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.
