State Election 2026

In recent years, the BCNA has asked candidates standing for Council, State and Federal elections for their views on important local issues. We post responses on our website. We will be doing this for the upcoming state election in November, for candidates standing for Albert Park. At this stage the known candidates are Nina Taylor – Labor, Sonya Semmens – Greens and Georgie Dragwich– Independent.

This year we are teaming up with the Fishermans Bend Business Forum (FBBF) to host a Candidates’ Forum. The proposed date is 15 October 2026. The focus will be on Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend. The format is expected to allow a short time for candidates to introduce themselves and their priorities for our area, a series of formal questions on the priorities that BCNA and the FBBF perceive relevant, and open questions from the floor.

Save the date and details will be circulated once they are finalised.

Station Pier Open to the Public

Ports Victoria has told us that the pier is open to the public on weekends and public holidays. It is not open when cruise ships are at berth or when maintenance works make it unsafe for the public.

2026 Council Community Satisfaction Survey

Each year the City of Port Phillip (Council) participates in a community satisfaction survey run by Victorian Government. The BCNA encourages residents to participate and reports the results.

This year Council’s score was 57, roughly in line with the state-wide average of 58.  But this was seven points less than the Metropolitan Council benchmark of 64.

Council scored well in the areas of Customer Service and Waste Management but had a poor score on the Spending of Public Funds in ways that that benefits the community. Click/tap here for the full report.

BCNA Dinner

If you’d like to meet some Beacon Cove neighbours, the BCNA Committee, and have a good night out at a local restaurant, you may wish to attend the next BCNA social dinner on Wednesday 2 September.

 

Full details have been sent to members but if you’re not a member, just email Mary Barry, and she’ll give you some details.

Council Approves Anti Hoon Measures for Waterfront Place and Station Pier

At its meeting on 5th August, the City of Port Phillip (Council) approved traffic and road treatment measures for these areas. This follows a proposal by BCNA which laid out various options for road treatments. This was received favourably by Council and was discussed with Council officers on site, at a follow up meeting with the Mayor and Councillor Cunsolo, and advocacy by BCNA members and residents.

Council has approved two (2) new speed humps within Waterfront Place, two (2) new speed humps within the Station Pier Car Park, two (2) raised priority crossings to replace the existing at-grade zebra crossings of the Bay Trail, including lighting upgrades, new chains installed between existing bollards along the periphery of Station Pier car park and new bollards installed where gaps are identified by officers. Council will also advocate for fixed speed cameras on Beach Street and Waterfront Place. Council officers are to provide an update on progress by October 2026. Click/tap here for full details of Council’s response.

The BCNA thanks Mayor Alex Makin and Councillor Heather Cunsolo for their advocacy on this issue.

Call for New BCNA Committee Members

The BCNA is inviting interested persons to join our committee and help shape the future of our neighbourhood. We’re especially keen to welcome enthusiastic homeowners or renters who want to play an active role in strengthening local amenity and community wellbeing.

As an active and respected residents’ association, the BCNA represents member interests across Port Melbourne. We meet regularly with all tiers of government and council officers, and we’re consistently told that our approach is constructive, balanced and objective. That reputation gives us real influence - and committee members are at the heart of it.

Joining the committee offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute directly to the amenity, liveability and character of our area. You’ll be involved in monitoring emerging issues, leading positive change, and helping ensure our neighbourhood continues to thrive.

If you’re curious, interested, or simply want to understand what the role involves, we’d love to talk. Please contact President Tim Norman or Secretary Bill Fisher.

Update on Ground Floor Plans for 103 Beach Street

The BCNA has been contacted by the City of Port Phillip’s planning department to say that they have approved a change of use for the ground floor. Members will be aware that the ground floor is currently vacant.

The owners sought changes to allow two apartments to be built on the northern side of the building with a small retail space to be used for delicatessen/café/groceries on the southern side (explained here). After deliberation and discussion with the owners, the BCNA committee resolved  to support the changes. This aligns with feedback received from members, which was strongly in favour.

Old Telstra Building in Bay Street

The City of Port Phillip (Council) recently approved an extension of a planning permit for the site at the corner of Bay and Liardet Streets (222-224 Bay Street). This was the former site for Telstra.

Council unanimously approved a motion that the development must commence by 30 May 2028. Pleasingly, the motion also requests officers to engage with the landowner and/or their representatives to investigate opportunities for interim activation of the site pending the commencement of development.

Reminder - BCNA Survey - Closes this Sunday (26 July)

Many thanks to those who have responded so far to our survey about BCNA social events aiming to encourage a greater sense of community in Beacon Cove.

For those that haven't responded, there is still time. The survey closes this Sunday (26 July) and should only take about five minutes.

The survey is anonymous and would be a great help to our volunteers who arrange these activities and would like to spend their time where it’s most effective.

Click/tap here to take part in the survey. 

BCNA Meeting with Council About Anti Hoon Measures.

Recently, BCNA representatives met the City of Port Phillip’s transport and planning staff at Station Pier to discuss anti hoon measures for the area. The BCNA proposed several measures designed to suppress speeding and noise. A walk along Station Pier, Waterfront Place and Beach Street promoted discussion about the options. Council staff are preparing a report for a meeting with Councillors in August and will discuss the issues with the BCNA before the meeting.