This plan outlines how Council will serve and support our community now and into the future. It addresses the evolving needs of our community and outlines key services, initiatives, and projects to help Port Phillip thrive.
This forward-looking Plan includes the proposed 2025/26 budget.
A 10-Year Vision with Four-Year Cycles
The Plan for Port Phillip (including budget) 2025-35 is a strategic document that guides Council's decision-making and investment. The Plan for Port Phillip is a four-year plan with a ten-year horizon that will be updated annually with a full review in 2028/29 following the next Council election. It replaces the previous Council Plan 2021-31.
It also meets all legislative requirements under the Local Government Act 2020, combining the Community Vision, Council Plan, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, Asset Plan, Financial Plan, Revenue and Rating Plan and Annual Budget into one integrated, cohesive plan.
Built with the Community, for the Community
This draft Plan is the result of nine months of community engagement, with nearly 1,300 residents contributing through surveys, workshops, neighbourhood pop-ups, and a dedicated 40-member community panel.
In February, the community panel - made up of diverse community members - met for four workshops, providing 15 hours of thoughtful deliberation. Their commitment helped shape the draft, identify top priorities for the next four years and refresh the 2021 Community Vision.
Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford said:
"The input from the community has been invaluable in helping us shape a vision for the future of Port Phillip. We are now presenting the draft Plan for Port Phillip (including budget) 2025-35 to the public to ensure we've captured the priorities and needs of our community."
What's in the draft Plan?
The draft Plan outlines a range of priority areas, investments and initiatives that will shape the future of Port Phillip. Including:
Community safety
The draft budget includes an additional $250,000 to fund new safety actions emerging from a recent Community Safety Roundtable and the upcoming updated Community Safety Plan.
Additional funding for a new local laws officer and a review of Council's local laws.
Investment in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) initiatives to improve community safety through smarter urban design.
Community connection and cohesion
Additional $250,000 to fund initiatives addressing loneliness and isolation, social connection and combating discrimination, racism and anti-Semitism including $60,000 to fast-track the Multicultural Strategy.
There is also a $1.2 million investment in affordable housing, pending the updated Housing and Homelessness Strategy, delivered over two years.
Improved amenity
Additional $200,000 to uplift city amenity, including more frequent street cleaning and pressure washing across main streets.
An additional $9 million over the next decade for improving roads and local infrastructure improvements.
Events and festivals
Consolidation of the St Kilda Festival to enable an additional $450,000 to be invested in Arts and Community Strengthening initiatives. The specifics of these will be agreed by Councillors after the budget process but may include increased grant opportunities and greater prioritisation on events and activations happening across the municipality.
Greener City and access to open space
Additional $400,000 for greening initiatives, including urban forest precinct plans.
And extra $4.5 million for the demolition and remediation of newly acquired Sandridge public open space.
An additional $3 million for open space development in Lakeside Ward.
Financial responsibility
A proposed 3 per cent average general rates increase, in line with this year's rates cap. Over the past four years, the Victorian Government's rates cap has been set significantly below inflation, which has put pressure on Council's ability to fund and deliver services.
Despite this, the draft budget maintains an ongoing efficiency target. It also introduces equitable initiatives such as the private waste rebate to ease the cost of living for residents.
Updated Community Vision
Following extensive engagement and input from the community panel, the 2021 Community Vision has been refreshed. Our new shared vision for Port Phillip is:
Proudly Port Phillip - A liveable and vibrant City that enhances community connection and wellbeing.
The draft Plan is a key step toward achieving this Vision, with a focus on safety, inclusion, and sustainability.
Your voice matters
Now is your opportunity to help shape the final version of the Plan for Port Phillip (including budget) 2025-35. Council is committed to continuing to listen and evolve the Plan based on community input.
Ways to Have Your Say
- Online: Submit feedback via the online form at Plan for Port Phillip 2025-35 | Have Your Say Port Phillip
- Speak at a Council Meeting: Speak at the special Council Meeting on 13 May 2025. Register to speak here.
- Hard Copy Forms: Available at Council's ASSIST counters and libraries, or by request.
What's Next?
Feedback closes on 18 May 2025. Council will then review all submissions and prepare a report summarising the community's input. Where appropriate, changes will be made to the draft, and a final Plan will be presented for adoption in June 2025.
Explore the Full Plan
This draft Plan integrates multiple legal requirements, including:
- Community Vision
- Council Plan
- Health and Wellbeing Plan
- Asset Plan
- Financial Plan
- Revenue and Rating Plan
- Annual Budget
