Tonight’s Council meeting provided an update on Edwards Park, confirmation of improvement works at Sol Green Reserve, plus strengthening Council’s advocacy on urban planning and improving good governance.
Petition update: Edwards Park
Council provided an update on the petition requesting a review of the decision to relocate the public toilets at Edwards Park.
The petition was borne due to a consultation process that commenced under the previous of term of Council that did not adequately engage community and park users, over what mattered to them.
Tonight’s Council meeting confirmed that works will be paused, while Council explores an improved location for the public toilets.
I’m keen to strengthen how Council undertakes consultation to better reflect community priorities and will be pursuing this through the review of our Community Engagement Policy.
Works commencing: Sol Green Reserve Upgrade
Tonight’s Council meeting confirmed the commencement of works to upgrade Sol Green Reserve, which will include new seating, improved lighting, tree plantings, as well as enhanced basketball and netball facilities.
Sol Green Reserve located in South Melbourne also abuts Port Melbourne and provides critical public open space, which will only become increasingly important as development progresses in Fishermans Bend.
Strengthening advocacy: Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is the national peak for local government. Each year ALGA holds an annual general assembly, which informs key national advocacy priorities across the sector and community.
Tonight the City of Port Phillip endorsed two motions for ALGA the first seeks to enhance community safety and social cohesion and was developed in partnership with the City of Glen Eira.
I proposed a second motion which requested:
This National General Assembly strongly urges the Australian Government to invest further in Australia’s urban sustainable and active transport infrastructure projects. By prioritising these initiatives, the government can ensure the development of a robust, environmentally friendly transport network that meets the needs of current and future generations. Such investment will stimulate economic growth, improve the quality of life for all Australians, enhance connectivity and reduce carbon emissions.
This motion builds on the ongoing need for the Commonwealth Government to invest in sustainable and active transport infrastructure to shape the future of our cities, including urban renewal areas like Fishermans Bend.
Back when I was on Maroondah Council I helped lead the charge for Commonwealth Government involvement in sustainable transport projects while this role is now accepted, it is imperative it continues and considers urban renewal areas like Fishermans Bend.
Strengthening governance: CEO Employment and Remuneration Policy and CEO Employment Matters Committee Terms of Reference Review
Strengthening good governance within local government is a key priority of mine and builds upon my experiences within Port Phillip and previously with Maroondah.
Tonight we strengthened the CEO Employment Matters Committee, which provides a pivotal function in establishing and reviewing Council’s performance through its CEO. The Committee comprises of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, two Councillors and an independent advisor.
Through this review I successfully included a minimum meeting schedule for the CEO Employment Matters Committee and established term limits for the independent advisor role.
Term limits are critical on committees where Council seeks independent advice, to ensure it remains genuinely independent. I therefore amended the resolution to add:
Includes an additional line under clause 12.3 Appointment timeframe within the CEO Employment Matters Committee Terms of Reference, as follows:
The tenure of an independent advisor is capped at a maximum period of six consecutive years e.g. 3 x2 year terms.
The Council supported this amendment unanimously, which will align the City of Port Phillip with best governance practice for this Committee.
Keeping Council accountable: Status of Council Decisions and Questions taken on Notice Recorded by Council: 1 October – 31 December 2024
This agenda item reported on Council’s progression of previously adopted resolutions.
One of the items outstanding was a letter that was to be sent by the then Mayor advocating for tram extensions into Fishermans Bend – this item was not acted upon.
After questioning the lack of action, the letter will now be undertaken in support of Infrastructure Victoria’s recommendations calling on tram extensions to Fishermans Bend.
Leave a Reply