The BCNA Needs Your Feedback

One of the goals of the BCNA is the facilitation of communication and social interaction to encourage a sense of community and one of the ways we do this is by arranging social events for members of the Beacon Cove community.

To see how we are doing and how we can do better at this, we’re asking Beacon Cove residents to complete a short (five minute) survey.  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.  It closes on Sunday 26 July.

Storage of Caravans, Boats and Trailers on Council Land and Roads

At its meeting on 17th June, the City of Port Phillip unanimously passed a local law amendment which prohibits a person from storing or parking a caravan, boat or trailer on Council land or a road for a period of 14 days within a 60-day period. This follows feedback from the community and a report.

Long-term storage of caravans, boats and trailers on street can negatively affect local amenity, parking availability, and sightlines. The BCNA has received complaints about this and contacted the Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin, and Councillor Heather Cunsolo ahead of Council’s meeting to register our support for the local law amendment.

Road Safety at the Intersection of Beacon Road and Williamstown Road

This is a dangerous intersection and is more so for motorists turning right from Beacon Road into Williamstown Road during peak hours.

The BCNA discussed this with Nina Taylor MP, State member for Albert Park, last February. We urged her to seek car activated traffic lights (known as vehicle detector loops) to assist drivers as the road is the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and the Victorian Government.

          

Council staff have advocated for vehicle detector loops on Beacon Road and ‘Keep Clear’ line marking on Williamstown Road. However, both measures are not supported by the DTP. The BCNA will be contacting Nina Taylor to ask that she request that these measures be supported by DTP.

If you have concerns about safety and the need for vehicle detector loops, we encourage you to contact Ms Taylor at nina.taylor@parliament.vic.gov.au.

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.

Increase in Annual Garbage Bin Surcharge

At a special meeting on 29th June, the City of Port Phillip Council passed the Year 2 arrangements of the long-term Plan for Port Phillip 2025-35. One of the items approved is a significant increase in the cost (to you) if you choose to use a large (240-litre) rubbish bin. The default allocation for a residence in Port Phillip is a 120-litre bin, for which there is no additional charge with your rates. However, some residents have chosen to upsize to a 240-litre bin and for that an additional charge is allocated. That charge will now increase from $290 per year to $360. If you have the largest rubbish bin, you can avoid this charge by contacting council and requesting to downsize.

Opening of Port Melbourne Migration Trail

Apologies for the late notice, but the BCNA has just received advice about the official launch of the Port Melbourne Migration Trail this Saturday, 13th June at 9.30 am. The launch will be held at the canoe sculpture near Station Pier before proceeding to the mural at the Port Melbourne Yacht Club. Following the formal proceedings there will be a complimentary sausage sizzle.

Road Works to Suppress Hooning at Station Pier and Waterfront Place

At a recent meeting with the Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Alex Makin, and Councillor Heather Cunsolo, Port Melbourne Ward, the BCNA proposed road works and other tools to suppress hoon driving and excessive noise in this area.

It is become increasingly clear that road works are part of the solution. They are needed along with CCTV, acoustic cameras, speed cameras, and a police presence to suppress hoon behaviour. To this end, the BCNA has proposed road works and other tools. The BCNA’s ideas are being studied by Council staff for discussion in July.

Port Melbourne Light Rail Linear Parks Plan

The City of Port Phillip (Council) is developing a masterplan for the nine reserves along the Port Melbourne Light Rail Corridor. In 2025 they asked the community how they use these spaces and what could be improved. The feedback has helped Council to develop a draft masterplan.

The draft includes ideas to improve access through the reserves, add more greenery and create more places for people to relax and spend time together. Council is now inviting the community to review the draft plan and to provide feedback by 19 June.

Police Seeking Feedback

The BCNA has been contacted by a senior officer at South Melbourne Station about the Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey 2026 which is now open.

The survey provides the community with an opportunity to share views and experiences of Victoria Police. The feedback received will help them to better understand community expectations, identifying areas where we are performing well, and highlight opportunities to improve services. Click/tap here for more information about the survey.

The BCNA strongly encourages the community to complete the survey. It is open until 30 June. It provides the community with the opportunity to explain local concerns and issues such as hooning and anti-social behaviour, property theft and damage, and community safety. The feedback will help police to improve services.

Removal of Car Parking Near the Graham Street Tram Stop

The City of Port Phillip is seeking feedback on potential changes to the car park which is close to Graham Street light rail stop on the 109 service.

Council is considering using all or some of the space for recreation purposes. Four options are presented, two of which show the removal or all or most car parking.

The BCNA considers that the loss of car parking close to this tram stop to be a backward step. Parking is needed to allow easy access, particularly by users with mobility issues. Forcing users to park some distance will be difficult for some and will discourage the use of public transport.

The BCNA concedes that a redesign of the area could lead to more efficient use. The BCNA will consider Council’s proposal at our next meeting and may lodge a submission. We encourage the community to provide feedback online or email Port Melbourne Ward Councillor Heather Cunsolo before 19 June.

Update on Plans for the Ground Floor at 103 Beach Street

The BCNA has received positive responses to the proposed plan to vary the layout of the ground floor at 103 Beach Street as explained earlier.

The owners have since made some adjustments to the plans. They are proposing dividing the area between two 2-bedroom apartments and a café/retail outlet.

The BCNA has discussed details with representatives of the Owners Corporation (OC). We are told that there continues to be interest in the retail area. The BCNA continues to welcome feedback on the proposal to our President or Secretary.