On Wednesday 10^th December Councillors will vote on changing local laws to improve community safety. The outcome of the vote is important for residents who have been the victims of verbal abuse, physical assaults and feeling unsafe when encountering rough sleepers on our streets.

We ask you to attend the Council Meeting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday 10^th December to speak in support of the Item 10.2. Register to speak no later than 12 noon on Wednesday at https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/about-the-council/council-meetings/participate-at-council-meetings/

Cr Rod Hardy who was endorsed by Residents of Port Phillip put a motion to Council in February 2025 that proposed to remove exemptions in local camping laws that allow people to gather on our streets and adversely impact community safety and amenity.

The Victorian Police supported the motion and advised that the problem of street encampments will only get worse unless the local laws are changed. Residents strongly supported the motion with 2,357 people who live in Port Phillip signing the Safer Streets petition (written and digital) which advocates for the removal of the camping exemptions.

Community safety and amenity 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, over 300 people marched in Fitzroy and Acland Street in support of safety and amenity.

The Victorian Police have signed off on protocols that allow Local Law Officers and Police to remove camping equipment to manage antisocial behaviours associated with street encampments.

It is therefore disappointing that Cr Hardy’s original motion is not included as an option in the Council Meeting Agenda Item 10.2. The following three summarised options will be considered by Councillors on Wednesday 10^th December:

Option A          Authorises the CEO to designate a “no encampment” area in response to behaviours that have or may have adverse amenity and welfare impacts and allows Authorised Officers to remove encampment equipment from the no encampment area.

Option B          Introduce laws that allow authorised officers to remove encampment equipment including mattresses, tents, shelter and other chattels that facilitate camping of a person on Council Land and behaves in a manner such that ‘amenity’, ‘comfort’ or ‘wellbeing’ is adversely affected or if the safety of a resident is put at risk.

Option C          Do nothing

Source: Agenda Item 10.2 Page 303 in link: https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/about-the-council/council-meetings/meetings-and-agendas/

Come and speak at the Council meeting if you want improved safety and amenity on our streets.  Community safety and amenity is important, and you have an opportunity to influence Council policy. You may not get another chance.