Over the past four years, residents have successfully campaigned for the removal of unnecessary and dangerous infrastructure that was installed via 38 km of “Pop-up Bike Lanes” – the scars of which remain visible today. Residents were also successful in stopping the replacement of carparking and vehicle lanes with separated bike lanes in Kerferd Road and Inkerman Street. Despite ongoing and overwhelming rejection by many residents, the City of Port Phillip (the “Council”) is seeking to recommence its war on cars, motorcycles and registered scooters; and interfere increasingly in how you may wish to travel in your local area. This is all happening under the guise of a “Safe Travel Strategy and Plan,” but Council is not focusing on the right actions. Check out this article if you want to find out if your street is impacted and learn how to provide your feedback to Council.

This year the EcoCentre opened its new premises located in the St Kilda Botanical Gardens on Blessington Street. The new high-quality, environmentally designed facility was jointly funded by the City of Port Phillip and the Victorian Government. The total sum of this investment was approximately $6 million. The CoPP share of that investment initially in establishment, was $3 million. But the financial implications do not stop there, and the EcoCentre is an example of a “feel good” project that is draining resources away from other more pressing priorities. Read on to learn why the EcoCentre needs to learn to stand on its own two feet.

After more than three years of advocacy, Cr. Bryan Mears is pleased to announce that safety improvements for pedestrians are about to be implemented in Queens Lane. The City of Port Phillip has announced upcoming works to improve pedestrian safety at two key intersections along Queens Lane — Arthur Street and Leopold Street. There are two stages to this project, which will run from May 2026 to January 2028. Read on for more details on what is a clear step in the right direction for Lakeside Ward.

The day looked to be a good one. A gentle breeze of a few knots and a balmy 27 degrees. Perhaps the last day of a late summer as we headed into Melbourne’s renowned winter months. Albert Park Lake is indeed beautiful, but its calm can be deceptive, as this sailor soon discovered. Read on to enjoy a nautical story of Port Phillip!

There are plans to remove dangerous concrete separators between traffic and bike lanes on Jacka Boulevard/ Marine Parade and to replace them with more user-friendly coloured markings.  These changes were proposed to be implemented by the Department of Transport and Planning in early 2026 following extensive community consultation according to Council sources. Removal of the concrete separators on Jacka Boulevard/ Marine Parade is welcomed by residents and cycling enthusiasts who successfully campaigned to Port Phillip Council for the removal of nearly 38 km of temporary pop-up bike lane infrastructure in 2023 on roads owed by the City of Port Phillip. However, work has not commenced and despite written enquiries no detailed responses have been received from the City of Port Phillip, DTP or Nina Taylor, the state member of parliament. Is this really going to happen? Read on to learn more.

Do you have a fun, unique, lively, moving, or informative story to tell about an aspect of life in Port Phillip? The editors of Port Phillip Matters would love to hear from you and publish your story in a future issue of Port Phillip Matters. Read on to learn more.