Tonight’s Council meeting included the direction established for Council’s Aged Care services, the South Melbourne Market Strategic Plan as well as motions that will be taken forward to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) for the National Conference.

Future for Aged Care Service Delivery

Commonwealth Government changes to the Aged Care Act now require Directors of Aged Care Providers to engage in operational aspects of service delivery. These reforms, while strengthening provision of aged care, are contrary to the role expected of a Councillor under the Victorian Government’s Local Government Act (2020).

As a result, local government across Victoria is revising its status as a registered Aged Care provider. Port Phillip is following this path, while also investing in new programs designed to support positive ageing, including social outings and community transport. Council will be investing $266,000 to deliver these services which will also have wider eligibility for older people beyond aged care recipients.

South Melbourne Strategic Plan

The newly endorsed South Melbourne Market Strategic Plan, which renews the market’s focus on fresh food through increasing the proportion of grocery stores at the Market. Furthermore, the plan will realise the accessibility improvements required for South Melbourne Market, as well as resolving pinch points that have emerged due to overcrowding.

Importantly, the Plan also reinforces the Market’s role in food security through partnerships with charities that collect unsold food.

Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National Assembly Motions

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is the national body for local government. The National Conference in June debates motions to help shape Federal priorities.

This year Council will be submitting motions on:

• A dedicated federal funding program for open space and community infrastructure
• A national partnership with local government to prevent and reduce homelessness
• Strengthening national social cohesion and responses to antisemitism and all forms of racism
• A national “Better Cities” style investment partnership for equitable, transit‑oriented urban renewal

These motions reflect the priorities of the City of Port Phillip, including housing affordability, planning for future communities and public transport investment.

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