The first TWiSK post in 2016 mentioned the magical serenity of West Beach, where you could escape the hustle and bustle for a moment, watching sea birds and windsurfers.
Now, TWiSK readers inform us that—like the Ngargee Tree area—encampments are a regular feature despite repeated reports to council.
The readers report that rough sleepers are becoming entrenched in the small patches of remnant coastal flora near West Beach Pavillion, an area recently rebuilt for increased disabled access and planted up with native flora, and north in the Tea Tree towards Middle Park.
“This is critically endangered habitat that has been weeded and planted by volunteers, but which is rapidly being degraded. Should a campfire get out of control, the whole patch of bushland being tinder dry could be lost in a flash.”
This situation is not new
In early December 2024, Port Phillip CEO Chris Carroll reported that City Amenity Officers carried out a joint patrol of the Fraser Street dunes in St Kilda West with police. CEO Report 114 p34
“Officers removed three tents, two knives and 129 used syringes. One arrest was made by police for a person masturbating in public.”
At the time, Carroll said City Amenity Officers were patrolling beaches every day as part of Council’s Summer Management Plan.
What’s happening now?
On behalf of readers, we asked what’s happening now, especially with the extra resources devoted to addressing homelessness and amenity?
Port Phillip CEO Chris Carroll responded, saying council understands the impact this has on local residents and how it can create an unsafe and unsettling environment.
“While our Local Laws team patrols this area regularly, it is a location that can build up quickly. At times, we require police support to safely enter the dunes to clean the area. We have raised this issue with Victoria Police and request additional assistance when required.
“The location is discussed at our weekly meetings with welfare service providers and we ensure the Port Phillip Zero program is engaging with people in these areas to provide support.
“We are also working with housing services to engage with people rough sleeping at this site and provide support, where appropriate, into housing pathways. Outreach workers attend regularly to connect people with services.
“It is a complex situation, and we will continue to clear the site and work with services to address issues as best we can.”
Bravo to a compassionate response to a complex situation. However, TWiSK has spoken to residents who have been lodging Snap Send Solve reports about this since January last year.
