Five State Election Candidates Still to Respond to BCNA’s Questionnaire

In September we sent questionnaires to all candidates standing for our local seat (Albert Park) in the forthcoming State Election.

We have yet to receive responses from five of the candidates. They are, in alphabetical order

• Colleen Bolger (Victorian Socialists)
• Andrew Cook (Liberals)
• Georgie Dragwidge (Independent)
• Dan O’Neill (Animal Justice)
• Nina Taylor (Labor)

Three candidates responsed by the deadline and you can click/tap on their names below to see their responses.

• Adrian King (Independent)
• Tammy Lindrum (One Nation)
• Sonya Semmens (Greens)

We thank the three candidates who have responded and look forward to hearing from the remaining five.

BCNA Welcomes Hoon Mitigation Works at Station Pier and Waterfront Place

Since the City of Port Phillip’s approval of anti-hoon measures at Station Pier and Waterfront Place in August, the BCNA has been told  that plans for the work have been finalised and contractors appointed.

The approved work comprises two new speed humps within Waterfront Place, two new speed humps within the Station Pier Car Park, two raised priority crossings to replace the existing at-grade zebra crossings of the Bay Trail. Council will contribute up to $335,000 and has worked with the Department of Transport and Planning to secure immediate support to allow the work to commence in November with the aim of being completed in December. Click/tap here to see the Council’s report on hooning mitigation.

The approved works is the result of sustained advocacy by the BCNA about the impact of hooning on residents and the amenity of the area.  This advocacy has been supported by nearby residents who have regularly reported the impact to Nina Taylor MP, Councillors, Council staff, and Ports Victoria. As part of our advocacy, the BCNA prepared plans for mitigation measures. These were discussed with Councillors and staff and led to the new measures.

The BCNA thanks Councillor Heather Cunsolo, Mayor Alex Makin, and Council staff for support and for expediting the plans. We also thank our members who have been active in reporting the impact of hooning and the need for action.

Report on Candidates’ Forum for 2026 State Election

The forum was held on Thursday, 22nd October, at the Sandridge Events Centre, Ingles Street, Port Melbourne with 70-80 people attending.

Six of the eight candidates standing for the District of Albert Park in the forthcoming State election attended. Candidates were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and their reasons for standing before answering a series of prepared questions developed by the BCNA and the Fishermans Bend Business Forum. The prepared questions covered such topics as Fishermans Bend development, crime, and development of the Waterfront Place precinct near Station Pier. The questions were provided to the candidates several days before the event. Candidates also responded to questions from the audience.  

Participants in the forum are shown in the photo below. They are, from left to right, Georgie Dragwidge (Independent), Colleen Bolger (Victorian Socialists), Sonya Semmens (Greens), Tammy Lindrum (One Nation), Adrian King (Independent), and Nina Taylor (Labor).  Absent from the evening were Andrew Cook (Liberals) and Dan O’Neill (Animal Justice).

Public transport delivery into Fishermans Bend was a major theme in discussion. For those with a Herald Sun subscription, click/tap here for their report (paywalled) on the forum.

Proposed Open Day at Barak Beacon

The BCNA supports a successful integration of the new residents with the existing community. To this end, the BCNA suggested to Nina Taylor MP that the incoming residents be given a Welcome Kit and that an Open Day be held for local neighbours. We understand that the Minister for Housing has agreed to these suggestions. Further details will be provided as information is received. 

Reminder - State Election Candidates’ Forum THIS THURSDAY

As the state election will be held on 28 November. the BCNA and the Fishermans Bend Business Forum(FBBF) have arranged a Candidates’ Forum this Thursday, 23rd October from 7-9 pm at the Sandridge Events Centre, 200/201 Ingles Street, Gate 3.

This is a great opportunity for voters to hear about policies and projects that affect the Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend communities. All (8) candidates standing for election to the District of Albert Park have been invited.

Booking (at no cost) is necessary. Click/tap here to book.

Cruise Ship Season 2026-27

The first cruise ship for the 2026-27 season arrived at Station Pier on Sunday 11th October.

This year Ports Victoria expects 63 ships to visit Station Pier from October through to 20th April 2027. The next ship to visit will be the Carnival Adventure on Monday 2nd November.

If you want a list of ship arrivals for your fridge, click/tap here for one we have prepared.

Alternatively, click/tap here to go to the Ports Victoria website which always has the latest schedule.

Upgraded Pedestrian Crossing in Princes Street

The City of Port Phillip have contacted us to confirm that an upgrade to the existing pedestrian crossing on Princes Street near the corner of Rouse Street will start in November.

The works will include the construction of a new raised pedestrian crossing (the existing crossing is currently flat), along with associated upgrades to drainage, footpaths, kerbs and road pavement. The proposed upgrades will:

• Reduce vehicle speeds approaching the crossing
• Improve pedestrian visibility to motorists
• Enhance overall pedestrian safety.

The BCNA has previously raised this issue with council on behalf of local residents and welcomes the upgrade.

Responses from State Election Candidates

The BCNA has received responses from three of the eight candidates standing for the District of Albert Park in the forthcoming State election. The BCNA sent a questionnaire on18 September to all known candidates and asked them to respond by close of business Thursday 8th October.

Click/tap below to read the responses received from:

Tammy Lindrum - One Nation

Adrian King - Independent

Sonya Semmens - Greens

If we receive responses from Colleen Bolger (Socialists), Andrew Cook (Liberals), Georgie Dragwidge (Independent), Dan O’Neill (Animal Justice Party), and Nina Taylor MP (Labor), we will post them here.

Intersection of Beacon and Williamstown Roads to Remain Unsafe

The issue of this intersection was raised by a questioner at BCNA’s recent AGM. The intersection is particularly hazardous for motorists turning right from Beacon Road onto Williamstown Road.

The Victorian Government plans to install a pedestrian crossing on the eastern side of the intersection to provide a safer crossing point over Williamstown Road. The BCNA believes this project also provides an opportunity to install car-activated traffic lights to assist motorists turning right from Beacon Road onto Williamstown Road.

The BCNA raised this concern with Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, in February. At the AGM, Councillor Heather Cunsolo explained that Council officers had advocated for car-activated traffic lights; however, the proposal is not supported by the Victorian Government.

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.

Volunteers Wanted – Help Make a Difference

The BCNA is looking for volunteers who care about our local area and want to help protect and enhance the amenity of our local community. Whether you can contribute regularly or assist with a specific issue or activity, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out by contacting Tim Norman or Bill Fisher.