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.

Council Local Law Changes and Homelessness

Members may be aware that the City of Port Phillip has introduced new local law powers allowing authorised officers, in some circumstances, to remove and impound belongings and camping equipment from people sleeping rough in public places (for more details, refer to the proposal put to the council). The Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin has also explained the changes.

The policy has generated significant community discussion across Port Phillip, including concerns about its humanity and how it will operate in practice. The council has stated that the powers are intended to address public safety and anti-social behaviour issues and that they will be used as a last resort, with outreach services notified before any action is taken.

The BCNA supports a safe, welcoming, and accessible community for all who live in and visit Port Melbourne. At the same time, we recognise that homelessness is a complex social issue requiring compassionate and long-term responses.

Consistent with the views expressed by many Port Phillip residents during Council consultation, the BCNA encourages the Council to exercise these powers sparingly, respectfully and with compassion and assistance to affected individuals by prioritising outreach, support services, and housing solutions as the primary response to homelessness.

Plans for the Ground Floor at 103 Beach Street

The Owners Corporation (OC) for 103 Beach Street has contacted BCNA to say they, together with the developer, plan to submit revised plans for the ground floor to the City of Port Phillip. The owners will be seeking approval for change of use for this area.

The original design allowed the full ground floor to be available for retail and hopefully, a small supermarket. The OC has emphasised that considerable effort has been made to secure a retail lease/supermarket. However, this has been unsuccessful after extensive searches. Considering this, the OC is of the view that it is best to adjust the configuration to fill the ground level and complete the building. The revised plan is to use the Waterfront Place side of the ground floor for retail use and the Beach Street side to create 2 apartments.

The OC hopes to attract a retail outlet similar to Gumtree (in Albert Park), providing coffee, lunches, wine, cheeses & grab and go dinners. We have been told that this smaller configuration has sparked  interest from an established provider of this type of service.

The front facade on the building will remain unchanged.

The BCNA will be considering the plans shortly. In the meantime, feedback on the proposal is welcome by emailing our President an/or Secretary.

New Local Group to Coordinate Action against Hoon Driving and Vehicle Noise

The BCNA welcomes the formation of a new WhatsApp group to add support against hoon driving and excessive vehicle noise in the Station Pier area. We will continue to share information and work with this group.

The BCNA has been active on hoon driving and excess noise since 2021. In 2022 our advocacy led to Council’s purchase of their first mobile CCTV. We have continued to advocate for more action and the greater use of technology such as CCTV and acoustic cameras. Recent announcements on these items can be found here and here.

Spirit of Tasmania Ferry at Station Pier

Ports Victoria has notified us that the new Spirit of Tasmania V arrived recently from Europe, after circumnavigating Africa, and will be berthed at Station Pier until about 7th June. She joins her sister ship, Spirit IV, which is berthed in Williamstown and can be seen from our foreshore. Both ships are here  temporarily while work is done onboard and the dock in Devonport is renovated to accommodate the larger ferries. Later in 2026, they will start service between Corio Quay and Devonport.TT Lines, the operator of the ferry service, may offer ticketed vessel tours during the time the ferries are in port.

1-5 Waterfront Place

Since our last update we have heard that the City of Port Phillip has approved plans for the site.

We have been unsuccessful in contacting the builder to find out the start date.

Our Newsletter is Out

Volunteers will be delivering our latest newsletter to residences over the coming days. This issue includes news on:

Community safety

• 103 Beach Street
• The Barak Beacon public housing site in Port Melbourne
• Council seeks Victorian Government funds for acoustic camera trial
• Report hoon driving and related noise.
• Joining the BCNA – we encourage all those receiving the newsletter to become a member of the BCNA

The BCNA thanks Nina Taylor, MP, State Member for Albert Park, for arranging printing and Kosdown Press, 10 Rocklea Drive, Port Melbourne for folding the newsletter.

Click/tap here to download the newsletter.

The Barak Beacon Public Housing Site

There will be 408 dwellings on the site between Barak and Beacon Roads. The project is on track and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. New residents are expected soon after.

The BCNA welcomes the redevelopment which will provide a range of rental options, including social, affordable rental, market rental, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Planned additions to local community facilities include a new multipurpose community room and space for a new café and for a social enterprise to use. Click/tap here for details.

That said, the BCNA is disappointed that there has been no action to improve access to public transport, green space, and local roads to cope with the expected increase of more than eight hundred permanent residents. We have raised our concerns with Homes Victoria and with Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park.

The BCNA continues to monitor the construction development and has assisted nearby residents to resolve issues with the builder.

ANZAC Commemoration and Naval Ship Visits

This year’s Port Melbourne Anzac Commemoration will be held at the WW1 Memorial, corner of Bay and Beach Streets, from 10 am to 11 am on Saturday. Beach Street will be closed from Bay Street through to Princes Street from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm to accommodate the service.

This year two Australian Navy ships will be at Station Pier over the Anzac weekend. They are HMAS Stuart, an Anzac Class frigate and HMAS Brisbane, a Hobart Class guided missile destroyer. Both ships are arriving on Thursday, 23rd April and departing on Monday 27th April. They follow the recent visit of a Japanese naval ship JS Kumano where an agreement to purchase Japanese frigates was signed.

A Great Night Out with BCNA

BCNA members and friends gathered on 16th of April for a relaxed and enjoyable evening at Mascalzone Restaurant, 55 Beach Street.

During the night, our President Tim Norman provided a brief update on key local issues, including hoon driving, Waterfront Place Precinct, 1-5 Waterfront Place highlighting BCNA’s ongoing advocacy on behalf of members and residents.

If you have not joined us yet, we would love to welcome you - it is a great way to stay connected and be part of the community.

Draft Foreshore Management Plan

The City of Port Phillip has released a draft plan and is encouraging feedback. Click/tap here for more details of the plan and how to provide feedback.

Acoustic Camera Trial Announced

The BCNA welcomes the announcement by the Premier and the Minister for Environment, The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, of a two year acoustic camera trial commencing later this year. Seven cameras will be installed at key ‘hot spot’ locations across Victoria to monitor vehicle noise.

                          

We acknowledge Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, for her strong advocacy on this issue.

However, the BCNA has significant concerns about the current design of the trial. As announced, the trial focuses narrowly on vehicle and engine noise, overlooking noise generated by burnouts, drifting, and rapid acceleration. It also leaves open opportunities for evasion after detection. The BCNA has now produced a paper assessing the trial and outlining key issues.

The BCNA has provided these concerns to Nina Taylor MP, to the Minister for Environment, the Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, and our local councillors. We will continue to actively pursue improvements to the trial’s scope and effectiveness.

Future uses of the freight yard near Station Pier

The BCNA has regular meetings with Ports Victoria to better understand plans and to discuss improvements to the area. One of the issues we discussed at a recent meeting was the use of the freight yard. We heard that the yard is still integral to operations but that Ports Victoria is open to ideas about community use at certain times. We heard that Ports Victoria has discussed this with the City of Port Phillip. The BCNA strongly supports the yard being used for community uses. The BCNA would welcome ideas for uses by emailing brief details to the President or Secretary.

New Committee Members Wanted

The BCNA is seeking new committee members. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute directly to advocacy across all three levels of government and to help progress community issues that affect you and your neighbours. If you are interested, please contact the Secretary or President to discuss current priorities and how you can be involved.

BCNA Members Dinner - Thursday 16 April

The first dinner for 2026 will be held on Thursday 16th April. Members have been sent an invitation with details. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please email us for details. 

Suggest Locations for Council’s New Mobile CCTV Trailer

The City of Port Phillip is purchasing a second mobile CCTV trailer as reported here. Council staff have asked BCNA to nominate potential locations. We will do this. However, if you have information about areas that may not be well known, please provide details to our Secretary.

The mobile CCTV units are deployed by police to areas of need across the City of Port Phillip. The units serve as a deterrent to those considering anti-social behaviour and assist police in identifying offenders.

Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey

Each year, the City of Port Phillip (Council) participates in the annual survey of residents to assess community satisfaction with Council services.

This year, Klein Research and Metropolis Research will conduct the survey during March and April. Researchers may contact residents by telephone or in person by knocking on your door, selected through random sample. Participation is voluntary and confidential. A total of 1,300 Port Phillip residents will be surveyed, with each survey taking approximately 5 to 15 minutes. Your personal details and individual responses are strictly confidential. Only the overall results will be shared with Council.

The BCNA encourages participation in the survey. We reported the results of the 2025 survey in August last year.

Navy Ships at Station Pier

A French navy ship, the Auguste Benedix, is at Station Pier until Monday 16th March. It will not be open to the public. Click/tap here for details about the ship.

HMAS Ballarat, an Anzac class frigate, is arriving on Friday 13th March and departing on Tuesday 17th March. The City of Ballarat has organised a ‘Freedom of Entry’ ceremony for the ship’s crew on Sunday 15th March. Click/tap here for details.

Council Seeks Victorian Government Funds for Acoustic Camera Trial

At its meeting on 4th March, the City of Port Phillip passed a motion seeking Victorian Government support and funding for an acoustic camera trial in the City of Port Phillip. This was introduced by Councillor Heather Cunsolo and passed unanimously. The motion also requests the Mayor to write to various state government representatives to promote this cause. It also proposes that council officers investigate the NSW trial of this technology.           

The President of the BCNA, Tim Norman, spoke in support of the motion as did Heather Brown, a member and resident of Beach Street. Pleasingly, the topic generated media coverage such as this.

Suggest Locations for Speed Cameras

BCNA representatives recently met local police to discuss measures that can be used to manage hoon activity. Speeding is often involved. Police reminded us that the community can suggest ‘speed areas’ where cameras could be placed. Click/tap here to do so.

CCTV Information Session in Port Melbourne

The City of Port Phillip (Council) is arranging information sessions to explain the role out of the expansion of CCTV coverage that was recently announced by the Mayor, Alex Makin. Bay Street is included in the program.

Details about the CCTV expansion will be explained at an information session on Wednesday 11th March, from 6 to 7.30 pm at the Port Melbourne Community Room, (Level 1), 147 Liardet Street, Port Melbourne. Bookings are essential. Click/tap here for more details and click/tap here to make a booking.

The BCNA encourages members who have views about community safety and the location of CCTV cameras to attend this meeting.

Air Quality

The BCNA has finalised a policy explaining air quality issues near Station Pier and the actions we would like to see taken by all levels of government.

Air quality has been a priority area for the BCNA for a long time. Advocacy by BCNA led to the Victorian Government implementing two air quality monitoring programs at Station Pier. First in 2016-18, the second in 2023-24. Air quality has much improved since the relocation of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries in 2022 and improvements in ship fuel quality since 2020.

Community Local Law Amendment

The City of Port Phillip (Council) is proposing a Community Local Law Amendment which allows council to respond to camps on Council land when they affect the community’s safety, wellbeing, or enjoyment of the area.

Click/tap here to provide feedback.

No News on Acoustic Camera Trial

Unfortunately, there is no indication that the Victorian Government will announce an acoustic camera trial soon. This was one of the outcomes of a meeting BCNA had with Nina Taylor MP on Monday 16th February. It follows a Community Policing Forum on 5th February where Victoria Police mentioned that the Victorian Government had approved funding. Click/tap here for more information.

Road Safety at Beacon Road and Williamstown Road Intersection

The BCNA also discussed with Nina Taylor road safety at the intersection of Beacon Road and Williamstown Road. The BCNA asked her to request that the Department of Transport install car activated traffic lights rather than pedestrian activated lights at this intersection. This intersection is already dangerous and will become more so as more motorists seek to turn right onto Williamstown Road once the Barak Beacon housing development is completed later this year.

Waterfront Place Update

We also got an update on the Waterfront Place precinct.  Ms Taylor stated that she would apply for a Development Victoria grant to develop a masterplan for the precinct. She asked the BCNA for details as the BCNA has advocated for a masterplan. For example, at a meeting with the Victorian Government’s Minister for Ports and Freight, The Hon. Melissa Horne MP, in October 2023. The masterplan is described on the final page of BCNA’s presentation.

More Public CCTV in Bay Street

The City of Port Phillip Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin, joined Josh Burns, MP, Federal Member for Macnamara, on Monday 16th February to announce that the City of Port Phillip is partnering with the Australian Government to improve safety and security for community and local business.

 

The Federal Government has provided $1.5 million to increase public place CCTV across the City of Port Phillip through the installation of new systems in key retail precincts in Port Melbourne, Balaclava, and South Melbourne. Bay Street is included in the program. The new systems will complement the existing CCTV network across St Kilda which is currently being renewed by City of Port Phillip. The project will also include the purchase of a mobile CCTV trailer to provide additional surveillance in areas with increased antisocial behaviour. This new purchase follows an earlier purchase of a mobile CCTV trailer sought by BCNA in 2021.

Click/tap here for more details about the new CCTV program in the City of Port Phillip.

Acoustic Cameras

The BCNA is meeting Nina Taylor MP on Monday 16th February to pursue the potential introduction of acoustic cameras to combat hoon driving. At a recent Community Policing Forum, Victoria Police mentioned that the Victorian Government has approved funding but, of course, the actual allocation remains uncertain. We are also meeting our Ward Councillor, Heather Cunsolo and the Mayor, City of Port Phillip, Alex Makin on Friday 13th February to discuss local issues, including hoon driving and steps Council can take to deter this behaviour.

The BCNA continues to receive reports of hoon driving and illegal vehicle noise in nearby areas and has long advocated for greater state attention to this problem. Disruptive behaviours include burnouts, racing and excessive exhaust and engine noise which seem to occur mostly at night. They undermine public safety, disturb residents’ sleep, and create a sense of intimidation in the community. A BCNA member on Beach Street explains the impact and is encouraging residents to routinely report incidents to police, Nina Taylor MP, and to the Mayor, City of Port Phillip. Click/tap here for the BCNA position on hoon driving and vehicle noise. 

Wintringham Hostel

The Wintringham hostel is an aged care facility at 79 Swallow Street. It plans to add four more rooms which will consume four car parks currently reserved for off-street parking. This requires an exemption from the City of Port Phillip.

The removal of these four spaces can only result in additional pressure on available parking in Swallow Street. However, it appears that the four spaces are currently little used. Consequently, the BCNA does not plan to object.

The plans (Planning Application Number 63/2015/A) can be viewed on the City of Port Phillip website (select "View more" under "Activity" then search for 63/2015/A). An objection can be submitted online.

Pedestrian Crossing on Williamstown Road

A pedestrian and bike rider crossing with traffic lights has been completed at the corner of Smith and Williamstown Road as well as a pedestrian crossing across Smith Street. Click/tap here for more details. 

The new crossings will serve the new Narrarrang Primary School at 2 Smith Street which is scheduled to open on day one, Term 1, this year.

New pedestrian and bike crossings near Narrarrang Primary School

The absence of promised Fishermans Bend infrastructure by 2025 means there is increased traffic on Williamstown Road, with consequences for all users. Safe crossing of Williamstown Road at the corner of Beacon Road, opposite the JL Murphy Reserve, is becoming increasingly difficult.

The BCNA has asked Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, for details on proposed works on Williamstown Road, including the Beacon Road and Williamstown Road corner, and when they will be completed. We will provide details as soon as they are received.

Update on 103 Beach Street (formerly the Foodstore Site)

We received advice from Council officers on 20 January that no application has been received to change the use of the ground floor of 103 Beach Street as we explained in a recent post.

The BCNA advocated for part of the ground floor area to be used as mini supermarket when the planning application was decided at VCAT in 2022. The owner, Luxcon, confirmed they were seeking potential lessees for this purpose. The ground floor is marked as ‘retail’ on the endorsed plans and shows the design for a supermarket.

A mini supermarket would be valued by the community, but the owners are not compelled to provide it. However, if a change of use is planned, the owners are required to obtain the City of Port Phillip’s approval.

Blessing of the Waters Festival 2026

A Happy New Year to everyone.

The annual Greek Orthodox Blessing of the Waters ceremony will be held on Princes Pier this coming Sunday 11th January from 1pm. The throwing of the Holy Cross will be held as part of the Blessing of the Waters Festival.

From 2pm, there will be entertainment for families and children of all ages, as well as Greek food and market stalls.

Click/tap here for further details.

New Management at Westgate Park

Janet Bolitho has alerted us to a change in management of Westgate Park from 1 January 2026. The City of Melbourne takes over management from Parks Victoria.

The City of Melbourne describes Westgate Park as “a 36-hectare open space comprising wetlands, woodlands and indigenous flora and fauna. It is located along the eastern banks of the Yarra River – Birrarung under the Westgate Bridge, between Wharf Road and Todd Road in Port Melbourne, and along a narrow 1km strip between the river and Lorimer Street in Fishermans Bend. One third of Westgate Park is wetlands, including its recognisable salt lake, a freshwater lake with a large island, a dam as well as lagoons and ponds dotted throughout, connected by shared trails.” Click/tap here for further information about the park, things to do and park guidelines.

The change in management has been welcomed by volunteers who care and assist in maintaining the park.