State Election 2026 - Questions to Candidates

Since our last update the BCNA has sent questions to candidates standing for the District of Albert Park. We ask about their reasons for nominating, priorities for Albert Park and for Victoria, and then ask about support for new housing, the City of Port Phillip’s planning provisions, anti hooning measures, the Station Pier and the Waterfront Place precinct, Fishermans Bend, and Community Safety. Click/tap here for the specific questions we asked.

We have asked candidates to return their responses by 8th October. We will post them on this website soon after 8th October.

AGM Reminder - This Thursday

The BCNA’s AGM is being held this Thursday, 24th September at the Sandridge Community Centre (formerly the Trugo Club), 1 Tucker Avenue, Port Melbourne. Members are asked to arrive at 7 pm for a 7.15 pm start.

Our Guest Speaker is the Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin. Short reports will also be provided by Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, and Councillor Heather Cunsolo.

This is an opportunity to hear about work on local issues and to ask questions. Members and non-members are welcome. Non-members will be able to join BCNA at the AGM.

Candidates’ Forum for State Election 2026

We’re pleased to share that, following our announcement of election activities, the BCNA and the Fishermans Bend Business Forum (FBBF) are working together to host a candidates’ forum for the District of Albert Park.

Venue: Sandridge Events Centre, Gate 3, 200/201 Ingles Street, Port Melbourne.

 

Date: Thursday 22 October

Time: 6:30 for 7pm start

We look forward to welcoming the following known candidates:

• Nina Taylor MP (ALP)
• Sonya Semmens (Greens)
• Georgie Dragwidge (Independent)
• Tammy Lindrum (One Nation)
• Colleen Bolger (Victorian Socialists)
• Andrew Cook (Liberals) 

Everyone in Port Melbourne is warmly invited to join us. We’ll share more details closer to the date and hope to see you there.

BCNA’s September Dinner

Members and friends came together for a wonderful evening at the BCNA dinner on 2nd September. Held at Marina Bay, 11 Waterfront Place, it was a lovely opportunity to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.

During the evening, President Tim Norman shared a brief update on key local matters, including hoon driving and the Waterfront Place Precinct.

If you haven’t joined us before, we’d be delighted to welcome you next time. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable way to meet neighbours, stay connected and be part of our community.

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.