Your urgent action is required to finalise changes to Local Laws to address abusive and antisocial behaviours arising from street encampments that threaten community safety and deter customers from cafes, restaurants and retail businesses.

You have until 29^th March to provide your feedback on the proposed changes to Local Laws by completing the online survey in the link  https://haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/community-amenity-amendment

Residents are frustrated by ongoing delays in implementing changes to the Local Laws since they were unanimously voted up by Councillors 12 months ago. Deputy Mayor Mears requested Council Officers to “fast track the new law which is subject to statutory requirements such as community consultation, amendments to the police protocol and legal approvals. The new law is expected to come back to Council in June 2026 for approval.”

Cr Mears also stated that “after much consultation and discussion, we have come up with a new local law to that seeks to address antisocial and criminal behaviours. This new law will work alongside the outcomes of the Community Safety Roundtable and importantly does not punish the homeless.”

Cr Thomann said at the Council Meeting in December 2025, “Leadership is protecting residents from intimidation and fear while protecting vulnerable people from further trauma. Homelessness is not a crime. But threatening behaviour, illegal activity, and serious amenity impacts are problems that require action. And this Council must be equipped to act.”

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.

Proposed Change to Council’s Local Laws

Port Phillip Council is proposing changes to its Local Laws to help manage encampments that are affecting community safety or amenity. The change would give authorised officers powers to respond when camps are creating risks to community safety or significant amenity impacts in public spaces.

Authorised officers would be able to:

• Ask someone to remove encampment equipment
• Remove the equipment if the person does not comply
• Impound the equipment when needed

Residents have told Council they want more effective Local Laws to respond to camps that are causing safety or amenity issues. The amendment aims to:

• Address threatening and antisocial behaviours where camps are creating risks
• Support community wellbeing
• Maintain a welfare‑first approach for people experiencing homelessness

Council’s “Port Phillip Zero” program works with local health and welfare partners to:

• Help people move into safe, long‑term housing
• Provide mental health, alcohol and drug support
• Maintain a “By Name List” to ensure people sleeping rough are known and supported

Will people be fined?

No. The amendment does not introduce fines. Enforcement focuses only on removing or impounding equipment when necessary.

Support from Victoria Police

Victoria Police support the proposed amendments and are working with Council on an Operating Protocol. This will outline how both organisations work together when responding to issues covered by the Local Law.

110,000 people living in Port Phillip have a human right to be safe, but our safety and amenity is put at risk by fewer than 100 rough sleepers in encampments that have caused the decline of the once iconic and thriving retail and dining precincts in St Kilda and other suburbs is evident. Elwood and Albert Park have no encampments and the streets are thriving.

Doing nothing is not an option.