The BCNA regularly meets City of Port Phillip Gateway Ward Councillors to discuss issues of mutual interest. At our recent meeting on 8 September with the Mayor, Bernadene Voss, and Councillor Marcus Pearl we discussed:
- 1-7 Waterfront Place: The council’s planning officers are checking details of the developer’s planning application before the plans are formally advertised. This is expected to be completed by late September/early October. The developer has agreed for builders on the London Hotel site to erect temporary huts on the site.
- VPA work with Council on precinct planning: The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) has suspended work with the council on Waterfront Place precinct planning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Fishermans Bend: Since our last post the Mayor has been in the news advocating for early provision of public transport. Funding and finance models are not settled. The council has limited its capital contribution to projects to 5% of rates collected in Fishermans Bend.
- Impact of Council’s 2020/21 budget in Gateway Ward: Rate rise of 2%. Most capital works have been delayed. The council has committed $5.6 million for an Economic & Social Recovery Program for post COVID-19 pandemic initiatives to support business and the community. This will include relief from rates, rents and council fees and charges and scope to respond to affordable housing and homelessness needs. Reduction in ASSIST counter services at the Port Melbourne Town Hall to three days per week - this decision will be reviewed before 1 July 2021 to assess impact on the community.