Politics » Council Affairs
Southbank emerges a winner in City of Melbourne’s draft budget
The City of Melbourne’s 2026-27 draft budget is, on balance, a prudent one. However for Southbank, the more immediate story is that the suburb appears to be one of the clearer beneficiaries of this year’s spending plan.
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Red Stairs saga ends with more consultation
After years of complaints, a shelved design competition and another round of promised consultation, the City of Melbourne has finally resolved to get on with renewing Southbank’s much-maligned Red Stairs.
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“Need to get our own backyard in order”: SRA’s plea to council on graffiti
An endorsement of the City of Melbourne’s improved graffiti management was tempered by comments from Southbank Residents’ Association president Tony Penna urging attention to persistent problem areas as well as big picture initiatives.
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“Roaring into the world”: baby’s arrival brings light
Macnamara MP Josh Burns loves his job as a politician but is determined to help shoulder the responsibility of care for his newborn daughter.
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Port Phillip and Melbourne join statewide council response to Bondi massacre, condemning antisemitism
Local governments across Victoria have united in an extraordinary show of solidarity following the horrific mass shooting at Bondi Beach, with the Cities of Port Phillip and Melbourne among the first to sign a joint statement condemning antisemitism and supporting Australia’s Jewish communities.
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City of Melbourne secures state grant for new Southbank Library
The City of Melbourne has received a $550,000 state government grant to help deliver the new Southbank Library at Boyd Village, marking the next major step in the transformation of the community hub alongside the recently completed Indi Southbank development.
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Port Melbourne local launches Voices for Macnamara to back independent candidates
Port Melbourne local Thomas Dolan has launched a new grassroots political movement, Voices for Macnamara, aimed at identifying and supporting community-backed independents ahead of the 2026 Victorian election.
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Alex Makin elected as new Port Phillip Mayor
Montague Ward councillor Alex Makin has been elected as Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, marking a new chapter for the municipality after a year in which he has earned respect for his pragmatic leadership and strong focus on collaboration.
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Property developers listed among council’s Asia Business Mission delegates
Property developers have been included in the City of Melbourne’s civic delegation for the upcoming Asia Business Mission that has a focus on the green economy and health sector.
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Council revises its civic recognition policy
The City of Melbourne has revised its Civic Recognition policy following backlash from councillors over British popstar Robbie Williams being given a key to the city without consultation.
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Council orders internal audit over City Rd advocacy complaint
The City of Melbourne will conduct an internal audit following a formal complaint from the Southbank Residents’ Association president Tony Penna, who accused the council of failing to follow a binding resolution regarding City Road Master Plan advocacy.
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New chapter for Southbank: library expansion moves to consultation
A long-anticipated new chapter is under way for Southbank’s growing community, as the City of Melbourne moves ahead with plans for a significantly expanded public library and upgraded community hub.
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Melbourne unveils ambitious new economic strategy to cement global standing
The City of Melbourne has adopted a bold new economic roadmap designed to future-proof the municipality.
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Miles and Dodds upgrade raises questions about the City of Melbourne’s approach to greening Southbank
After three rounds of community consultation, the City of Melbourne has approved the expansion of Southbank’s Miles and Dodds Street Reserve, despite a divided community response.
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City of Melbourne accused of weak City Rd advocacy efforts
The City of Melbourne has come under scrutiny for its “flimsy” approach to advocacy for the City Road Master Plan, which according to some locals, has set a “dangerous” precedent.
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Josh Burns safely returned in Macnamara
Incumbent Labor MP for Macnamara Josh Burns has been returned to the federal seat representing Southbank for a third consecutive term after recording a near three per cent swing in his favour.
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Green spaces, climate and Gaza dominate Southbank’s feisty Macnamara candidate meet
Southbank locals have raised green spaces, climate change-induced urban heating, housing and public spaces as key issues at a meet the candidates forum for the federal seat of Macnamara.
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Council continues to monitor parking changes in Southbank Village
The City of Melbourne says it will continue to investigate further changes to new parking arrangements in Southbank Village following several rounds of community consultation.
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Southbank Village has a new local member
The Liberals claimed victory in the Prahran by-election on February 8, with South Yarra resident and long-time Liberal Party member Rachel Westaway claiming the seat.
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Prahran by-election: Greens, Liberals, and independents battle for key seat
With early voting under way for the Prahran District by-election, Southbank News brings you the latest on the 11 candidates vying for the seat.
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Alex Makin elected as new Port Phillip Mayor
2020 council elections – who is coming and who is going?
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