Update on 1-7 Waterfront Place

The BCNA recently met representatives from the developer to hear about progress. The GFM group is managing overall development. CASA, a subsidiary, is responsible for all work on the site.

VCAT agreed to revised plans last April. Since then, CASA has revised the plans to implement agreed changes. There will now be fewer three-bedroom apartments and more two-bedroom apartments. This change means the number of apartments increases from 84 to 87. Changes are also planned to the two basement-level car parks to allow better use and to increase car parks by 3-4. CASA expected to submit revised plans to the City of Port Phillip last week. Work is expected to commence on the site in December 2025.

The GFM group has leased three levels of 92 Beach Street (the old London Hotel site) for their work at 1-7 Waterfront Place. A sales and admin office will be on the ground floor, and a display unit will be on the second floor.

Finally, the BCNA understands there has been a consolidation of titles for the site so that it is now known as 1 and 5 Waterfront Place. 7 Waterfront Place will be at the Station Pier entrance to the former food store site at 103 Beach Street.

BCNA AGM Reminder

The BCNA’s 2025 AGM is being held this Thursday 18th September. It will be held at the Sandridge Community Centre (formerly called the Trugo Club), Tucker Street, Port Melbourne. Members should arrive at 7 pm for a 7.15 pm start.

The Guest Speaker will be Senior Sergeant Ely Reynolds, South Melbourne Police. Ms. Nina Taylor MP, Member for Albert Park, and Councillor Heather Cunsolo, Port Melbourne Ward have accepted invitations to attend and provide reports. All members are welcome.

Melbourne University Pauses Investment in Fishermans Bend

Recently, Melbourne University decided to pause work on the Fishermans Bend Campus. This decision has also been reported in The Age (paywall).

The University’s development was predicated on the Victorian Government meeting its promised timetable to build, develop and open tram infrastructure into the area by 2025 as stated in the 2018 Fishermans Bend Framework Plan and discussed by the BCNA.

This failure by the Victorian Government is a big disappointment for businesses, residents and the wider community. The BCNA believes Melbourne University has acted responsibly given the circumstances.

Australian Submarine at Station Pier

Ports Victoria has told us that an Australian submarine will be at Station Pier from Friday 29th August to Friday 5th September.

Station Pier will not be open to the public to allow a closer look during this visit.

While at Station Pier, the submarine will be “snorting” at certain times. Snorting is a procedure where some exhaust gases are released and appears as black smoke. Snorting is expected to occur from 1600 to 2359 hrs on Friday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Fire Rescue Victoria and Victoria Police are aware of these events.

Savings on Non-recyclable Waste Charges

Very soon, property owners will receive their rate notices for 2025/26. The City of Port Phillip (Council) has set a three per cent average general rates increase, which is in line with the Victorian Government’s rates cap.

This year Council has increased the Default Waste Charge and the Kerbside Food Organics and Garden (FOGO) collection charge by about 13 per cent. However, by ordering a smaller Waste Bin for non-recyclable waste, residents may be able to reduce their costs. You see, the City of Port Phillip provides 3 bin sizes for kerbside rubbish collection.

Every household is allocated a default bin of 120 litre with the cost of that included in your rates. However, if you request (or still have) the largest 240 size, an additional $290 charge per annum is added to your rates.

If, on the other hand, you downsize from the default 120 litre to 80 litres, you will be given an $82 rebate on your annual rates.

It’s simple to change your bins, just go to Council's Request bin repairs, a new or extra bin web page and they will deliver the desired bin size on an agreed day and collect the old one.

Click/tap here for full details of Council’s new 10-year plan and the Budget for 2025/26.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The BCNA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Thursday 18th September 2025 at the Sandridge Community Centre (formerly called the Trugo Club), Tucker Street, Port Melbourne. Members should arrive at 7 pm for a 7.15 pm start.

Reports have been sent to financial members. If you did not receive the reports, it may be because you are unfinancial or that you have changed your contact details. Please contact the Treasurer to check.

The Guest Speaker will be Senior Sergeant Ely Reynolds, South Melbourne Police. Ms. Nina Taylor MP, Member for Albert Park, and Councillor Heather Cunsolo, Port Melbourne Ward have accepted invitations to attend and provide reports.

Progress Regarding Residents’ Concerns about the Barak Beacon Housing Development

Since our last update, Councillor Heather Cunsolo, Port Melbourne Ward, organised a meeting with the builder, ICON construction, to resolve the concerns of nearby residents. The concerns have been about excessive light spill (a problem since February), damage to residents’ properties - lawns, gardens, and watering systems - traffic, parking issues and very loud music played on site during works hours. A BCNA committee representative, Serge Zorino, who has a background in industrial consulting, was invited to join the meeting.

The builder has agreed to certain actions - click/tap here for a summary of the meeting. Some damage to nearby properties is the responsibility of other organisations, such as Southeast Water and CitiPower. Affected residents have been urged to contact these organisations to report damage and to seek compensation.

The builder expects the peak in the construction workforce will be later this year with each section to be completed in stages. The cranes will be progressively removed 6-8 weeks later. This is explained in the attached summary.

The BCNA thanks Councillor Cunsolo for initiating and leading the discussion with the builder.

Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey

Earlier this year we encouraged residents to participate in an annual survey to assess satisfaction with the City of Port Phillip’s services. Around 900 interviews were conducted with residents from mid-March to late April 2025.

Community satisfaction was measured across the broad range of Council provided services and facilities.  Overall satisfaction with the City of Port Phillip Council was classed as “good’, with a score of 6.9 out of 10. This result was lower than the 2025 metropolitan Melbourne average and the inner region councils’ averages.

The individual services that most under-performed the metropolitan average included planning and/or building permits (9% lower in Port Phillip), services for people with disability (5% lower by 43 respondents), bike and shared paths (4% lower), Divercity (4% lower), footpaths (4% lower), enforcement of local laws (4% lower), and Council’s website (4% lower). Port Phillip was, however, outperforming the metropolitan average for services for children from birth to five years of age (4% higher in Port Phillip).

Click/tap here to see the full report.

Help Shape Bay Street

The City of Port Phillip (Council) is seeking community input on ways to enhance the range of shops, services, dining, and entertainment along Bay Street.

Council is launching a research project to gather insights that will guide potential businesses, landlords, and real estate agents on the best types of tenants, based on local shopping habits. The results will also help shape ongoing efforts to support and strengthen the street’s unique character.

Tap/click on the link here to complete the survey, which closes on Friday, 8 August.

Princes Street Storm Water Drain

Melbourne Water has been undertaking desilting work to clear blockages at the mouth and further upstream.

The BCNA has had long standing concerns about health and appearance issues associated with this drain and has discussed them with representatives from Melbourne Water. The pond at the mouth of the drain is attractive to children as it has the appearance of being safe. However, birds foul the water making it unsafe. The discharge from the drain also conveys a poor image of the area, particularly after heavy rainfall events in the catchment as shown here.

Click/tap here for details of earlier BCNA discussions with Melbourne Water. Increased maintenance, such as more extensive cleaning and shaping to improve water flow, has been considered the best way to improve amenity.

Public Art at Station Pier

The City of Port Phillip has just installed new public artwork at Station Pier. It is located close to Station Pier.  

The sculpture shows a traditional canoe designed by a First Nations artist, Simone Thomson. It reflects the stories of migration and deep cultural connections to place. The work is part of the Migration Public Art Trail initiative led by the Port Melbourne Business Association and funded by a State Government grant. 

The project has been supported and signed off by the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Officers from the City of Port Phillip managed the installation. Questions or feedback should be directed to the City of Port Phillip.

Barak Beacon Housing Development - Ongoing Concerns

Since our last update, BCNA representatives met Heather Cunsolo, councillor for Port Melbourne ward, to discuss site related issues raised by nearby residents. We wanted to reinforce their complaints about excessive light spill (a problem since February), damage to residents’ properties - lawns, gardens and watering systems, traffic, and parking issues and, very loud music played on site during works hours.

BCNA research indicates that the builder ICON has obligations for community safety as well as site safety under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act and Construction regulations to address risks to health safety and welfare under its control. Risks brought to ICON’s attention by residents since February do not appear to have been addressed. A meeting is being sought with the builder, to discuss the issues of concern.

Update on Fishermans Bend Primary School

This new school is being built at 299 Williamstown Road as explained earlier.

Enrolments are now open for students in Foundation (Prep) to Year 6 in 2026. A kindergarten is expected to open in 2027. Click here for more details as well as photos.

BCNA Community Dinner

The second dinner for the year will be held on Thursday, 21st August. Members will be sent details soon. These are friendly and inviting events with further information on local issues made available. The proposed venue will be a new restaurant, and we anticipate a terrific event.

If you are not a member of BCNA and would like to attend please contact the Treasurer, Graham Kemp.

BCNA’s Annual General Meeting

This year’s AGM will be held on Thursday 18th September at the Sandridge Community Centre (formerly the Trugo Club) in Garden City Reserve. Members will be sent papers and further details in mid-August.

Community Safety Survey

The City of Port Phillip (Council) is conducting a community safety survey. The Council states: “Community safety is a priority for the City of Port Phillip. It influences how people use and interact with our public places and spaces: the built environment, local amenities, parks, and community facilities. A safer city contributes to positive health, social and economic outcomes for our community.”

The Council wants to hear what the priorities are for community safety, to help inform the development of the new Community Safety Plan. The survey should be completed by 11.59 pm on Sunday, 29 June (that's this coming Sunday).

The BCNA has as an objective to ‘preserve and enhance the quality of life in the area.’ In our view, hoon driving and excessive noise, and crime, detract from the enjoyment of living within the area. For this reason, we strongly encourage members to complete the survey. Click/tap here to access it.

Update on 103 Beach Street (former Beacon Cove Foodstore)

Recently, the City of Port Phillip approved plans for the public realm areas around this  development. The approved plans show design, materials for paved areas and plants to be used in the landscaping. Work has commenced on the plaza area at the front of the building, on the Station Pier side.

The area will be landscaped and transformed to what is depicted here (click/tap here to download):

The area at the rear will be landscaped and include public car parking as shown. The plans show space for a retail area on the ground floor. The entrance to the retail area will be from the front of the building (click/tap here to download).

The BCNA welcomes the progress to date and the development of this site.  We will provide further updates as information becomes available.

Barak Beacon Housing Development - Action on Excessive Light Spill

In response to concerns from nearby residents, the builder, ICON construction, will reduce the floor lighting from the five five tower cranes from 8pm to 5.30am, Monday to Sunday. This will take effect from Friday 13th June. The builder will continue to monitor the lighting to ensure it meets the community’s needs while maintaining safety and security.

The BCNA thanks Councillor Heather Cunsolo and Ms. Nina Taylor MP, for helping to gain this outcome.

No Funding for Acoustic Camera Trial

Unfortunately, the recent Victorian Government Budget contained no funding for an acoustic camera trial with the City of Port Phillip. Ms. Nina Taylor, MP, Member for Albert Park, had sought funding for the trial. This news was discussed at a recent meeting BCNA representatives had with Ms. Taylor. Ms. Taylor said she would explore ways in which a grant might be obtained for a trial.

The BCNA believes that there should be greater use of technology, such as CCTV and acoustic cameras, to deter hoon behaviour. Acoustic cameras are used in several countries and are being progressively introduced in Australia.

Other topics discussed with Ms. Taylor was excessive light spill from the Barak Beacon housing development (see item above), and possible new tram routes into Fishermans Bend. 

Barak Beacon Housing Development - Excessive Light Spill

Over many months, residents in Beacon Road and nearby streets have raised concerns with the builder, ICON construction, about excessive ‘light spill’ from the five large cranes at night. There is intense very bright light from the cranes.

In mid-March, ICON construction acknowledged the direct impact of the lighting on residents and stated that they had engaged lighting specialists to assess whether adjustments could be made while still meeting safety obligations. The assessment was to consider factors such as direction, and intensity of the lighting. ICON construction expected advice would be able to be provided to residents in early April.

Despite multiple written requests from the Beacon Road and Beacon Cove community to ICON constructions, no advice has been provided.

Nearby residents have contacted the City of Port Phillip. The BCNA has contacted ICON construction and Ms. Nina Taylor MP, Member for Albert Park, about the problem stressing the impact on nearby residents.

Home and Car Security

Unfortunately, the BCNA continues to receive reports of thefts from cars and attempted home entry. We urge property owners to be vigilant as explained in our earlier news item.

Thefts from cars are the most common type of crime in the Port Melbourne area. Disappointingly, local police report that most car thefts occur with cars that are left unlocked. So, we remind members to lock your car whenever it is out of your sight.

More recently, car thieves have developed ways of getting into locked cars. Any car which has keyless access where one does not need to press the unlock button on the key fob to gain entry is vulnerable to theft as explained here.

The RACV also has a useful article on how to prevent push-start car theft with an OBD lock.

Station Pier - Visit Opportunity this Saturday 10th May

The Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) and Ports Victoria are hosting an event on Station Pier this Saturday 10th May, from 2-4 pm. This is an opportunity to hear about the technical and heritage underpinnings of this landmark. The event is part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival.

The event is free, but bookings are required (click/tap here to book).

The MMHN advocates for the urgent ‘Reimagining of Station Pier’ (click/tap here for details).

Fishermans Bend Tram Routes and the 109 Service

In March, Infrastructure Victoria released draft recommendations about infrastructure needs. The organization is required to revise a 30-year strategy every 3-5 years. Included in the report is advice about new tram routes into Fishermans Bend.

Two trams to Fishermans Bend

The strategy proposes extending tram routes 11 and 67 to connect Fishermans Bend with the city. The Carnegie service (route 67) would be extended from Anzac Station along Park Street, South Melbourne to Fishermans Bend north. The West Preston service (route 11) would be extended across the Yarra River into Fishermans Bend south. Both services are shown on a map above and at page 39 of Infrastructure Victoria’s report.

Expand the 109 service

A section of the report proposes more services on existing, busy routes. The 109 service is considered a busy service.

Infrastructure Victoria states “The government should add around 300 more services a week on key routes where more homes are planned and trams are already very busy, like routes 86, 96 and 109. It should run more evening and weekend tram services so people who live near tram lines are less dependent on cars and new housing developments do not require as many parking spaces.” (Infrastructure Victoria, 30-year strategy, page 37).

Infrastructure Victoria is an advisory body. The government is not obliged to adopt recommendations but is expected to respond to the recommendations in November 2025.

The Age published an article about the report last month. Click/tap here to read (paywall).

1-7 Waterfront Place - Agreement Reached at VCAT

Agreement has been reached on permit conditions for the proposed plans. The City of Port Phillip had set conditions on the 2022 VCAT approved plans, and the new owners sought some changes. These were discussed at VCAT’s Compulsory Conference on 30th April.

The building will have 84 apartments and some retail and office space (click/tap here for plans).

The key issues to resolve were about the allocation of internal parking, external shading, and the management of loading and unloading of vehicles.

The BCNA welcomes the new plans. We sought improvements to the allocation of internal parking (to minimise parking in nearby streets), traffic flow along Beach Street to the west to avoid blockages on Beach Street, management of the loading and unloading of vehicles to avoid vehicles being parked on Beach Street, and the screening of services at the top of the building. Agreement was reached in all these areas.  VCAT has now released details which can be accessed here.

Traffic flow is the responsibility of the City of Port Phillip and BCNA’s representatives discussed details with City of Port Phillip staff at the conference.

We expect the owners will now finalise the plans and seek an amended building permit from the City of Port Phillip.

Our Newsletter is Out

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

• New plans for 1 and 7 Waterfront Place 
• The Barak Beacon public housing site in Port Melbourne
• Beacon Cove Foodstore redevelopment at 103 Beach Street
• Hoon driving and related noise.
• Air quality monitoring at Station Pier
• Port Victoria’s Cruise Shipping Strategy
• Joining the BCNA

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

Click/tap here for an electronic version of the newsletter.

Principal Appointed to New Fishermans Bend Primary School

Tim Sawalaga has been appointed as the inaugural Principal of the new school.

The school is being built at 299 Williamstown Road. The school expects to open for day one of Term 1 in 2026 and have places for up to 650 students when complete.  Click/tap here for further details.

Ship Visit

Ports Victoria has notified us to say that an offshore tug / supply ship, the Seven Sisters, will be at Station Pier on Monday 21st April for several days. The ship was built in 2008.

Click/tap here for more information about the Seven Sisters.

Update on 1-7 Waterfront Place

Since our earlier report, the BCNA has now been able to study the proposed plans ahead of VCAT’s Compulsory Conference on 30th April. The new owners have proposed modifications to the plans approved by VCAT in 2022. A Compulsory Conference is a mediation process - an opportunity to resolve a matter and avoid the cost of a VCAT Hearing.

Having seen the new design, BCNA supports the intent. However, we promote the allocation of sufficient internal parking for visitors of residents and for the commercial and retail facilities and offices, as there is insufficient parking nearby. We have also highlighted the potential for vehicles exiting the site travelling west along Beach Street to obstruct traffic if attempting to turn right at the break in the median strip to do either a U-turn or to turn into the western entrance to Park Square.

Home Installed CCTV can Assist Police

At our recent meeting with South Melbourne Police we were reminded about a program where homeowners can register their CCTV with police. This can assist police when they are investigating local crime.

The idea is that owners of private CCTV cameras notify police that they have CCTV and that they are willing to be contacted. This does not provide automatic access, but it helps Police to identify locations where CCTV exists for investigative purposes. If they require access to CCTV film, Police will contact the resident and forward them a link where the footage can be securely shared. The owner does not have to agree.

The BCNA encourages homeowners who have CCTV to consider this. Access can only help police in investigating and solving local crime. It does not provide immediate access--there is a right to refuse for each incident. Homeowners who wish to participate should complete this form and email it to South Melbourne police.

Click/tap here for more information about CCTV systems and police.

Public Art in Port Melbourne

The Port Melbourne Yacht Club dinghy shed has provided a canvas for a mural celebrating Port Melbourne's rich immigration history as shown here:

The project was initiated by the Port Melbourne Business Association and funded by the Victorian Government.

New Plans for 1-7 Waterfront Place

Representatives of the new owners have told us that they have developed modified plans (from those approved by VCAT in October 2022) and that the plans are now on display on the City of Port Phillip website. To access details of the modified proposals, click/tap here, scroll down to "Current appeals", then click/tap on 1-7 Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne.  Alternatively, click/tap here for the architect plans and click/tap here for the statement of changes.

The modified plans include an enlarged entrance and forecourt area on Beach Street. This is designed to get vehicles visiting the property off Beach Street. Vehicles will enter a forecourt area to set down passengers before exiting to Beach Street, or to underground parking. The architects have ‘softened’ the earlier design by using curves on corners and features and have sought to allow more light into ground floor areas.

There will be a total of 84 apartments (down from 119), and 164 car spaces over two levels underneath the building. There will be a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom apartments.

The BCNA welcomes the new plans as they offer improvements over the existing VCAT approved design. In particular, the new entrance and set down area will improve traffic flow on Beach Street which will become more congested over time.

The next step is a VCAT compulsory conference on 30 April of the parties that participated in the earlier VCAT Hearing.

Climate and Energy - Macnamara Candidates’ Forum

The Port Phillip Climate and Energy Network (PECAN) and the Glen Eira Emergency Climate Action Network (GECAN) have organised a candidates’ forum to discuss climate and energy policies.

It is being held next Tuesday, 1 April, at 7 pm at the St Kilda Town Hall. Federal Member Josh Burns (Labor) and Sonya Semmens (Greens) will be present for a discussion on climate and energy policies. Click here for details about the Forum and to register.

Crime Statistics and Crime Prevention

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in offences recorded and criminal incidents in Port Melbourne in recent years. Port Melbourne ranks third after St. Kilda and South Melbourne in Port Phillip in terms of incidents in 2023 and 2024. The statistics are collected by the Crime Statistics Agency and can be found here.

The most common type of crime in the City of Port Phillip is stealing from a motor vehicle. The most common location is street/lane/footpath.

BCNA representatives recently met police from South Melbourne station to discuss crime prevention. The police noted that our local suburbs have a high percentage of street parking, due to limited space. They also noted that the majority of theft occurs from vehicles left unlocked. To combat vehicle theft, they recommend to lock all doors, secure your keys and park in a well-lit and secure area. Click/tap here for further advice. We also discussed number plate theft and steps to prevent theft as explained here. We agreed to work closely and will include advice on related issues from time to time.

BCNA Members Dinner 27 March

The first dinner for 2025 will be held on Thursday 27th March. Members have been sent an invitation with details. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please email us for details.

Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey

Each year, the City of Port Phillip participates in the annual survey of residents to assess community satisfaction with Council services. It is organised by the Department of Government Services on behalf of all Councils. It is explained here.

This year’s survey will commence in early March and continue into April. Households may be contacted for a face-to-face interview by an independent research agency, Metropolis Research. The survey involves 900 interviews, conducted among a representative sample of residents. The personal details and individual responses of those undertaking the survey are confidential and only the overall results are shared with the City of Port Phillip. Similar surveys are conducted across all Victorian councils.

The BCNA encourages participation in the survey. The results for Port Phillip Council for 2024 can be found here.

Our Coastal Future

The City of Port Phillip (Council) has commenced work to develop a range of actions for implementation over coming years in how we use and manage our foreshore (foreshore Crown land, including adjacent public open space, clubs and businesses). Council is also developing a long-term strategic plan to understand the coastal hazards such as erosion and flooding, including inland areas, and their potential impacts across our city to better prepare us for the future (across both private freehold and public crown land).

Council is seeking nominations from community groups, clubs, residents and businesses for a Community Reference Group to provide input, feedback and advice to inform the development of the updated Foreshore Management Plan and new Coastal Adaptation Plan. Nominations close March 31, 2025.

The BCNA supports this work and encourages members to consider nominating for the reference group. The BCNA committee will also consider nominating a committee member. Click here for more information about this work.

BCNA Meeting with Nina Taylor MP

The BCNA arranges regular meetings with Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park, to discuss local issues.

Topics discussed at a recent meeting included:

• Fishermans Bend infrastructure - it is estimated that development has added 3000 apartments and over 6000 new residents and their cars onto existing roads. Ms. Taylor said there would be a new assessment of transport infrastructure once Metro 1 is completed. This is expected early in 2026.
• Barak Beacon redevelopment - once completed, this will drive a big increase in population on the site without any consequential improvement in public transport. The proposed Fishermans Bend tram service would help Barak Beacon and Garden City residents as the route shown in the 2018 Fishermans Bend Framework shows the tram terminating in Garden City. Ms. Taylor said she understood community concerns about traffic. She plans to contact the Minister for Transport about a transport plan for the area. 
• Hoon driving and related noise - Ms. Taylor is aware of the impact and welcomes constituents contacting her about this. She is seeking funds for an acoustic camera trial in the City of Port Phillip vicinity through the State Budget.
• The 109 tram service - the timetable for track duplication at Beacon Cove remains unknown, despite a recent meeting with Yarra Trams. Ms. Taylor undertook to ensure a Yarra Trams representative contacts BCNA to discuss this.

BCNA Meeting with Ward Councillors

BCNA representatives recently met Heather Cunsolo (Port Melbourne Ward) and Alex Makin (Montague Ward) to discuss local issues. Topics included:

• Hoon driving and related noise continues to detract from residents' quality of life, particularly in summer. Councillors stated that the City of Port Phillip has been planning to assist the Victorian Government should funds be provided to the EPA for an acoustic camera trial.
• The skatepark underneath the Graham Street overpass attracts comment about the lack of fence and graffiti. There are plans for fencing and screening around the site.
• Noise from vehicles using the Graham Street overpass due to its elevated position as well as incidents with speeding drivers. It was agreed that a permanent speed camera would help in managing noise and speed. However, it is noted that Graham Street is the responsibility of the Department of Transport.
• The Barak Beacon Housing redevelopment will mean a sizeable increase in population on the site. The BCNA is disappointed that the Victorian Government is persisting with the current design without any acknowledgement of local resident concerns as described here, or steps to mitigate the impact. Better transport infrastructure is needed for the population influx.
• The timetable for the planning and construction of transport infrastructure in Fishermans Bend, promised by the Victorian Government in the 2018 Fishermans Bend Framework, has not been met. The BCNA and both the City of Port Phillip and the City of Melbourne have made numerous representations about this.

Cruise Shipping Strategy being Developed

Ports Victoria recently initiated the development of a cruise shipping strategy for the Victorian Government. This was announced by the Victorian Government in July 2022 as explained here.

Representatives of the BCNA recently met consultants assisting Ports Victoria with the strategy. The task was to discuss the current state of cruise shipping, priority areas, pain points, and risks and opportunities for growth. Station Pier is considered the hub of cruise shipping which also includes Hastings, Portland and Phillip Island. Pleasingly, the task includes landside improvements around Station Pier.

The BCNA has long advocated for Government leadership of a project which would overcome the shortcomings of the area as explained here. The next step in the development of the strategy is the release of a discussion paper in March 2025.

Protecting the Amenity of Beacon Cove

The BCNA committee believes most members value the amenity of the planned estate in Beacon Cove and want to see it protected. To this end, we encourage property owners to adhere to the planning provisions in the Port Phillip Planning Scheme when considering improvements. Compliance with the planning scheme is the best way to maintain the unique character and amenity of the area. 

From time-to-time residents seek advice on how to manage disputes regarding planning applications. BCNA has prepared a short guide to assist members. Wherever possible, we encourage discussion with the owner to explain your concerns. Your concerns may be able to be resolved. Click/tap here for information about the planning controls in Beacon Cove and click/tap here for a guide.

Blessing of the Waters Festival 2025

Happy New Year to everyone.

The annual Greek Orthodox Blessing of the Waters ceremony will be held on Princes Pier, Port Melbourne on Sunday 12 January. The festival will take place from 12 noon to 5 pm. There will be music, dancing, and activities for children. Food and drink will be available together with a variety of other stalls.

Click/tap here for more details.

Hoon Activity in Beacon Cove

In recent weeks there have been reports of hoon behaviour in Beach Street and around Station Pier. Nearby residents have had their sleep and evenings disturbed by excessive vehicle noise.

Police encourage hooning to be reported on ‘000’ while it is occurring, if it is safe to do so, or to ring 131 444 at other times. Reporting helps police to identify ‘hot spots’ so that police resources can be effectively deployed in the future.

The BCNA believes that there should be greater use of technology, such as CCTV and acoustic cameras, to deter hoon behaviour.

Acoustic cameras are used in several countries and are being progressively introduced in Australia. For example, in NSW a trial commenced in December 2024 and will run until mid to late 2025 as explained here. In Victoria, the EPA would like to undertake a trial with the City of Port Phillip but needs funds to do so.

The BCNA continues to advocate to Nina Taylor MP, Member for Albert Park, about hoon behaviour and the need for government funding of the EPA to undertake a trial with the City of Port Phillip.

Ship Visits in January

Ports Victoria expects 22 cruise ships to visit Station Pier in January. Click/tap here for details.

A highlight will be the visit of the Royal Australian Navy’s sail training ship, Young Endeavour, on 24 and 25 January. She will be berthed at Inner West, just opposite the West Finger Pier. Click/tap here for further details about the Young Endeavour.