Budget, parks and planning for Fishermans Bend’s growing future

Council’s draft budget has been released for comment, which includes several important projects for Fishermans Bend, including:

• A new park at Johnston St in the Montague Precinct
• New footpath construction to fill missing gaps in our pedestrian network
• New netball facilities
• A new fenced off-leash dog park at Fennell Reserve
• Open space planning including new recreational and dog spaces

In addition, council is finalising our Community Infrastructure Plan which will identify the cultural and community facilities required to support our growing community in Fishermans Bend. The plan will help us create a vibrant and inclusive community as our population continues to grow.

Your feedback helps shape Council’s budget, so please share your thoughts at: haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planforportphillip

Over the past few months, I’ve also mentioned community consultation on a potential off-leash dog park at Kirrip Park in South Melbourne and the Montague Precinct of Fishermans Bend. This consultation is now underway, and I encourage you to share your views via haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/off-leash before March 31.

Recently, the council has adopted amendments to our Community Amenity Local Law. These amendments reinforce that the City of Port Phillip remains one of the few Councils where we simply do not outlaw rough sleeping. These changes empower Council, service providers and other agencies to respond when someone may be at risk to themselves or others.

The triage approach begins with support from service providers and as a last resort, coordinated responses involving Victoria Police where required.

People experiencing rough sleeping have as much right as anyone else in our community to feel safe. This is why these amendments address unsafe behaviours affecting both rough sleepers and the broader community, rather than punishing the situation of someone rough sleeping.

No law is ever going to solve every single problem in our city, but this helps us respond to unsafe behaviours and is supported through weekly meetings between Council, service providers and Victoria Police.

There are also two important events relevant for Fishermans Bend and Port Melbourne this month.

The first is the Fishermans Bend Business Forum Annual General Meeting on Monday May 25 at Port Melbourne Town Hall.

The Fishermans Bend Business Forum is a vital community voice for Fishermans Bend, so please confirm your attendance by contacting [email protected]

In addition, council is hosting a community forum on Thursday, May 28 from 6pm to 8pm at the Port Melbourne Town Hall.

You’ll be able to drop in at any time during the session to discuss council priorities and community projects such as Kirrip Park, Fennell Reserve, a master plan to improve the Linear Park along the 109 tram line and other initiatives.

Register via haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/shapingport

One of my priorities has been ensuring Port Phillip is ready for the growth we expect across Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend.

This is why I have restored civic use of Port Melbourne Town Hall, including establishing an office where I hold regular meetings with community groups, businesses and residents. Please reach out via [email protected] if you would like to meet and discuss Montague Ward and Port Phillip. •