In October 2024, Serge Thomann emerged as St Kilda Ward’s representative for the next four years. In doing so, this fresh broom cleared the remaining decks of party politics that has hung over St Kilda. As an independent councillor and part of the “sensible centre” on the political pendulum, he has in his first year achieved a number of important milestones and set a positive tone in the City of Port Phillip. This is all the more important when we consider that the Local Government Act of 2020 hampers the ability of Councillors to fully flex their muscle and their ideas.

Achievements

• Repair of the Upper Esplanade Clock, which was long overdue,
• Continued advocacy for the repair of the O’ Donnell fountain,
• Unequivocal support for our Jewish community which has faced appalling antisemitism
• A motion calling for tighter restrictions on jet skis in St Kilda and other Port Phillip beaches, citing concerns for swimmer safety and the protection of local wildlife, including penguins and
• The endorsement of a strong balanced approach to management of the homeless issue – Voting for Option B which included allocated $60,000 for the required engagement and legal review, and authorised adjustments to the Police Protocol as needed

In regard to the last point, Thomann’s support for the Residents of Port Phillip’s initiative of introducing a new Part 4A to the Local Law on Encampment Equipment is reflected in his words:

 – “allowing Council’s Authorised Officers to respond to behaviours in camps that have or may have adverse amenity and welfare impacts, provided the conditions in the local law are met and empowering Council’s Authorised Officers to remove encampment equipment”.

Cr Thomann’s words were spot on:

“Let me be clear: homelessness is not a crime. But threatening behaviour, illegal activity, and serious amenity impacts are not “part of city life. They are problems that require action. And this Council must be equipped to act.”

Looking Forward

The St Kilda agenda is far from over: There remains a number of issues in St Kilda that require his ongoing attention. Among others matters they include:

• A consistent greening of Acland Street and neighbouring streets, avoiding a mishmash of plantings plus a master plan for the precinct.
• Breathing life back into Fitzroy Street. If the surrounding streetscape to the Palais and Luna Park can have a new face, Fitzroy Street should also see a replacement of the patchwork of jumbled and inconsistent repairs on its footpaths. Let’s start with utility companies replacing like for like when they dig up our high streets.
• Support Residents of Port Phillip in a review of the State Government proposed Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025, to ensure we do not destroy in the planning process, the character and the heritage within the CoPP.
• More attention to CoPP budgetary laxity including a rate reduction for the residents who have seen both council income and expenditure rise substantially above the inflation rate over the last few years and
• Some way forward for the St Kilda Triangle precinct that is both sustainable and cost effective and of course.
• Restoration of the O’Donnell fountain. “I’ll meet you at the fountain”

While this “wish list” agenda going forward will require substantive work, we can remain comfortable knowing that so far, we have in St Kilda a Councillor that is steering a sensible centrist balanced approach to decision making.

Lessons Learned About Candidates Who Vie for Office

The lesson for St Kilda voters and all voters throughout the CoPP in council elections, is to stay clear of political candidates who stand on the blue, red or green platforms. They were severely routed at the last council elections and for good reason. The CoPP does not need party politics, Spring Street agendas, and ideological tribalism that ensures certain voting patterns in the Chambers, that may not be in the best interests of ratepayers.

Now let’s continue the good work Councillor Thomann and chalk up some more runs on the board for St Kilda!