Tonight’s Council meeting included the progression of the South Melbourne Structure Plan, proposing an independent submission process to review public submissions, in addition Council updated its Community Engagement Policy.

C219Port (South Melbourne Structure Plan)

The South Melbourne Structure Plan defines the zoning and land use between City Road, Kinds Way, Ferras Street and Park Street, as well as encompassing Clarendon Street. While most of the structure plan is in South Melbourne Ward, the area north of York Street is part of my ward of Montague.

The Structure Plan will proceed to an independent panel which will be held in the new year to deliberate on submissions that have been made by the public.

Community Engagement Policy

Council’s Community Engagement Policy has now been strengthened to ensure advisory committees are included as part of consultation, as well as accepting a range of formats for submissions, including supporting documentation. Furthermore, the Policy now requires Council to reinforce how feedback has been incorporated and to advise submitters of decisions made by Council.

These modifications will help strengthen community engagement and increase the transparency of decisions.

Agenda and minutes of the Port Phillip Council meetings are available at Meetings and Agendas – City of Port Phillip