E-scooter Update

The BCNA receives regular notice of concern from members about the use of e-scooters, in particular, the use and placing of them on footpaths. Our recent newsletter addresses this issue and the recent change of state laws regarding the use of e-scooters.

Recently the City of Port Phillip Council received a petition from over one thousand residents that outlined concerns on this issue. Notice of this agenda item can be found here. Council considered this issue at its meeting on 3 May and passed a motion endorsing the council officer recommendations and adding a final point as follows:

… Council uses local law Clause 49 – ‘interfering with council assets’ to control obstructions and our impounding process allows Council to remove dangerous items quickly, for example bikes and signage chained to our assets blocking the street, and has an agreement with the operators of shared e-scooters and shared e-bikes for removal where they are obstructing the footpaths or in no parking zones, and Council can impound these if no action is taken.

Station Pier Maintenance

Ports Victoria have advised us that they will be starting maintenance works at Station Pier later this month.  The annual pile rehabilitation program as well as routine works will be undertaken, including repainting the Gate House.

Works will be carried out from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 7am and 5pm. They expect the program to be completed by late October.

109 Tram - Power Supply Upgrade

The Department of Transport and Planning is planning to increase the power supply on Route 109. Upgrading the tram power supply will lead to smoother rides and reduce sudden stops. 

A tram substation will be built in the rail reserve near the tram line and Bridge Street. The Department wants to design and develop the substation in a way that:

• fits with the character of the local area
• uses landscaping, where possible, to integrate the facility in its setting.
• minimises environmental impacts.
• provides broader community benefits, where possible
• minimises construction impacts to local businesses, residents, public transport users and commuters.

More information can be obtained here.  Feedback can be provided on the proposed works at this site.

Our Newsletter is Out

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

• Hoon driving and related noise
• Foodstore redevelopment at 103 Beach Street
• The Barak Beacon public housing site
• Council news affecting Beacon Cove: Dogs off leash in public spaces, and new Local Laws 2023 
• E-scooters
• BCNA’s residents’ dinners
• Joining the BCNA

BCNA thanks Nina Taylor, MP, Member for Albert Park, for arranging printing and Kosdown Press, Port Melbourne for folding the newsletter.

The newsletter can be accessed here.

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.