Taking action on hooning, public transport and safety in Montague Ward

March is under way, and we have progressed several items that will improve the liveability of Fishermans Bend and Port Melbourne.

Hoon behaviour is a major issue affecting Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend, particularly around Station Pier, Williamstown Rd, and through to Graham and Bridge streets.

Enforcement action relies on state government intervention, but the council has reaffirmed the need for acoustic noise cameras and its desire to work with relevant authorities to deter hoon behaviour.

Acoustic noise cameras have been trialled in New South Wales, and we are keen to see a similar trial commence in Victoria to address hoon behaviour.

I want to thank the many residents and community members who contacted me over the past month to highlight the ongoing issues with hoon behaviour. Your ongoing advocacy to both the council and state government reinforces the need to address these concerns.

Similarly, the lack of frequent and reliable public transport remains an ongoing issue for Fishermans Bend, and the council has renewed its call for public transport improvements.

A bus service connecting Fishermans Bend and Port Melbourne to Anzac Station was promised as an immediate action through the Fishermans Bend Integrated Transport Plan released by the State Government last September. Despite six months passing and the opening of Anzac Station, we are still waiting for a direct public transport connection linking this new station to Fishermans Bend.

Meanwhile, bus route 606 still has just hourly weekend frequencies and experiences significant overcrowding during peak times on weekdays, despite this route connecting Fishermans Bend to key precincts including Port Melbourne, Albert Park, St Kilda and Elsternwick.

Delivering these bus improvements must be seen as an urgent priority by the State Government to improve connectedness and inclusion within Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend.

We also restated our expectations on clear timeframes for the long promised, but not yet delivered, tram extensions into Fishermans Bend. These tram routes are vital for connecting community facilities, schools, homes and jobs and are needed to meet the needs of the expected 60,000 residents and 60,000 jobs planned for Fishermans Bend.

We need to continue building advocacy for public transport improvements within Fishermans Bend. Successful urban renewal depends on frequent and reliable public transport.

Safety remains an ongoing issue for many in our community, and I am pleased that Council will be installing security cameras along Bay St, through the support of the Commonwealth Government.

In addition, I recently met with Mayors across inner Melbourne to discuss community safety concerns with Victoria’s new Police Commissioner.

Reinforcing the importance of community safety through a regional approach highlights the common concerns across inner Melbourne and the ability to work collaboratively for safety improvements.

Lastly, Fennel Reserve was successful in receiving funding from the state government and will match council funding to deliver Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend’s first fenced off-leash dog park. Consultation on the linear park and the fenced off-leash dog park will commence from April with the fencing to delivered in the new financial year.

As always, please do reach out to me on [email protected] if I can assist you.