The City of Stonnington has endorsed an ambitious advocacy agenda ahead of the November Victorian state election, calling on all political parties and candidates to back critical investment and policy reform for one of Melbourne's fastest growing inner-city municipalities.
Grounded in the aspirations of the Community Vision 2040 and Council Plan 2025-29, the updated Advocacy Plan outlines the major challenges facing Stonnington and the urgent action required to protect community safety, liveability, infrastructure and local services as the municipality continues to grow.
The Advocacy Plan identifies nine priority themes and sets out a clear vision for a safer, stronger, more connected and more sustainable Stonnington.
Key priorities include:
- urgent increases in visible police presence and stronger action on crime and illicit tobacco
- funding for family violence, homelessness, mental health and community outreach services
- investment in Chapel Street to support safety, activation and economic recovery
- major upgrades to sporting pavilions and facilities to support women's and girls' participation in sport
- increased funding for libraries, immunisation, maternal and child health and early years services
- investment in parks, playgrounds and open space to support population growth
- improved tram, train and bus reliability, accessibility and frequency, including removal of the Glenferrie Road and Tooronga Road level crossings
- support for affordable housing and stronger planning reforms that deliver infrastructure alongside growth
- funding for sustainability and climate resilience projects including expansion of the Container Deposit Scheme and investment in renewable energy initiatives.
Mayor Cr Melina Sehr said the Advocacy Plan was about ensuring Stonnington's community is not left behind as Melbourne grows and governments make critical policy and funding decisions.
"Stonnington is one of Melbourne's most vibrant and important municipalities, but our community is facing increasing pressures from rapid population growth, rising costs, ageing infrastructure and growing community safety concerns," Cr Sehr said.
"We are making it clear that our residents expect action - not promises. This Advocacy Plan sets out the investments and policy reforms needed to keep Stonnington safe, liveable, connected and prosperous into the future."
"Council cannot meet these challenges alone. We need genuine partnership and investment from State and Federal governments to deliver the infrastructure, services and community safety outcomes our residents deserve."
Cr Sehr said Council would engage constructively with all political parties and candidates in the lead up to the election to advocate for outcomes that benefit the Stonnington community.
"This is not about politics - it is about standing up for our community and fighting for the future of Stonnington," she said.
In the Victorian Parliament, Stonnington is represented by the electoral districts of Prahran and Malvern in the Legislative Assembly and by the Southern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council.
The updated Advocacy Plan and supporting fact sheets will be progressively published on Council's website and promoted through Stonnington News and Council's digital channels in the lead up to the election.
