Plans for 1-7 Waterfront Place

Around 50 BCNA members attended the webinar organised by the developer on 1 December 2020. This was an opportunity to see and hear about their plans and to ask questions.

The proposal is for a 10-storey mixed use building comprising 122 residences. The Ground Floor will have a gym and wellness centre, art gallery, meeting rooms, providore, café, and public toilets. The plans can be accessed here.

Questions at the webinar included the lack of provision of car parking for visitors, the request to waive the provision of 17 car spaces for retail uses, overshadowing of the bike and pedestrian trails at the winter solstice, wind tunnel effects, car access from Beach Street, and the loading/unloading areas in the building. Once completed, the developers estimate that from 170 to 200 people will live in the building.

The BCNA welcomes the proposal. However, it should comply with all planning provisions of the City of Port Phillip Planning Scheme. Areas of concern are insufficient on-site parking for visitors and retail, overshadowing of the bike and pedestrian paths at the winter solstice, building setbacks and public access to commercial facilities. The BCNA has decided to lodge an objection on these issues.

The City of Port Phillip has asked the Government Architect for advice on the plans. This is expected soon. Council will also be organising a webinar for the community. The BCNA will provide details as soon as they are available.

Update on Hoon Driving & Vehicle Noise

Since our earlier post, the BCNA and residents met Councillors Cunsolo and Martin to further discuss plans for managing this problem. We were told that Victoria Police have briefed the City of Port Phillip on plans and actions they will be undertaking over the summer period. There was further discussion of the feasibility and options of video surveillance, better lighting, and the use of electronic signs around Station Pier.

If you witness hoon driving and vehicle noise, Victoria Police recommend:

• Call 000 immediately if dangerous driving is occurring. Do not be fobbed off by the operator if you are told “we already know about it”. Insist on your report being taken.
• Report incidents to Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au as this helps police to target repeat offenders and to focus on specific locations. If safe to do so, film video of incident and upload to Crime Stoppers.   

It is important to report these activities as if they are not reported and recorded, the Police don't know about it. Indeed, at the meeting, the Police were not aware of the problems in the area!

Artisan Christmas Market on Bay Street - Saturday 12 December

The Port Melbourne Business Association (PMBA) has organised a free​ ​community event, the ​Port’s Artisan Christmas Market, as ​the perfect way to help the Port community get back on their feet after a hard 2020.

Consisting of around 100 different and unique selection of artisan’s offerings for you to browse through, the ​Port’s Artisan Christmas Market​ ​will feature a range of handmade, homemade, locally produced gifts, art pieces, designs, jewellery and more – there’s even something for our four legged friends!

For more information, go to the PMBA website at www.3207port.com.au or Port's Artisan Christmas Market Facebook Page.

Beach Patrol and Love Our Streets are Back! - Saturday 5 December

It's great news that 3207 Beach Patrol and Love Our Streets group are recommencing beach and street cleans in December. The next BeachPatrol group clean will be:

Meeting at Lagoon Pier 

Saturday 5 Dececember, 9-10am

It will be conducted in a Covid-safe manner with necessary social distancing and hygiene precautions. They will be collecting names of all attendees for contact tracing requirements. If you prefer not to use shared litter collection bags and/or pickers, please bring your own. Remember gloves are not provided; please bring your own pair.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND if you:

• Have tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
• Are generally unwell and have any flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue or runny nose, loss of sense of taste or smell).
• Have been in direct contact with a person who has any (even mild) flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue or runny nose, loss of sense of taste or smell).
• Have been to any destination for which quarantine restrictions apply on your return (for example a designated COVID-19 hotspot).
• Have been in direct contact with any person suspected of or diagnosed with COVID-19.