Reminder - State Election Candidates’ Forum THIS THURSDAY

As the state election will be held on 28 November. the BCNA and the Fishermans Bend Business Forum(FBBF) have arranged a Candidates’ Forum this Thursday, 23rd October from 7-9 pm at the Sandridge Events Centre, 200/201 Ingles Street, Gate 3.

This is a great opportunity for voters to hear about policies and projects that affect the Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend communities. All (8) candidates standing for election to the District of Albert Park have been invited.

Booking (at no cost) is necessary. Click/tap here to book.

Cruise Ship Season 2026-27

The first cruise ship for the 2026-27 season arrived at Station Pier on Sunday 11th October.

This year Ports Victoria expects 63 ships to visit Station Pier from October through to 20th April 2027. The next ship to visit will be the Carnival Adventure on Monday 2nd November.

If you want a list of ship arrivals for your fridge, click/tap here for one we have prepared.

Alternatively, click/tap here to go to the Ports Victoria website which always has the latest schedule.

Upgraded Pedestrian Crossing in Princes Street

The City of Port Phillip have contacted us to confirm that an upgrade to the existing pedestrian crossing on Princes Street near the corner of Rouse Street will start in November.

The works will include the construction of a new raised pedestrian crossing (the existing crossing is currently flat), along with associated upgrades to drainage, footpaths, kerbs and road pavement. The proposed upgrades will:

• Reduce vehicle speeds approaching the crossing
• Improve pedestrian visibility to motorists
• Enhance overall pedestrian safety.

The BCNA has previously raised this issue with council on behalf of local residents and welcomes the upgrade.

Responses from State Election Candidates

The BCNA has received responses from three of the eight candidates standing for the District of Albert Park in the forthcoming State election. The BCNA sent a questionnaire on18 September to all known candidates and asked them to respond by close of business Thursday 8th October.

Click/tap below to read the responses received from:

Tammy Lindrum - One Nation

Adrian King - Independent

Sonya Semmens - Greens

If we receive responses from Colleen Bolger (Socialists), Andrew Cook (Liberals), Georgie Dragwidge (Independent), Dan O’Neill (Animal Justice Party), and Nina Taylor MP (Labor), we will post them here.

Intersection of Beacon and Williamstown Roads to Remain Unsafe

The issue of this intersection was raised by a questioner at BCNA’s recent AGM. The intersection is particularly hazardous for motorists turning right from Beacon Road onto Williamstown Road.

The Victorian Government plans to install a pedestrian crossing on the eastern side of the intersection to provide a safer crossing point over Williamstown Road. The BCNA believes this project also provides an opportunity to install car-activated traffic lights to assist motorists turning right from Beacon Road onto Williamstown Road.

The BCNA raised this concern with Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, in February. At the AGM, Councillor Heather Cunsolo explained that Council officers had advocated for car-activated traffic lights; however, the proposal is not supported by the Victorian Government.

Until road safety improvements are introduced, we urge drivers to avoid turning right from Beacon Road. Choose an alternative route to get on to Williamstown Road. This intersection will become busier once the Barak Beacon housing development is completed later this year.

Volunteers Wanted – Help Make a Difference

The BCNA is looking for volunteers who care about our local area and want to help protect and enhance the amenity of our local community. Whether you can contribute regularly or assist with a specific issue or activity, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out by contacting Tim Norman or Bill Fisher.

Update on Candidates’ Forum for State Election 2026

Since our last update, we have heard that a new candidate will contest the District of Albert Park. The candidate is Daniel O’Neill, Animal Justice Party.

The BCNA is sponsoring a Forum to Meet the Candidates to be held at 7pm on 22 October. Promotion of the Forum is underway through local and social media and a flyer has been produced. Everyone in Port Melbourne is warmly invited to attend, please spread the word.

Booking is necessary. This is to help organisers to manage expected numbers. Click/tap here to register.

Recap of BCNA’s Annual General Meeting

The BCNA held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 24th September. This meeting is rapidly becoming a key source of local news. This year, with three local representatives in attendance, the evening ended up being a detailed outline of progress across a wide range of Port Melbourne issues.

The Guest Speaker was Councillor Alex Makin, Mayor of the City of Port Phillip. He mentioned the following:

• The acoustic camera trial expected to be installed by the end of 2026 - he complimented Nina Taylor MP for her advocacy about this;
• Boom gates may be possible at Waterfront Place; and
• Council is working with Port Melbourne Business Association (PMBA) to make Bay street look less drab and that Council is hoping to activate the site of the old Telstra building at corner of Bay and Liardet Streets until the new building commences (in Council terminology, activation means taking appropriate action to enable some public use of a site).

Port Melbourne Ward Councillor Heather Cunsolo mentioned: 

• Possible activation of the land at 1-5 Waterfront Place until construction of the new building commences;
• The Barak Beacon development will have a café, parks, and gardens and that they will be open to the community; and
• A new pedestrian crossing on Beacon Road towards Beach Street and that the State Government has not agreed to car activated traffic lights at the intersection of Beacon Road and Williamstown Road. 

Ms. Nina Taylor, MP, State Member for Albert Park, mentioned:

• Her advocacy for a precinct plan for Waterfront Place;
• Future uses of the freight yard near Station Pier as Ports Victoria only requires about 30 per cent of the area;
• The cruise ship strategy rests with the Minister for Tourism;
• The Victorian Government has increased bus services in Fishermans Bend;
• There has been a quality fit out in apartments at the Barak Beacon development; and
• Recently released crime statistics which shows crime is too high and that more needs to be done.

Click/tap here for a summary of the meeting and the President's Report.

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.