Port Phillip Matters

11 September 2025

Welcome to the New Look Port Phillip Matters

In this edition of Port Phillip Matters, we introduce our refreshed website and thank the many dedicated Residents of Port Phillip supporters who helped make this happen.

The refresh includes an updated comparative rates calculator, a revised supporter benefit program, and a new way of delivering our periodic newsletters, so please check it out!

In this edition we also discuss how the state government is busily cost-shifting onto local councils, how Council is looking to misuse ratepayer funds on “dog cams,” and a discussion on how to better balance the rights of residents to safe streets against the right of the vulnerable to sleep rough.

Competing Rights – Residents, Rough Sleepers and Community Safety

By Rod (a concerned resident) | September 11, 2025

Any discussion on homelessness, drug-affected individuals, and those with mental health issues must recognise the principle of competing rights. Too often, the rights of a small disruptive minority are prioritised at the expense of the broader community. Rights are rarely absolute; they must be balanced with responsibilities and the rights of others. This is consistent with the Victorian Charter of Human Rights, which allows reasonable limits to protect community safety and wellbeing. Read on to learn how Cr Rod Hardy’s February 2025 motion on camping laws seeks to achieve balance rather than punishment.

Dog Cam: Another Revenue-Raising “Pet Project”

By Claire (St Kilda Resident) | September 11, 2025

The City of Port Phillip has rolled out mobile CCTV cameras in parks under the banner of “Dog Watch,” targeting off-leash dogs and owners who fail to clean up after them. At Hewison Reserve, Balaclava, a roving camera is being used to monitor compliance — the footage isn’t recorded but streamed live to animal management officers. Council says it’s about encouraging responsible behaviour. But is this really the community’s top priority? Read on to learn why Council is going down this path rather than focussing on issues that truly concern the community.

Rates and Charges Calculator – Updated

By Christina (Middle Park Resident) | September 11, 2025

As ratepayers should have received rates notices for the 2025-26 financial year, you may be interested to see how your property rates compare with a similarly priced home in one of our neighbouring local government areas. We have updated our online rates calculator; read on below to learn more about using this new version of the calculator and what our neighbouring Councils seem to be doing better than Port Phillip.

Ratepayers Carry the Burden Without Council Opposition

By Claire (St Kilda Resident) | September 11, 2025

Across Victoria, councils from Ararat to Wyndham have spoken out against the State Government’s decision to push the cost of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) onto local ratepayers. The background to this is that all ratepayers are being hit with massive increases in rates and charges including the new ESVF levy. The new levy replaces the Fire Service Property Levy with a massive increase in cost for ratepayers, more than 50%. Read on to learn more about this example of state government cost shifting.

Port Phillip Matters – New Look

By Campbell Spence | September 11, 2025

We are pleased to launch Port Phillip Matters from the Residents of Port Phillip website which has been updated with new content. Our new format allows us to publish and archive our newsletters on the website and you to look at the titles and first few lines of each article before expanding article. We encourage you to check out the new format at the website https://ropp.org.au

Port Phillip Matters

Our local Port Phillip Matters newspaper keeps you up to date on community sports, school events, local personalities, local pets, with real community spirit.