You have until Sunday 2 November to provide the City of Port Phillip with feedback on a proposed Community Safety plan (see below). Many residents have experienced verbal or physical antisocial behaviours or have just felt unsafe because of street encampments.

Victorian Police have advised Councillors and Officers that they cannot effectively deal with abusive and antisocial behaviours arising from street encampments because of existing exemptions in the local camping laws.

Councillors are considering the removal of exemptions for people who are homeless or have complex needs to bring Port Phillip into line with 77 out of 79 Councils in Victoria. If the new laws are implemented then Police will work with Local Laws officers to refer people living on the streets to appropriate housing and social services, including the recently opened Common Ground Project – Madden House apartments.

Below is a link to the Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ page where you can upload your submission in any format, it can be a word document, and they can include photos or other documents as required. https://haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/feel-safe-be-safe

Community safety is a major priority for residents. The Community Panel earlier this year highlighted community safety as a key priority in the Council Plan. In February, we saw over 300 people marching in Fitzroy and Acland Street earlier this and more the 1,650 people have signed the Safer Streets petition.  https://www.change.org/p/sign-the-petition-for-safer-streets-in-port-phillip

All submissions to the City of Port Phillip will be reviewed by the Council and the feedback will be collated and made public.