Events for your Diary

October
  • Tue 15, 4-6pm: Fishermans Bend Business Forum, CBCO Brewery, 89 Bertie Street, Fishermans Bend
  • Sat 19, 9:30-10:30am: Love our Streets, meeting at Edwards Park (corner Dow & Liardet Streets)

  • November
  • Sat 2, 9-10am: Beach Patrol, meeting at Sandridge Beach
  • Thu 14: BCNA AGM
  • Sat 16, 9:30-10:30am: Love our Streets, meeting at 109 tram terminus

  • December
  • Thu 5: BCNA Members' Dinner, Pier 35, Lorimer St
  • Sat 7, 9-10am: Beach Patrol, meeting at Princes Pier
  • Sat 14, 9:30-10:30am: Love our Streets, meeting at Olive's Corner (Liardet St, opposite Coles)
  • Latest News

    You can use the search options at lower right to find specific items.

    Thursday 19 December 2019

    BCNA Urges Government Purchase of 1-7 Waterfront Place

    The BCNA is urging the Victorian Government to purchase the site at 1-7 Waterfront Place. It is currently “in limbo” following the owner’s decision to withdraw a planning application at a Planning Advisory Committee hearing in November.

    The BCNA believes it should be purchased for use by the community, visitors and the Victorian Ports Corporation.

    The site was designed as an integral part of the award-winning Mirvac planned community at Beacon Cove in the early 1990s. Development of this area was designed to be low density as a balance to the medium and high density of the remainder of Beacon Cove - a place for the community to meet and to participate in sports and recreation. Unfortunately, it was sold to private interests in the early 2000s.

    The BCNA believes the site should be developed in ways that are complementary to the Beacon Cove vision for community facilities, while at the same time incorporating improvements to enhance port efficiency. This should be a co-operative effort involving State, Commonwealth and local governments which the BCNA has been advocating for some time.

    Purchase of the site has the following advantages:
    • Strategic Planning for the entire Waterfront Place Precinct can consider all sites and can commence immediately.
    • A source of uncertainty (the threat of residential development) is removed, enabling the redevelopment of Station Pier to proceed.
    • Removes a source of uncertainty for the community as well as businesses dependant on the port.
    The BCNA will be advocating for purchase of the site at meetings with VicPorts, The Hon. Martin Foley, MP, Ward Councillors and with Victorian Government representatives.

    Waterfront Welcomers - Volunteers Needed

    We've had a request to remind Beacon Cove residents about Waterfront Welcomers, the volunteer group who greet the cruise ship passengers at Station Pier.

    We're now in the cruise season and they are urgently looking for volunteers to assist cruise ship passengers with their queries and tell them all about the sights/experiences of Port Melbourne and City of Port Phillip. No experience necessary - Waterfront Welcomers will do all the training.

    If you are interested please call Brian on 03 9645 1476 or email waterfrontwelcomers@southportcc.org.au.

    Wednesday 11 December 2019

    Measles Warning for People Who Used the 109 Tram between 3-5 December

    In case you haven't seen this report elsewhere, The Age has reported about some recent cases of measles in Melbourne and that "Authorities also warned commuters who travelled on the 109 tram route from Port Melbourne to the CBD between December 3 and 5 to keep an eye out for symptoms".

    One of Our Local Ward Councillors is Mayor

    Congratulations to Bernadene Voss, one of the three Councillors for Gatway Ward (the ward that encompasses Beacon Cove), who was elected Mayor of the City of Port Phillip on 13 November.

    Bernadene was also Mayor in 2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18.

    Council News affecting Beacon Cove

    The BCNA regularly meets Gateway Ward Councillors to discuss issues of mutual interest. At our recent meeting on 26 November, The Mayor, Bernadene Voss and Councillor Marcus Pearl spoke about the following issues:
    • $50,000 grant from the Victorian Planning Authority to help the city to develop a precinct plan - no action has been taken at this initial stage.
    • Floating fish/produce market on the water behind Waterfront Place restaurants – A trial will be conducted between next April and May.
    • Cruise crew hub at Mr Hobson – Council believes that this service is operating satisfactorily.
    • Pick up, drop off zones in Waterfront Place – As a test location, four parking bays outside the Generations restaurant will be used as a pick-up/drop off point for commercial vehicles when cruise ships are berthed.
    • Public toilet behind the old train platform – new directional signs will be fixed. The toilets, leased by the Council, are being cleaned six times a day.
    The BCNA expects to meet Ward Councillors next February to discuss the details about some of these projects.

    EPA to Commence Air Quality Monitoring in Beacon Cove

    The BCNA has been continuing to advocate for a long-term, well-designed monitoring program at Station Pier. Since our earlier updates and newsletter, the BCNA has met EPA staff to discuss two proposed projects.

    The first project is a citizen science project in the Beacon Cove area using air monitoring sensors to measure PM2.5. This would involve locating 6-7 air monitoring sensors in streets and areas around Station Pier with an aim to better understand the levels of PM2.5 from ship emissions in different Beacon Cove locations.

    The second project is designed to identify the sources of PM2.5 in inner Melbourne suburban areas surrounding the ports and inner west. One of the locations could be Williamstown Road/Webb Dock. The BCNA will provide updates on these projects as details become available.

    Other Air Quality News

    We have two other items regarding air quality which may be of interest to residents.

    During 2018/19, BCNA members have assisted Deakin University and the Queensland University of Technology to conduct short term air quality monitoring studies in Beacon Cove. The studies have been reviewed by BCNA members and the EPA but have not been finalised for release. Whilst the QUT study showed that some areas within Beacon Cove are more affected by PM2.5 from ship emissions than other areas, it was uninformative as to annual PM2.5 levels.

    The Commonwealth Government has finalised arrangements to give effect to the new Australia-wide standards for sulphur in marine fuel which commence on 1 January 2020. From this date, the allowable sulphur in marine fuel will fall from 3.5% to 0.5% by volume. Josh Burns, MP, the Member for Macnamara, participated in the debate. He referred to Sydney Harbour having a 0.1% sulphur limit in marine fuel whereas Melbourne will have a 0.5% sulphur limit after 1 January 2020. Details are shown here. The BCNA has advocated for the same lower standard as now applies in Sydney Harbour.

    Friday 29 November 2019

    1-7 Waterfront Place Owner Withdraws from Public Hearing

    This item has been prepared from notes taken by Jill Maddox, BCNA member, who was at the Hearing.  Many thanks to Jill for making them available to us.

    The owner of 1-7 Waterfront Place has withdrawn from the Planning Minister’s Panel Hearing. The surprising action occurred on Tuesday 26 November after one day of legal debate. This means that the City of Port Phillip’s rejection of the permit planning application stands.

    What the next step for the owner will be is not known at this stage.

    On 26 November, Mr Adrian Finanzio SC, the barrister for the owner, spent a couple of hours trying to get the Victorian Ports Corporation to provide more documents than they had done, and tried to get an adjournment until the middle of next year.

    Barrister Mr Christopher Townshend QC, representing the Victorian Ports Corporation, said that the most fundamental issue was whether the permit could be granted under ESO4 (Environmental Significance Overlay). ESO 4 is designed to ensure that any use and intensity of development in the overlay area does not constrain the ongoing operation and development of the commercial port.  The overlay switches on a requirement if seeking accommodation on the site - 24 hours, seven days a week operation of the port. " He said that his client is required to grow the port which is vital infrastructure.  Mr Townshend's description regarding the permit application was "you want to build a block of flats in an ESO4 overlay … without an appropriate design for the location". He continued: "I've counted 150 habitable rooms exposed to the port", adding that it was "a really dumb design".

    The panel felt that they could proceed to assess the planning application on its merits anyway.

    When it became clear there was to be no adjournment, Mr Finanzio said he needed to seek instructions from his overseas client overnight.

    When the proceedings resumed the next day, Mr Finanzio surprised everyone by announcing that his client was withdrawing from the hearing.

    BCNA and other community representatives attended the hearing.

    Planning Permit Granted for 103 Beach Street

    The City of Port Phillip’s (CoPP) Planning Committee has granted a planning permit for the redevelopment of the Foodstore at 103 Beach Street (plans provided to CoPP available here).



    During the 27 November hearing, BCNA President Mr Eddie Micallef sought an assurance that if the property were sold-on to another developer, the four-storey 15.1 metre height contained in this application would remain.

    Cr David Brand picked up on this. The CoPP City Development Manager George Borg said that if this happened, the planning process would start again with any new application being subject to public scrutiny.

    Before the vote, Cr Brand – an architect – said it was “a significant proposal” and “a pretty special building”. Cr Bernadene Voss said it would set a benchmark in quality and would benefit Waterfront Place. She praised the way the developer, residents and the Council had worked together on the proposal.

    But Cr Marcus Pearl said he would vote against the proposal, as it was an “inappropriate use of this important site”.

    Earlier in the meeting there had been discussion about the southern and northern aspects of the design, the two entrances to the supermarket, the number of public car spaces, safety for pedestrians and cyclists on the shared footpath, and the duplication of the tramline.

    With the Committee voting overwhelmingly for the proposal, a planning permit was granted.

    Wednesday 20 November 2019

    Our Latest Newsletter is Out

    Volunteers are currently dropping copies of our newsletter in mailboxes throughout Beacon Cove. It covers a number of topics including:
    • Reinvestment in the Waterfront Place Precinct
    • Update on 1-7 Waterfront Place
    • Air Quality Monitoring Near Station Pier
    • Beacon Cove Foodstore Redevelopment - 103 Beach Street
    • London Hotel Site - 92 Beach Street
    • Port Melbourne Crew Hub
    • BCNA Residents' Dinners
    For those who would like an electronic copy, it can be downloaded here.

    Monday 4 November 2019

    Parking Management Policy - Consultation Extended to 10 November

    We have been informed that the consultation period on the proposed changes to the City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Parking Management Policy has been extended to 10th November.

    As we only found about this last week (when we alerted you) this is good news.

    It seems that significant changes are proposed for resident, visitor, and other local parking pemits. So if you use or rely on one of these in the CoPP then the new policy is likely to impact you so we encourage you to take the CoPP survey to provide feedback to the Council by Sunday 10 November.

    Events Celebrating the 180th Anniversary of Port Melbourne's Founding Father

    There are a couple of events coming up which celebrate the 180th anniversary of the arrival on "the Beach" of WFE Liardet and his family on 11 November 1839.

    Guided walks exploring the places, events, stories and legacy, led by past Mayor Janet Bolitho, will will held on the 10th at 10am and 12 noon.  More details here.

    The Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society will also be holding an exhibition in the Port Melbourne Town Hall - Those Creative Liardets - from Thursday 14 November to 1 December.  More details here.

    Thursday 31 October 2019

    Traffic Management in Beacon Cove During Cruise Ship Visits

    During the 2018/19 cruise ship season, the City of Port Phillip’s (CoPP) Transport Safety Engineering team worked with VicPorts to trial an extended Traffic Management Plan (TMP). This was implemented on 25 critical cruise shipping days. The TMP included traffic controllers stationed at the Beach Street, Princes Street and Waterfront Place roundabout. The program was considered a success.

    The program is designed to:
    • Improve the operation of the queuing lane and the Princes Street, Waterfront Place and Beach Street roundabout.
    • Prevent truck access into Waterfront Place from Princes Street and Beach Street (from Beacon Road/The Boulevard approach).
    • Improve safety and operation of the roundabout.
    • Reduce truck volumes in Princes Street and other local roads.
    This year, CoPP officers have liaised with VicPorts and TT-Line who have agreed to implement the extended TMP on 56 days during the 2019/20 cruise ship season. The season commenced on Sunday 13 October 2019.

    CoPP officers will continue work with VicPorts during the cruise shipping to monitor and review the TMP. The dates the extended TMP are to be implemented are available on the Council’s website.

    Out There Sailing

    With the assistance from Australian Sailing, the Port Melbourne Yacht Club (PMYC) will be running a short Out There Sailing program that offers an opportunity for teenagers to experience sailing while having fun with friends and to learn skills that will help them now and in the future.

    The program is aimed at 12-17 year olds who would like to try sailing, windsurfing and/or paddle boarding and will be conducted with trained instructors on specific Saturdays throughout the summer season. Anyone can get involved, whether they have sailed before or not.

    The teenagers don’t have to be a member of PMYC and don’t need to own a boat. All sailing equipment will be provided for them at the Club.

    Anyone interested should go to the PMYC website or give Paul Leitinger a call on 0401 992 000.

    Monday 28 October 2019

    Have Your Say on Council's Draft Parking Management Policy Before 3 November

    Sorry for the very late notice but this has only come to my attention.

    Community consultation on the draft Parking Management Policy closes on Sunday 3 November 2019 and the City of Port Phillip (CoPP) is keen to receive your feedback.

    You can “Have Your Say” on the draft Parking Management Policy by attending a workshop at 10am on Wednesday 30 October 2019 or via their online survey. The survey will be open until Sunday 3 November 2019.

    The draft Policy has been informed by more than four years of consultation with the community and this current engagement is a critical step to test the proposed changes with the community.

    A quick look at the new policy suggests that significant changes are proposed for resident, visitor, and other local parking pemits. So if you use or rely on one of these in the CoPP then the new policy is likely to impact you.

    Visit haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au to view the draft Policy, register for a workshop or to complete the survey.

    Tuesday 8 October 2019

    HMAS Choules Open Day - 12 October


    The Royal Australian Navy's Landing Ship Dock (LSD), HMAS Choules is scheduled to be docked at Station Pier from 10th October to participate in Navy Week activities.

    There will be an open day on Saturday 12th October from 10am to 3pm. Tickets are free but need to be ordered in advance at this link.

    For more details of the open day go to http://www.navy.gov.au/event/hmas-choules-open-day-melbourne.

    Thursday 19 September 2019

    Advisory Committee Established for 1-7 Waterfront Place

    The Minister for Planning has now established an Advisory Committee to provide advice to him on the use of the site. The BCNA has received a letter explaining the process and Terms of Reference. The Advisory Committee has been asked whether the developer’s planning permit should be issued and if so, what would be the appropriate conditions for the permit. The developer’s planning permit application was for a 10-storey mixed use building including 174 dwellings and two retail premises.

    The BCNA will be considering the papers and preparing a response. Details will be provided once plans are finalised. Key dates are a Directions Hearing (which is open for anyone to attend) on 9 October 2019 and Hearing Dates from 25 November to 6 December 2019.

    Friday 13 September 2019

    HMAS Melbourne Open Day - This Sunday


    You may have noticed that HMAS Melbourne docked at Station Pier today and will be there till 18th September. There will be an Open Day this coming Sunday (15th September) from 9am to 5pm.

    Tickets are free but need to be obtained at this link.  The initial ticket allocation was insufficient and more were released at 12 today.

    More details can be found at www.navy.gov.au/event/hmas-melbourne-open-day-melbourne-vic.

    Waterfront Welcomers - Volunteers Needed

    Waterfront Welcomers, the volunteer group who greet the cruise ship passengers at Station Pier, are urgently looking for volunteers.

    This will be the fourth season of the programme, and they are looking for enthusiastic, passionate people to join their band of volunteers to assist passengers with their queries and tell them all about the sights/experiences of Port Melbourne and City of Port Phillip. No experience necessary - they will do all the training.

    This year's cruise ship season begins in October 2019 and runs through to March 2020.

    For further enquiries call Brian on 03 9645 1476 or email waterfrontwelcomers@southportcc.org.au.

    Friday 23 August 2019

    Update on 1-7 Waterfront Place

    Since our last update we have heard that the developer has not appealed the Court of Appeal’s decision to the High Court.

    The Minister for Planning is now expected to convene an Advisory Committee to provide advice to him on the use of the site. The BCNA wants to see the Advisory Committee established as soon as possible.

    The Advisory Committee is expected to seek submissions from those who have an interest in the site. This would include the Victorian Ports Corporation, Melbourne (VCPM), the City of Port Phillip, TT-Line and the BCNA. The VPCM has long argued against residential development at that site because it has the potential to compromise port operations.

    Update on Air Quality Monitoring

    The BCNA has been seeking a long term, well-designed air quality monitoring program at Station Pier as there are legitimate concerns about air quality.

    Since our last update, the EPA has met the Port of Melbourne to discuss collaborative projects to monitor air quality. The EPA reports that the discussions were very productive. One project related to “air quality monitoring in Beacon Cove to compare levels before and after the introduction of low sulphur fuels to understand and evaluate the intervention of low sulphur fuels”. This statement is referring to the new Australia-wide standards for sulphur which commence from 1 January 2020. From this date, allowable sulphur in marine fuel will drop from 3.5% to 0.5% by volume.

    The EPA plans follow up meetings with the Port of Melbourne in August-September to develop details and will then discuss projects with the BCNA. 

    The BCNA has assisted Deakin University and the Queensland University of Technology to conduct air quality monitoring studies in Beacon Cove (more details here).  The BCNA expects to be able to provide the results of these studies soon.

    Community Forum: Are Victoria and the City of Port Phillip Ageing Well?

    A community forum, hosted by the Port Phillip U3A, will be held on Saturday 12 October 2-4pm on the subject Are Victoria and the City of Port Phillip Ageing well?

    The City of Port Philip (CoPP) has an ageing population. Between 2011 and 2016, in percentage terms, the population in Port Phillip aged over 50 years grew over twice as fast as the population aged under 50 years - 18.7% compared to 7.5%. The percentage of population over 50 years in 2011 was 34.6%, whereas the percentage of population over 50 years in 2016 was 39.4%.

    Issues to be canvassed include aged care, health, housing, loneliness, homelessness, infrastructure, public transport, and community safety.

    A strong lineup of speakers is promised including The Hon Luke Donnellan MP, Minister for Child Protection and Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Dick Gross AM, Mayor of the CoPP, and Professor Georgina Tsolidis, Chair, Older Persons Consultative Committee of the CoPP.

    More details and booking information can be found here.

    City of Port Phillip Public Space Strategy

    The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) are currently consulting on their strategy for public space. This includes looking at how public spaces should be used, re-designed and upgraded so they can meet increasing demands. As opportunities to purchase land for new public spaces are limited they want to explore other options for creating new public spaces for our community and how they can make our existing public spaces work better now and into the future.

    The Beacon Cove community are encouraged to provide their views.

    More details on the strategy and how to participate can be found at https://haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/public-space-strategy.

    Friday 19 July 2019

    Update on the Foodstore Site

    The developer of 103 Beach Street is finalising his proposal for a four-level building comprising a café and supermarket on the ground floor, underground car park and 12 apartments.

    The BCNA wants to see this site developed. The BCNA’s concerns have included the importance of maintaining parking spaces to the north of the building, two car park entrances, retaining a pedestrian entrance to the building from the car park, height, and safe pedestrian and cycle use to the east of the building.

    The developer understands the community concerns that have been raised and has addressed these. Car park design and safe pedestrian and cycle use involve Council and Yarra Trams/PTV. They have provided an assurance that they will not exceed 1.6 metres above the existing approved height, do not plan to on-sell, and will ask Council to include reference to maximum height in the planning permit. They have also offered to hold a community meeting to explain final design and plans.

    The BCNA is keen to see the proposed tram line duplication at the Beacon Cove stop occurring at the same time as redevelopment of the Foodstore site. To this end the BCNA will be contacting the Hon. Martin Foley MP to ensure funds are available to Yarra Trams/PTV for this work. This will minimise disruption from the two projects.

    The developer hopes to start marketing and preselling later this year, with building starting around February 2020. The building phase is expected to take about 18 months.

    Waterfront Place Precinct “Master Plan” Initiative Receives Boost

    Many local residents will be aware that the BCNA has identified the Waterfront Place Precinct as a priority area for attention by all three levels of Government, with the development of a “master plan” for the area the most important first step.

    This initiative has been given a boost by a major article in the July edition of Southbank Local News which has highlighted the issues and the need for a solution, with interviews with several key stakeholders.

    These included both our local members (The Hon. Martin Foley MP, The Hon. Josh Burns, MP), the Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Cr Dick Gross, and the CEO of the Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne), Rachel Johnson. All agreed that change was needed and that a plan for the whole precinct was the first priority.

    The BCNA will continue to push for the establishment of a planning committee and the development of a master plan for the precinct, followed by appropriate re-development and upgrading.

    Tuesday 2 July 2019

    1-7 Waterfront Place Appeal Refused

    On Friday the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal refused the developer of 1-7 Waterfont Place's leave to appeal the Court’s earlier decision to uphold the Minister for Planning’s ‘call in’ of the planning application.

    In July 2018, the Minister for Planning decided to ‘call in’ the application to develop this site.  The proposal at that time was for a ten-storey mixed use building consisting of 174 apartments and 2 retail premises. Calling in an application enables the proposal to be separately considered, rather than left to normal planning processes such as VCAT. This action was supported by the Victorian Ports Corporation Melbourne (VPCM), the City of Port Phillip, the TT-Line, the tourism industry, the Hon. Martin Foley MP and the BCNA.

    Full details of the Court of Appeal’s decision can be found here.  The developer can appeal this decision to the High Court in which case they have 28 days to do so.

    If the developer does not appeal, the Minister for Planning is expected to convene an Advisory Committee to provide advice on the use of the site. The BCNA believes that the site should be considered by the Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) for improving the overall functioning of the Waterfront Place precinct.

    Improved Lighting Along Beach Street

    We've received this by email from Bernadene Voss, Councillor at City of Port Phillip.

    Construction will start next week to remove the existing green, goose-neck foreshore & Bay Trail lights between Station Pier in Port Melbourne and Kerferd Road in Albert Park. The existing goose-neck poles have reached the end of their asset life, with many poles failing in the last 12-months. Existing light levels are also inadequate and inconsistent.



    New poles and LED lights will decrease power consumption, reduce maintenance, and improve lighting quality and security. The new LED lanterns are designed not to emit upward light pollution, consistent with dark-sky preservation requirements. Light temperature and colour is consistent with best-practice for the protection of fauna.

    Construction signage will be installed at key locations along the foreshore to inform local residents, businesses and users of the Bay Trail. More information will be available on the Council’s website. Construction is expected to take four-months to complete (July to October 2019) with minimal disruption to the Bay Trail and footpaths. Lighting will be replaced in four stages to minimise overall disruption, starting at Station Pier.

    Temporary lighting will be used in each stage to ensure that public safety is maintained while existing lights are decommissioned and new lights installed. The total budget for the project is $1,200,000.

    Sunday 30 June 2019

    Station Pier Redevelopment

    No funding was announced in the recent State Budget for the redevelopment of Station Pier. This is because funding is linked to the timeline for arrival of the new TT-Line ferries. The new ferries are expected in 2021. Unfortunately, the shipyard chosen to build the new ferries, Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG), has experienced funding issues. Victorian Ports Corporation (VPC) is seeking clarification from TT Line of the implications for the arrival of the new ferries.

    The BCNA and other local organisations continue to meet VPC representatives monthly to discuss plans for the redevelopment of Station Pier. This includes discussion of issues identified by respondents to a VPC survey as well as issues identified by the BCNA.

    Record BCNA Membership

    Thank you to all who have renewed their memberships, or who have joined the BCNA in 2018/19. Membership continues to grow and is now 443, a new record for BCNA.

    The BCNA continues to be active on your behalf in protecting and enhancing the amenity of the area. Our last Newsletter as well as posts to this website explain the issues we are involved with on your behalf.

    Thursday 20 June 2019

    Further Progress with the EPA on Air Quality Monitoring

    The BCNA has been seeking a long term, well-designed monitoring program at Station Pier as there are legitimate concerns about air quality.

    Since our update in April, the Hon. Martin Foley MP convened a meeting attended by the BCNA, Dr Andrea Hinwood, Chief Environmental Scientist at the EPA, and the Minister for Environment’s adviser, Ms Dee Cakir. At this meeting Dr Hinwood acknowledged that there is an air quality concern at Station Pier. Since that meeting, Dr Hinwood has written to the BCNA saying she plans to “..meet the Victorian Ports Corporation to discuss monitoring options to address community concerns….  This includes monitoring at ground level and at selected elevated locations in a more comprehensive manner.” The BCNA believes this is a positive development. Dr Hinwood has undertaken to brief the BCNA on this work as it progresses.

    At the request of the EPA, the BCNA is finalising the selection of suitable air quality monitoring sites for discussion with the City of Port Phillip and the EPA.

    Keep your Home and Property Protected

    Following recent reports of house burglaries in the Beacon Cove area, BCNA advises residents that Victoria Police suggest these protections:
    • Get to know your neighbours.
    • Make sure all doors and windows are locked – even when you are home.
    • Ensure your home is adequately lit at night. Consider installation of external sensor lights.
    • A monitored alarm system can be a deterrent to potential thieves.
    • Lock your mail box.
    • Only leave spare keys with a trusted neighbour. Never hide them.
    • Keep all spare keys, including car keys, in a secure place.
    • Make it look like someone is home when you are out.
    • Bring in your bins and collect mail regularly.
    • Mark your valuable property with an engraver or ultra violet marker.
    • Keep your car locked at all times and don’t leave valuables and other items visible in your car.
    For more information go to https://www.police.vic.gov.au/home-and-property.

    Tuesday 28 May 2019

    Fishermans Bend Drop-in Events

    The Fishermans Bend Taskforce is hosting two community drop-in events in early June, which will feature project update presentations and a chance to ask questions of their team.

    Saturday 1 June, 1.00pm - 4:00pm.
    Presentation 1.30pm. No RSVP necessary.
    Ferrars Street Education and Community Facility
    129 Ferrars Street, Southbank (entry off Ferrars Street)

    Wednesday 5 June, 2.30pm - 7.30pm.
    Presentations at 3pm and 6pm. No RSVP necessary.
    North Port Oval Sandridge Room
    525 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne (entry off Ingles Street)

    You are welcome to attend a session or complete an online survey at Engage Victoria. For further information on the Fishermans Bend Framework, please visit their website or email fishermansbend@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

    Monday 13 May 2019

    Further Update on Election Pledges Regarding the Waterfront Place Precinct

    On Sunday, we posted the responses from two Federal election candidates to our request for Commonwealth Government funding for the redevelopment of the Waterfront Place precinct.

    We have now received a response from Kate Ashmor, the Liberal candidate, and you can find her response here.

    Vale Port People Inc

    The BCNA notes with sadness the official winding-up of Port People Inc, a long-standing local partner organisation. Port People has made a significant contribution to the local area in many ways, most notably the protection of Garden City Reserve and the establishment of the children’s play area in Maritime Cove.

    Port People was established in 2005 in response to a proposal to sell a small area towards Tucker Street of Garden City Reserve to a not-for-profit South Port Community Residential Home. This was to establish a residential home. The proposal was withdrawn after opposition by Port People and nearby residents. More recently, Rowan Groves, the President of Port People, has represented community views about the development of Fishermans Bend at local forums, to the City of Port Phillip and the Victorian Government.

    We thank the former presidents of Port People who have worked very collaboratively with BCNA, namely Ari Pappas, Helen Kuchel and Rowan Groves. The BCNA also thanks Port People for passing all assets of the organisation to the BCNA.

    BCNA Receives Assistance from Real Estate Agents

    The BCNA is always looking for ways to grow our membership. The more members we have the more influence we can have when acting on your behalf.

    We recently met representatives of local real estate agents to see whether they would include a promotional flyer and the BCNA newsletter in their welcome packs. Agents that have agreed to do this, in alphabetical order, are Biggin & Scott (Port Melbourne), Chisholm & Gamon (Port Melbourne), and The Agency (Albert Park). We thank them for this support.

    Sunday 12 May 2019

    Update on Election Pledges Regarding the Waterfront Place Precinct

    The BCNA has contacted the major party candidates standing for Macnamara (the new name for the Melbourne Ports federal electorate) to discuss our request for Commonwealth funding for the redevelopment of the Waterfront Place precinct. Details about our request were posted on 23 April.

    The candidates’ responses are as follows (in the oreder they were received):
    • Steph Hodgins-May (Greens candidate) commits to work with the State and Local Government to set up a Waterfront Place Precinct Redevelopment Authority to oversee redevelopment of the area. Part of the work of the Authority would be to determine the exact allocation of ratepayer/taxpayer and cruise industry funding for the cost of building infrastructure (download detailed response). 
    • Josh Burns (Labor candidate) states that primary responsibility for improvements to local amenity and transport infrastructure in the Port of Melbourne rests with, in varying respects, the Victorian Ports Corporation, the Victorian Government and the City of Port Phillip. The Commonwealth can, however, play a role in helping to fund these improvements once they have been approved in principle. The vehicle for doing this is Infrastructure Australia (download detailed response).
    Kate Ashmor (Liberal candidate) had not replied by the deadline for this post. We will publish her response when it is received.

    Our Latest Newsletter is Out

    Volunteers are currently dropping copies of our newsletter in mailboxes throughout Beacon Cove. It covers a number of topics including:
    • Reinvestment in the Waterfront Place Precinct
    • Update on 1-7 Waterfront Place
    • Air Quality Monitoring Near Station Pier
    • Beacon Cove Foodstore Redevelopment - 103 Beach Street
    • London Hotel Site - 92 Beach Street
    • Vale Port People Inc
    • BCNA Residents' Dinners
    For those who would like an electronic copy, it can be downloaded here.

    Tuesday 23 April 2019

    Waterfront Place - BCNA Seeking Commonwealth Funding from Federal Election Candidates

    The BCNA has decided to meet the candidates for Macnamara to seek support for Commonwealth Government funding for the re-development of the Waterfront Place precinct.

    As a key part of the national road network, Waterfront Place is an important precinct. The car ferry service to and from Tasmania is a designated part of the national highway network and the only public vehicular link between Tasmania and the mainland.

    The steady growth of cruise ships, visitors, and freight has highlighted weaknesses in the local infrastructure. They include:
    • The area often becomes ‘gridlocked’ when cruise ships and the Spirit of Tasmania are at berth -this will only worsen as ship visits and freight movements increase.  
    • Road improvements need to be considered to ensure efficient movement of freight and passengers.
    • There are no designated bus, taxi or ride-share meeting areas for cruise ship visitors.  
    • There is a lack of appropriate shops, services and amenities for visitors.
    • The public realm is ‘run down’ and the area does not present as an inviting place for residents or visitors.
    • Many of the businesses within the precinct are currently vacant or struggling.
    Other than Station Pier, the area is the responsibility of the City of Port Phillip. However, the entire area must be considered for Station Pier to operate efficiently. As the precinct includes the national road network, the BCNA contends that the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments should contribute to the cost of redevelopment.

    The BCNA has sent a note to candidates for the major parties, namely Kate Ashmor (Liberal), Josh Burns (ALP) and Steph Hodgins-May (Greens). We are arranging to meet each candidate to discuss support for Commonwealth funding. Other candidates may be contacted as they become known.

    We encourage members to contact the candidates to support the BCNA position. We will report on each candidate’s response up until the election.

    City of Port Phillip Rejects Development at 10 Narooma Place

    The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) has refused a planning application (1025/2018) which sought “partial demolition, alterations and additions; the construction of a first-floor studio above the existing garage.”

    The reasons for the refusal include the scale, form and design of the addition being at odds with the prevailing and preferred character of Narooma Place. More details can be downloaded here.

    Residents and the BCNA opposed the development. Further details about the issues and the BCNA’s submission were posted to our website in early March. The applicant may choose to appeal the decision to VCAT. If so, it must be done within 60 days.

    Update on Air Quality Monitoring at Station Pier

    The BCNA has been seeking a long term, well-designed monitoring program at Station Pier as there are legitimate concerns about air quality.

    The Victorian Ports Corporation Melbourne (VPCM) conducted a monitoring program from 2016 to 2018. The most significant finding from the program was that the annual average PM2.5 exceeded the maximum State Environment Protection Policy levels for the two consecutive years that were measured. Exceedance was greater in the second year. Full results are shown here.

    In May 2018, the Victorian Government made a commitment to introduce a monitoring program at Station Pier. This is shown in the Air Quality Statement which states (on page 9) that “EPA is working with VicPorts to determine a suitable comprehensive long term program”. Despite several letters to the Minister for the Environment, the BCNA has received no advice about implementation of the Government’s commitment. The BCNA’s request for a monitoring program has been supported by the Hon. Martin Foley MP. Our position was also supported by the City of Port Phillip in a submission to the Victorian Government in June 2018.

    Station Pier Redevelopment

    In January, the Victorian Ports Corporation Melbourne (VPCM) submitted a proposal to the Department of Treasury and Finance for funding the redevelopment of Station Pier.

    The BCNA submitted a list of issues that required review to improve the functioning of Station Pier and the precinct. They included traffic flow (adequacy of the queuing lane and the Princes Street roundabout), easy movement of ship passengers from ship to shore, the need for a taxi/bus area for cruise ship visitors, public realm improvements (the whole area is very weather exposed), lack of shops and amenities, parking, and the need to work closely with Melbourne Water so that the storm water drain can be realigned as part of any capital works program.

    If VPCM’s budget bid is successful, details will be announced in the Victorian Government’s Budget on 27th May 2019.

    Thursday 28 March 2019

    Appeal on Minister’s ‘Call In’ for 1-7 Waterfront Place

    In October, the Supreme Court made a decision on the Minister for Planning’s ‘call in’ for 1-7 Waterfront Place.  For more information on this judgement and consequences, please refer to what we posted in October.

    We have been advised that the Court of Appeal will hear an appeal against this decision on Tuesday 21 May.

    One day has been allowed. The appeal is expected to be a technical discussion around the meaning of ‘7 days’ in respect to the notice regarding the call in. Judgement is expected to be later.

    Town Planning, Covenants and Dispute Resolution in Beacon Cove

    Apologies to those who have seen this item before however, even though we posted on this subject back in 2017, we still get lots of enquiries for assistance and support regarding planning controls and disputes. So to assist those who haven't seen it before I'm reposting the relevant information.

    From time to time residents seek advice on how to manage disputes regarding planning applications. The BCNA supports upgrades of properties that comply with the Port Phillip Planning Scheme as this maintains the character and amenity of Beacon Cove. The BCNA has prepared a short guide to assist members in defending their interests. This guide prepared was prepared in 2017and remains relevant.

    Fishermans Bend e-News

    The State Government is now producing e-News updates on Fishermans Bend.

    An example can be downloaded here and you can sign up here.

    Thursday 7 March 2019

    Election Pledges on Low Sulphur Fuel

    The BCNA has met three candidates standing for the Federal seat of Macnamara to discuss our request for the introduction of low-sulphur marine fuel for ships using Station Pier. The candidates are Kate Ashmor (Liberals), Josh Burns (ALP), and Steph Hodgins-May (Greens).

    The introduction of low sulphur fuel requires co-operative action between the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

    The BCNA is seeking a 0.1% sulphur content for marine fuel for ships berthing at Station Pier. This standard has applied in Sydney Harbour from 2015 and is the same standard that now applies in most of Europe, the North Sea, within 200 nautical miles of most of the North American and Canadian coasts, the United States Caribbean Sea since 1 January 2015, and for ports and inland waterways in Turkey from 2012. We are using this statement to explain our request.

    The candidates’ responses are:
    • Steph Hodgins-May supports the mandated use of 0.1% sulphur in fuel for all ships using Station Pier (download detailed response).
    • Kate Ashmor states that the Government actively supports the work of the International Maritime Organisation to reduce airborne emissions, including sulphur and is working closely with shipping operators in Australia to support the transition towards a cleaner shipping sector, and is open to considering data in support of an Emission Control Area (ECA) mandating 0.1% sulphur in fuel that State Government agencies provide (download detailed response).
    • Josh Burns states that most ships visiting Station Pier would now comply with the 0.5% sulphur standard (to apply to ships from 1 January 2020) with the TT-Line (Spirit of Tasmania) to tranisition to low sulphur fuel by the end of the year, and that Labor will work with the BCNA and industry to lower sulphur levels being emitted from ships (download detailed response).
    The BCNA will publish updates of the candidates’ responses up to the Federal election. We will attempt to meet new candidates as they become known.

    Update on the Foodstore Site

    The developer of 103 Beach Street met objectors at a meeting last Monday, 4th March 2019. The meeting, sponsored by Council, was designed to allow the developer to respond to concerns raised and to explore possible solutions. The developer is proposing a four-level building comprising a café and supermarket on the ground floor, underground car park and 12 apartments.

    The BCNA wants to see this site developed. Concerns raised by attendees at the meeting included the importance of maintaining parking spaces to the north of the building, two car park entrances, retaining a pedestrian entrance to the building from the car park, height, safe pedestrian and cycle use to the east of the building, and toilet facilities. The developers will now finalise their plans for submission to Council. These will be considered by the Statutory Planning Committee before being considered at a full Council meeting. This is unlikely to occur before May 2019.

    Sunday 3 March 2019

    Reinvestment in the Waterfront Place Precinct

    The BCNA has been advocating for redevelopment of the precinct with The Hon. Martin Foley, MP as the area near Station Pier is not working well for residents and visitors. For example, the area often becomes ‘grid locked’ when cruise ships and the Spirit of Tasmania are at berth. This hinders visitor movements to and from ships as well as freight movement. Taxis often refuse to enter the area when it is grid locked and emergency services vehicles have great difficulty entering the area. The public realm looks ‘run down’ and is not an inviting place for visitors. There is a lack of shops, services and amenities and the area is very weather exposed.

    The Port Melbourne Business Association and BCNA have discussed this situation with Council and the Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne). All agree that the area requires review and reinvestment.

    Planning is being done by the Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) to address some of these concerns. However, further investment will be required. This requires co-operative action between the Victorian Government and the City of Port Phillip.

    The BCNA advocated for this reinvestment to the candidates standing for the seat of Albert Park at the 2018 election. The Hon. Martin Foley MP supported our request.

    BCNA continues to advocate for reinvestment.

    BCNA Objects to Development at 10 Narooma Place

    There is a new proposal (Application Number: 1025/2018) at 10 Narooma Place for “... partial demolition, alterations and additions; the construction of a first-floor studio above the existing garage...” A previous proposal for a three-level dwelling on the site of the garage at this address was rejected by the City of Port Phillip in March 2018.

    The BCNA supports changes to properties that are in accord with the relevant planning provisions. However, the BCNA has concerns about this development as it would substantially change the character of the area. The BCNA believes the proposal does not comply with the Neighbourhood Character Overlay of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme, the Neighbourhood provisions, and that the visual bulk and massing of the development is not in keeping with the design of the area. If approved, it would establish a precedent for similar proposals across Beacon Cove.  The BCNA submission can be found here.

    Saturday 23 February 2019

    Federal Election Issue for BCNA

    The BCNA has decided to meet the candidates for Macnamara (formerly Melbourne Ports) to seek support for the introduction of low sulphur marine fuel for ships using Station Pier. The known candidates are Kate Ashmor (Liberal), Josh Burns (ALP) and Steph Hodgins-May (Greens). Other candidates will be contacted once they are known.

    The introduction of low sulphur fuel requires co-operative action between the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

    The BCNA is seeking a 0.1% sulphur content for marine fuel for ships berthing at Station Pier. This standard has applied in Sydney Harbour from 2015 and is the same standard that now applies in most of Europe, the North Sea, within 200 nautical miles of most of the North American and Canadian coasts, the United States Caribbean Sea since 1 January 2015, and for ports and inland waterways in Turkey from 2012. We are using this statement to explain our request.

    The BCNA will publish the candidates’ responses on our website later this month.

    We encourage members to contact the candidates to support the BCNA position. We will report on each candidate’s response up until the election.

    Update on Port Planning

    The Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) (VPCM) has released the results of the community consultation they conducted in Sep-Oct 2018. The objective of this consultation was to understand community views on the current operation of Station Pier and to collect ideas on future use of the pier and surrounding area. This information will be used in planning for the redevelopment of the pier. Major findings were:
    • Respondents have a strong emotional connection to Station Pier as a working port and as a historical landmark
    • Respondents visit Station Pier for a variety of reasons, but primarily to relax and socialise with friends and family
    • There is support for increased visitor numbers
    Traffic congestion was the top concern.

    A newsletter summarising the results of the consultation will be delivered to residents in coming weeks.  A copy can be downloaded here. A more detailed report can be downloaded here. VPCM has submitted a proposal for funding the redevelopment. This will be considered for inclusion in the next Victorian Budget (May 2019).

    Monday 7 January 2019

    Update on Air Quality Monitoring at Station Pier

    The EPA conducted air quality monitoring from 19th September to 9th December 2018. The equipment was installed on the roof of an apartment at 107 Beach Street and monitored PM2.5, sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide. The average PM2.5 level for the monitoring period was 9.9 µg/m3. The maximum permitted daily PM2.5 level is 25 ug/m3 (one exceedances per year is permitted) and the maximum annual average PM2.5 level is 8.0 µg/m3. No sulphur or nitrous emissions were detected. Since installation, the EPA has told us that the equipment is not capable of monitoring sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions at levels below 0.5-1 ppm. This means that the equipment is not fit for purpose. The maximum permitted hourly levels for sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide are 0.2 ppm and 0.12 ppm respectively and the maximum number of permitted exceedances per year is 1 day.

    The BCNA recently wrote to the Minister for the Environment requesting a long term, well-designed monitoring program using fit-for-purpose equipment. The Hon. Martin Foley MP has agreed to support our request.

    Monitoring at Station Pier in 2016/17 by the Victorian Ports Corporation (VPC) revealed elevated levels of sulphur dioxide compared to nearby EPA monitoring stations at Footscray and Altona North. Also, the annual average PM2.5 value of 8.4 µg/m3 exceeded the 8.0 µg/m3 level specified in the State Environment Protection Policy (Ambient Air Quality) standard.

    Volunteers Needed for Air Quality Monitoring

    The BCNA is assisting Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Deakin University (DU) to undertake complementary air quality monitoring projects in the area. The QUT equipment are known as KOALAs (Knowing Our Ambient Local Air-quality) and measures particles (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) and carbon monoxide and are either solar or mains powered. The KOALAS are cheaper than the equipment used by EPA or DU which means that multiple units can be deployed in Beacon Cove. However, the KOALAs are not as accurate as the EPA or DU equipment. Installation of the QUT owned KOALAs is underway on balconies of selected tower residents in 107, 115 and 127 Beach Street.

    The BCNA has informally approached Councillor Bernadene Voss to see whether Council might host the solar powered KOALAs on light poles along the bike trail. In the interim the solar powered KOALAs are being hosted on balconies or in courtyards in temporary locations within Beacon Cove. To date mains powered KOALAs have been installed on the top of 107 Beach St and Levels 5 and 10 of 115 Beach St (note L10 of 115 is at same level as top of 107), and solar powered KOALAs have been installed at 16 Park Square and 2 Orion Mews.

    More volunteers in Beacon Cove are needed to temporarily host solar powered KOALAs. Suitable locations need to face north, be unshaded for at least 5 to 6 hours during the day, be easy for KOALAs to be mounted by cable ties, and not close to major roads. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Secretary of the BCNA at secretary@beaconcove.org.au.
     
    Deakin University has installed air quality monitoring equipment on the same high-level balcony of 115 Beach St as the KOALA so that the results can be compared as the DU monitoring includes PM2.5. DU have also installed a weather monitoring station on the top of 115 Beach St so that wind information is also available for close to Station Pier.