- $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.
Wednesday, 11 December 2019
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Saturday, 9 November 2019
BCNA Annual General Meeting - President's Report and Summary of Meeting
On Thursday night we held the Annual General Meeting of the BCNA. For those who couldn't make it a copy of the President's report to members is available here and a summary report of the meeting is avalaible 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.