There are many wonderful cities across Australia, each with their own personality and rhythm. Some are quiet, some bustling, some historic, some modern. What often defines them most, however, is not their size or their popularity — it is how well they look after the fundamentals.

St Kilda is one of the most recognisable places in Victoria. It is lively, sunny and eclectic. On any given day the foreshore is buzzing, cafés are full, tourists stroll the esplanade and locals move between the beach, the parks and the shops. It is a place that attracts people from all over the country and around the world.

But popularity should never be an excuse for mediocrity.

Too often our streets tell a different story. Sidewalks can be grubby, bins overflowing, and graffiti has become such a common sight that many people barely notice it anymore. Public spaces that should be welcoming sometimes feel neglected. For a suburb with such incredible heritage and community spirit, that should concern all of us.

On a recent trip to Western Australia, I finished my travels in Fremantle — a place that never disappoints. It was a busy Labor Day weekend, when people from regional towns come into the city to enjoy the long weekend. The streets were vibrant, the bars and restaurants were packed, and the sun was shining.

But what stood out most wasn’t the crowds — it was the care.

Even on the Monday at the end of a very busy weekend, the gardens were immaculate, playgrounds well maintained, bins emptied and clean. Not a single patch of graffiti was visible. Families were relaxed, watching their children play without constantly looking over their shoulders. The buildings reflected pride in the area’s heritage and history.

It felt vibrant — but also safe, orderly and respected.

Which raises a simple question: why is the experience so different in our own neighbourhood?

Are we losing focus on the basics?

Before embarking on new strategies, consultations and projects, shouldn’t the fundamentals come first? Clean streets. Maintained gardens. Safe playgrounds. Public spaces that residents feel proud of and comfortable using.

Instead, many residents feel the focus has drifted. Council discussions increasingly revolve around broader advocacy issues, overlapping with state responsibilities and becoming entangled in cost-shifting debates — all while Port Phillip residents pay some of the highest council rates in the state.

Residents are entitled to ask a fair question: what are the core services council exists to deliver?

Local government was traditionally responsible for the everyday essentials — waste collection, street cleaning, local amenity, parks, playgrounds and community safety. The simple things that make neighbourhoods liveable.

Somewhere along the way, it can feel as though councils have expanded their roles dramatically — becoming counsellors, art critics, climate strategists, transport planners and consultants to consultants. Meanwhile residents are facing rising parking costs, increasing charges, and ever-growing “bin taxes”.

All while many people simply want the basics done well.

This isn’t about opposing progress or ideas. Communities evolve and cities must adapt. But priorities matter. Before launching the next initiative, perhaps it’s time to ask whether the foundations are strong.

St Kilda is one of the most unique and loved neighbourhoods in Australia. It deserves to be vibrant and well cared for.

The question for all of us — residents and council alike — is simple:

At what point do we demand that the basics come first?

Because a clean, safe and welcoming neighbourhood should not be a luxury.

It should be the standard.