Home and Car Security

Unfortunately, the BCNA continues to receive reports of thefts from cars and attempted home entry. We urge property owners to be vigilant as explained in our earlier news item.

Thefts from cars are the most common type of crime in the Port Melbourne area. Disappointingly, local police report that most car thefts occur with cars that are left unlocked. So, we remind members to lock your car whenever it is out of your sight.

More recently, car thieves have developed ways of getting into locked cars. Any car which has keyless access where one does not need to press the unlock button on the key fob to gain entry is vulnerable to theft as explained here.

The RACV also has a useful article on how to prevent push-start car theft with an OBD lock.

Home Installed CCTV can Assist Police

At our recent meeting with South Melbourne Police we were reminded about a program where homeowners can register their CCTV with police. This can assist police when they are investigating local crime.

The idea is that owners of private CCTV cameras notify police that they have CCTV and that they are willing to be contacted. This does not provide automatic access, but it helps Police to identify locations where CCTV exists for investigative purposes. If they require access to CCTV film, Police will contact the resident and forward them a link where the footage can be securely shared. The owner does not have to agree.

The BCNA encourages homeowners who have CCTV to consider this. Access can only help police in investigating and solving local crime. It does not provide immediate access--there is a right to refuse for each incident. Homeowners who wish to participate should complete this form and email it to South Melbourne police.

Click/tap here for more information about CCTV systems and police.

Public Art in Port Melbourne

The Port Melbourne Yacht Club dinghy shed has provided a canvas for a mural celebrating Port Melbourne's rich immigration history as shown here:

The project was initiated by the Port Melbourne Business Association and funded by the Victorian Government.

Climate and Energy - Macnamara Candidates’ Forum

The Port Phillip Climate and Energy Network (PECAN) and the Glen Eira Emergency Climate Action Network (GECAN) have organised a candidates’ forum to discuss climate and energy policies.

It is being held next Tuesday, 1 April, at 7 pm at the St Kilda Town Hall. Federal Member Josh Burns (Labor) and Sonya Semmens (Greens) will be present for a discussion on climate and energy policies. Click here for details about the Forum and to register.

Crime Statistics and Crime Prevention

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in offences recorded and criminal incidents in Port Melbourne in recent years. Port Melbourne ranks third after St. Kilda and South Melbourne in Port Phillip in terms of incidents in 2023 and 2024. The statistics are collected by the Crime Statistics Agency and can be found here.

The most common type of crime in the City of Port Phillip is stealing from a motor vehicle. The most common location is street/lane/footpath.

BCNA representatives recently met police from South Melbourne station to discuss crime prevention. The police noted that our local suburbs have a high percentage of street parking, due to limited space. They also noted that the majority of theft occurs from vehicles left unlocked. To combat vehicle theft, they recommend to lock all doors, secure your keys and park in a well-lit and secure area. Click/tap here for further advice. We also discussed number plate theft and steps to prevent theft as explained here. We agreed to work closely and will include advice on related issues from time to time.

Protecting the Amenity of Beacon Cove

The BCNA committee believes most members value the amenity of the planned estate in Beacon Cove and want to see it protected. To this end, we encourage property owners to adhere to the planning provisions in the Port Phillip Planning Scheme when considering improvements. Compliance with the planning scheme is the best way to maintain the unique character and amenity of the area. 

From time-to-time residents seek advice on how to manage disputes regarding planning applications. BCNA has prepared a short guide to assist members. Wherever possible, we encourage discussion with the owner to explain your concerns. Your concerns may be able to be resolved. Click/tap here for information about the planning controls in Beacon Cove and click/tap here for a guide.

Port Phillip Neighbourhood Policing Forum

Victoria Police are holding a neighbourhood policing forum at 5:30pm to 8:30pm on Tuesday 3 December.

The forum will explore topics including: 

• Current crime trends and crime prevention 
• Family violence 
• Young people 
• Road policing 
• Drugs and drug related crime

For details on how to register (which is required) or how to submit a question in advance, please click/tap here.

Our Newsletter is Out

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

• Renters are welcome to become members
• The Barak Beacon public housing site in Port Melbourne
• Update on 1 and 7 Waterfront Place 
• Hoon driving and related noise.
• Update on Foodstore redevelopment at 103 Beach Street
• Dogs off leash in public spaces  
• Air quality monitoring at Station Pier
• BCNA’s residents’ dinners
• Joining the BCNA

The BCNA thanks Nina Taylor, MP, State Member for Albert Park, for arranging printing and to Kosdown Press for folding the newsletter.

Click/tap here for an electronic version of the newsletter.

Volunteers Needed for Around the Bay Bike Ride

The BCNA has received a request from the Bicycle Network for volunteers to help run this year’s ride. The ride takes place on Sunday 6th October (click here for details).

Specifically, the organisers are looking for volunteers to help as Route Marshals (job explained here). Marshals are required for 12 locations from the start site at Albert Park Lake and must have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) which is free (click here to apply). As the WCCC cards can take a few weeks to arrive the organisers will accept proof in the form of a confirmation email after applying.

This spreadsheet provides location details where Route Marshals are required as well as start and finish times. Ideally, two volunteers per location are required. The shift times vary slightly by location but most fall between 5am and late morning.

If you are interested, please contact the BCNA at secretary@beaconcove.org.au providing name, phone and email address and the location you would prefer. Please respond by cob Friday 7 September.

St Kilda Ferry Service from Beacon Cove

BCNA representatives recently met the operators to discuss services from Beacon Cove (behind Mr. Hobsons café) and the functioning of the Waterfront Place precinct. St. Kilda ferries run a service, weather permitting, from Beacon Cove to St. Kilda and Williamstown and return. They also operate sunset penguin cruises. Click here for details of services and the timetable.

BCNA’s Meetings with Nina Taylor MP and Ward Councillors

BCNA arranges regular meetings with Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, and with our City of Port Phillip Ward Councillors to discuss local issues. A report from recent meetings follows.

Nina Taylor MP

Your BCNA representatives covered topics including height, traffic, and infrastructure concerns with the Barak Beacon public housing redevelopment, the delay in providing public transport commitments in Fishermans Bend, and the lack of EPA funding to progress an acoustic camera trial in the City of Port Phillip.

The BCNA remains keen to meet Ministers with responsibility for Station Pier and Waterfront Place to discuss redevelopment. Nina offered to arrange meetings for us. Updates will be discussed at future meetings and reported on here.

City of Port Phillip Ward Councillors

At our meeting with Councillors Heather Cunsolo, Marcus Pearl, and Peter Martin we discussed the future of the Waterfront Place precinct and Council support for arranging a forum with stakeholders to discuss precinct planning, Council support for an acoustic camera trial to detect hoon noise, maintenance and improvements at the mouth of the Princes Street stormwater drain, tram track duplication adjacent to 103 Beach Street, and BCNA’s concerns with the Barak Road housing redevelopment. Future news items will report progress.

Mother’s Day Artisan Market

The Port Melbourne Business Association with support from businesses, community groups, Rotary and the City of Port Phillip are sponsoring a Mother’s Day event on Saturday 4th May from 11 am to 5 pm in Bay Street.

Around 150 different and unique artisan offerings are expected to be displayed. It will include a range of handmade, locally produced gifts, art pieces, designs, jewellery and more. There will be live music – with an event schedule to be released closer to the date.

Click here for further details and a map.

App to Report Community Issues

Snap Send Solve is a free app for mobile phones which makes it easy to notify the right people about community issues that need attention. Since its creation in 2010 it has become a popular and effective way to contact Councils and other authorities.

The BCNA encourages members to report community issues, such a graffiti, dumped rubbish and abandoned shopping trolleys. The app is a simple and efficient way to do this. Details can be found here.

Home Invasions and Security

From time to time, we hear about burglaries in the Beacon Cove area.

Two recent incidents involved thieves entering homes while the residents were asleep. In the first incident, the garage door was raised, and the intruders entered the house as the internal door to the garage was not locked. Car keys were taken, and the car stolen. The second incident involved the security door and front door being forced, keys being taken, and the car unlocked on the street. Other recent incidents have involved thefts from parked cars.

The BCNA recommends that residents take action to minimise the possibility of being a victim. Many residents have set up ‘informal’ security networks with neighbours. You can alert each other if there is suspicious activity and help in other ways by collecting mail and returning bins while you are away. The BCNA encourages this. Take time to get to know your neighbours to see if this might be possible.

Victoria Police has easy to read advice here. If your home has been broken into police advise that you do not confront the thief. Get out or find a safe place. Do not touch anything. Call your insurance company. The burglary should be reported. For emergencies: report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000). For non-emergencies: call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Our Newsletter is Out

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

• Invitation to renters to become members, 
• Hoon driving and related noise.
• Update on Foodstore redevelopment at 103 Beach Street
• The Barak Beacon public housing site
• Update on 1 and 7 Waterfront Place 
• Council news affecting Beacon Cove: Dogs off leash in public spaces, and Port Phillip’s Housing Strategy 
• BCNA’s Annual General Meeting
• BCNA’s residents’ dinners
• Joining the BCNA

The BCNA thanks Nina Taylor, MP, Member for Albert Park, for arranging printing.

To get the electronic version of the newsletter, please click here.

BCNA AGM – Summary of Meeting

The BCNA held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 9th November. For those who could not attend click/tap here to read a copy of the President’s report and click/tap here for a summary of the meeting.

The Guest Speaker was The Hon. Nina Taylor MP. She spoke about the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement, the State Electricity Commission, Fishermans Bend, E scooters and vehicle noise and hoon driving.

Gateway Ward Councillors Heather Cunsolo and Peter Martin attended. Mayor Cunsolo spoke about Fishermans Bend, implications of the Victorian government’s Housing Statement, that Port Phillip will be trialling the use of acoustic cameras, E scooters, dogs off leash areas, an application from the owners of 1 and 7 Waterfront Place to delete three conditions of the planning permit, and re zoning of the area near Station Pier. BCNA will obtain details on these issues and assess the implications.

Current Beacon Cove Weather Now on Website

Some of you who have visited the BCNA website recently may have noticed this already, but we now have a display of local temperature and humidity on the top of the second column of the main web page. Directly underneath is a link to a page which has full weather data (including over a year of history) including wind, rainfall, air pressure, solar, and UV.

The weather station is on Pier Street near the water in Beacon Cove so reflects wind speeds and temperatures near the foreshore rather than further inland.

We hope you find this of interest.

BCNA Meeting with Local Police

BCNA representatives attended a community forum organised by the Victoria Police's Port Phillip Local Area Commander last Tuesday to discuss policing issues in the area. Such meetings are being held around the state with sponsorship by the Chief Commissioner.

The main topics were drugs, youth offending, road policing and family violence. Crime statistics are collected and reported by the Crime Statistics Agency. The top offences in the Port Phillip area were stealing from motor vehicles and property crime. Sadly, 5 road-related deaths occurred.

E-scooter safety and hooning, two priority issues for BCNA, were discussed. Police report that they are enforcing road laws regarding laws regarding E-scooter use (see our previous news item here). The Principal of Port Melbourne Secondary College, Anne Stout, spoke about speeding and dangerous driving on Plummer Street. Police will be targeting this. Police report that the mobile CCTV unit, purchased by the City of Port Phillip at the urging of BCNA, has proved valuable.

Police continue to emphasise the reporting of incidents as this helps them to plan and target police resources. Here’s a quick summary of how to report.

Triple Zero - 000 - Call 000 immediately if the incident is life-threatening, needs ommediate police attendance, a crime is happening now, or an offender is (or may be) still in the area.

Police Assistance Line - 131 444 - To report non-urgent crimes and events.

Crime Stoppers - 1800 333 000 - To report crime information confidentially

Aircraft Noise

The BCNA periodically receives queries about the frequency of helicopters and other aircraft in our skies. Of course, living in a major city carries some unfortunate disadvantages, this being one of them, and members may be aware that the northern part of Port Melbourne falls under a flight path for helicopters that are moving to and from the city.

If you are concerned about aircraft noise and intrusion, you will find more detail on the web site for Airservices Australia (AA), which manages airspace and flight paths. AA has recently developed a new national Community Engagement Standard and is seeking input from communities on this. This is an opportunity for you to influence how Airservices Australia will engage on all future flight path and airspace changes. You can read the Standard and provide feedback direct to Airservices Australia at the this link.

VCAT Refuses Planning Application for 40 The Crescent

In response to the City of Port Phillip's (CoPP) refusal of the planning application for 40 The Crescent the owners appealed the decision to VCAT. The principal concern by Council was the proposed 3rd storey as the nearby area comprises 1-2 storeys. Council's reasons for the refusal are shown here.

The BCNA, as well as several nearby residents, supported Council's decision to refuse a planning permit and were involved in the VCAT Hearing.

VCAT recently confirmed Council's decision to refuse a permit. Reasons cited by the VCAT Member included:

"..I consider that the intent of the planning objectives and controls is to deliver on the neighbourhood character objectives of NRZ4 and NCO5, which include to 'reinforce the existing neighbourhood character..' (Para 38).

Full details of VCAT's decision are shown here.

While we understand the owners may be disappointed by VCAT's decision, the BCNA is pleased that the Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Character Guidelines are being enforced as they are designed to maintain the character of the estate. 

To avoid planning permission problems, the BCNA encourages Beacon Cove residents who are planning external alterations to their homes to consult the relevant Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Character Guidelines, provide them to their architect, and to discuss the scope of their plans with CoPP planning officers before getting any detailed work done.