART 5

3.6 Notes that the draft Budget 2025/26 results in a cumulative cash surplus of $0.52 million providing additional contingency for financial risks including the projected impact of inflation.

FOR: Crs Hardy, Makin, Mears, Halliday, Cunsolo, Crawford, Buckingham and Thomann
AGAINST: Nil
ABSTAINED Cr Jay

Part 5 of the MOTION was CARRIED.

PART 6

3.7 Notes that officers will seek an exemption from the Secretary of the Department of Health to preparing a stand-alone Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan based on the draft Council Plan that Council has endorsed for community engagement. This will permit the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan to be incorporated into the Plan for Port Phillip (including Budget) 2025-35.
3.8 Approves the release of the draft Plan for Port Phillip (including Budget) 2025-35, inclusive of the draft Community Vision, draft Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan, draft Asset Plan, draft (10-year) Financial Plan, draft Revenue and Rating Plan, and the draft Budget 2025/26, amended to reflect any changes made through resolutions at this meeting, for community engagement (Attachment 1).
3.9 Changes the date of the Special Council Meeting to consider adoption of the Plan for Port Phillip (including Budget) 2025-2035 from Wednesday 25 June 2025 to Monday 23 June 2025 commencing 6:30 pm at the St Kilda Town Hall. Receives and hears feedback and submissions arising from the community engagement process at the Special Council Meeting to be held on 13 May 2025, commencing 6.30 pm at the St Kilda Town Hall, prior to considering adoption of the draft Plan for Port Phillip (including Budget) 2025-35, at the Special Council Meeting to be held on Monday 23 June 2025 commencing 6.30 pm at the St Kilda Town Hall.
3.10 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer to make amendments to the draft Plan for Port Phillip (including Budget) 2025-35 (Attachment 1) to reflect any changes through resolutions at this meeting, and to make minor editorial adjustments and corrections to the document to prepare for publication and distribution.
3.11 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer to:
3.11.1 continue to provide Council projects and services within the parameters of the adopted Plan for Port Phillip (including Budget) 2021-2031 and any decisions of Council that have updated this; and
3.11.2 incur planning, design and community consultation expenditure on new projects proposed in the draft Budget 2025/26.

FOR: Crs Hardy, Makin, Mears, Halliday, Cunsolo, Crawford, Buckingham and Thomann
AGAINST: Nil
ABSTAINED Cr Jay

Part 6 of the MOTION was CARRIED.

PURPOSE

1.1 This report presents for Council’s noting a Conservation Management Plan for Port Melbourne Town Hall.

MOVED Crs Makin/Cunsolo

That Council:

3.1 Notes the Port Melbourne Town Hall Conservation Management Plan (2025), which updates and supersedes the 2000 version.
3.2 Notes that the Conservation Management Plan will help ensure that the future use, management and upgrades of the Port Melbourne Town Hall enrich rather that diminish its assessed heritage values.
3.3 Thanks the contributors to the Conservation Management Plan.
3.4 Notes that the Conservation Management Plan is to be revised to reflect the recent upgrading and reconfiguration of the front service counter, and the updating of the Port Melbourne Town Hall’s hazardous materials audit, and delegates to the CEO to authorise those minor changes.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

PURPOSE

1.1 For Council to consider whether part of the Laneway R1229 adjoining 18 Merton Place, Albert Park, being part of the Land contained within Certificate of Title Volume 3931 Folio 017 (described as Road Lot 1 on Title Plan 740609P) shown hatched in red on the image below (“the Road”), should be discontinued pursuant to the Local Government Act 1989 (Vic) (“the Act”) and sold to an adjoining property owner.

MOVED Crs Hardy/Halliday

That Council:
Having considered that there were no submissions in response to the public notice regarding Council’s proposal to discontinue the road being the land contained within Certificate of Title Volume 3931 Folio 017 (described as Lot 1 on Title Plan 740609P):

3.1 Resolves to discontinue the Road as it considers that the Road is not reasonably required for public use for the following reasons:
• It is currently fenced in with an adjoining property, namely 18 Merton Place, Albert Park, and only accessible on the eastern boundary;
• It is only open to the general public for pedestrian access to the rear of the adjoining properties at 5 and 7 Little Findlay Street, Albert Park;
• It is not open to the general public for vehicular access; and
• It does not form part of a thoroughfare for pedestrian or vehicular traffic to any other public road; and

3.2 Resolves to sell the discontinued Road for market value plus reimbursement of Council’s costs to facilitate this transaction to the adjoining owner of 18 Merton Place, Albert Park (Owner);
3.3 Notes that proceeds from the sale will go into Council’s Strategic Property Reserves used to support the acquisition and development of the property portfolio;
3.4 Directs that a notice pursuant to clause 3 of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1989 is published in the Victorian Government Gazette;
3.5 Authorises the Chief Executive Officer or their delegate to negotiate, approve, and enter into such documentation to complete the discontinuance, sale, and transfer of the Road as described;
3.6 Directs that the Chief Executive Officer or their delegate signs an authorisation allowing Council’s solicitors to execute transfer documents and any other documents required to be signed on Council’s behalf in connection with the transfer of the discontinued Road to the Owner;
3.7 Directs that any easements, rights or interests required to be created or saved over the Road by any public authority be done so and not be affected by the discontinuance and sale of the Road; and
3.8 Directs that the Owner be required to consolidate the title to the discontinued Road with the title to the Owner’s land (or such part of it approved by Council) within 12 months of the date of the transfer of the discontinued Road.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

PURPOSE

1.1 To report on the expenses incurred by Councillors during March 2025 in accordance with the Councillor Expenses and Support Policy.
MOVED Crs Thomann/Crawford

That Council:
3.1 Notes the monthly Councillor expenses report for March 2025 (attachment 1) and that this will be made available on Council’s website.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

PURPOSE

1.1 To report to Council written records of Informal Meetings of Councillors at the City of Port Phillip as required by the Governance Rules.

MOVED Crs Crawford/Thomann

That Council:
3.1 Receives and notes the written records of Informal Meetings of Council (attached) as required by the City of Port Phillip Governance Rules.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.

Councillor Makin reported as the Councillor delegate to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) who attended the two day convention for Councillors alongside Councillor Halliday. The convention provided a range of topics looking at integrity, the fiscal sustainability, changes around planning aspects and Community engagement in Local Government. The real value in attending the convention being provided the opportunity to learn from other Councillors across the sector and how the other 79 other Councils are tackling the common challenges across the sector.

Councillor Halliday added that they found the MAV Conference incredibly informative. From discussions with other Councillors it highlighted how lucky we are at the City of Port Phillip to be in the positive budget position that we are in, other Council’s across the sector that were in attendance at this conference are not in the fortunate position that Port Phillip is, We have all the resources available to us and we get the luxury of choosing where we put our money and where we invest it. This conference highlighted that us Councillors should not take this for granted.

Moved Crs Cunsolo/Crawford

That Council resolves to move into confidential to deal with the following matters pursuant to section 66(2) of the Local Government Act 2020:
17.1 CEO Declaration of extraordinary circumstance and approval of new contract/service agreement for paid parking machine data system
3(1)(a) Council business information, being information that would prejudice the Council's position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released
3(1)(g(ii)) private commercial information, being information provided by a business, commercial or financial undertaking that if released, would unreasonably expose the business, commercial or financial undertaking to disadvantage.

Reason: The report contains consideration of an exemption under the procurement policy due to extraordinary circumstances. Releasing this report prematurely, before Council endorsement, could prejudice Council's future ongoing commercial negotiations.

A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
The meeting closed to members of the public at 9.23 pm.
The meeting reopened to members of the public at 9.38 pm.
As there was no further business the meeting closed at 9.38 pm.