Councillors will vote on Wednesday 6^th May to finally change local laws to improve community safety. If you are concerned about community safety, you must speak in support of the motion at the Council Meeting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday 6^th May.

Register to speak at https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/about-the-council/council-meetings/participate-at-council-meetings/

You may have already advocated to support these changes and be frustrated by the process and several rounds of community consultation starting in February 2024.

The outcome of the vote is important for residents who have been the victims of verbal abuse, physically assaults and feel unsafe on our streets. Changes to the local laws seek to address abusive and antisocial behaviours arising from street encampments that threaten community safety and deter customers from cafes, restaurants and retail businesses.

Residents have been frustrated by ongoing delays in changing local laws and despite opposition from housing, substance abuse and social services industry, the new local law is poised to become law.

It is disappointing that the welfare and social services industry have advocated against changing the local laws when residents do not feel safe on our streets.

The proposed new local laws are only intended to be enforced when residents and traders are threatened with abusive and violent behaviours arising from street encampments.

The Victorian Police support the motion and have advised that 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.

For further information about the proposed Change to Encampment Local Laws refer to the article ‘Urgent Action Required to Improve Community Safety’ at this link:

Urgent Action Required to Improve Community Safety