Pedestrian Crossing on Williamstown Road

A pedestrian and bike rider crossing with traffic lights has been completed at the corner of Smith and Williamstown Road as well as a pedestrian crossing across Smith Street. Click/tap here for more details. 

The new crossings will serve the new Narrarrang Primary School at 2 Smith Street which is scheduled to open on day one, Term 1, this year.

New pedestrian and bike crossings near Narrarrang Primary School

The absence of promised Fishermans Bend infrastructure by 2025 means there is increased traffic on Williamstown Road, with consequences for all users. Safe crossing of Williamstown Road at the corner of Beacon Road, opposite the JL Murphy Reserve, is becoming increasingly difficult.

The BCNA has asked Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, for details on proposed works on Williamstown Road, including the Beacon Road and Williamstown Road corner, and when they will be completed. We will provide details as soon as they are received.

Update on 103 Beach Street (formerly the Foodstore Site)

We received advice from Council officers on 20 January that no application has been received to change the use of the ground floor of 103 Beach Street as we explained in a recent post.

The BCNA advocated for part of the ground floor area to be used as mini supermarket when the planning application was decided at VCAT in 2022. The owner, Luxcon, confirmed they were seeking potential lessees for this purpose. The ground floor is marked as ‘retail’ on the endorsed plans and shows the design for a supermarket.

A mini supermarket would be valued by the community, but the owners are not compelled to provide it. However, if a change of use is planned, the owners are required to obtain the City of Port Phillip’s approval.

Blessing of the Waters Festival 2026

A Happy New Year to everyone.

The annual Greek Orthodox Blessing of the Waters ceremony will be held on Princes Pier this coming Sunday 11th January from 1pm. The throwing of the Holy Cross will be held as part of the Blessing of the Waters Festival.

From 2pm, there will be entertainment for families and children of all ages, as well as Greek food and market stalls.

Click/tap here for further details.

New Management at Westgate Park

Janet Bolitho has alerted us to a change in management of Westgate Park from 1 January 2026. The City of Melbourne takes over management from Parks Victoria.

The City of Melbourne describes Westgate Park as “a 36-hectare open space comprising wetlands, woodlands and indigenous flora and fauna. It is located along the eastern banks of the Yarra River – Birrarung under the Westgate Bridge, between Wharf Road and Todd Road in Port Melbourne, and along a narrow 1km strip between the river and Lorimer Street in Fishermans Bend. One third of Westgate Park is wetlands, including its recognisable salt lake, a freshwater lake with a large island, a dam as well as lagoons and ponds dotted throughout, connected by shared trails.” Click/tap here for further information about the park, things to do and park guidelines.

The change in management has been welcomed by volunteers who care and assist in maintaining the park.

Christmas Message

The President, Committee, and Webmaster of the BCNA wish you all a happy and enjoyable Christmas and a safe and fulfilling New Year. 

BCNA Priorities

The BCNA’s current priorities include the redevelopment of the Waterfront Place precinct, hoon driving and vehicle noise, Fishermans Bend, community safety, the Barak Beacon housing redevelopment, and air quality. We provide regular updates on these items.

‘Position papers’ on four of these priorities have now been prepared. They are designed to assist communication with members and external parties. Each paper explains the problem and the BCNA position.

Click/tap below to read the relevant papers:

Redevelopment of Waterfront Place Precinct

Hoon Driving and Vehicle Noise

Fishermans Bend

Community Safety

Improved Air Quality at Station Pier

From December 2023 to December 2024, Ports Victoria ran an air quality monitoring program at Station Pier as explained here.

BCNA thanks Ports Victoria and EPA Victoria for supporting the program, as air quality remains a concern for residents since an earlier 2026-2018 program revealed breaches. This was a period when the Spirit of Tasmania ferries were using Station Pier and the sulphur content in fuel was higher than it is today. In response, the Victorian Government promised a follow up monitoring program in Beacon Cove as explained in an Air Quality Statement.

The results from the recent study show, overall, air quality in the vicinity of Station Pier in 2024 was significantly better than it was when it was previously monitored in 2016-2018 despite there being more cruise ship visits in 2024. Except for annual average PM10, air quality mostly meets Australian/Victorian standards for PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2. Click/tap here for further details.

Impact of Development at 1-5 Waterfront Place on Port Melbourne Railway Station

A member recently alerted us to an advertisement concerning the railway station and the development at 1-5 Waterfront Place.

A small portion of land covered by the heritage overlay for the railway station will be affected by the development. It is explained on the Heritage Victoria website. Scroll down to find Port Melbourne Railway Station, 101 Beach Street Port Melbourne (VHR H0983).

The developer of 1-5 Waterfront Place has commissioned a Heritage Impact Assessment.

The advertisement invites submissions on the application up until 25th November. Members are encouraged to read the heritage impact assessment. The BCNA does not plan to make a submission, however if you have concerns, consider a private submission. Instructions on how to prepare and lodge a submission are provided on the Heritage Victoria website.

Volunteer Opportunity – Social Media Coordinator & Monitor

The Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association (BCNA) is looking for a community-minded volunteer to help us create a presence in social media for younger demographics. While we  have a well-established website, we are now keen to share local news, updates and community issues to different demographics via social media - reaching residents of Beacon Cove and surrounding areas, as well as local councils, government, and community partners.

If you have experience setting up and running social media programmes and would like to help strengthen local connection and communication, we’d love to hear from you.

French Frigate at Station Pier - Tuesday 11 Nov

Ports Victoria has confirmed that the French frigate Vendemiaire will be at Station Pier from the 10th to the 14th of November.

The visit of the ship is explained in a press release from the French Embassy.

The ship will be open to the public from 8am - 1pm on Tuesday, 11 November. Some form of ID is required. Closed shoes recommended - no high heels.

 

The Vendemiaire in 2013 - Source: Wikipedia

Click/tap here for more information about the Vendémiaire.