Newly elected Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makin was keen to talk about the hot topics of housing, community safety and local laws. These decisions are major achievements of the current council in their first year of office.
The “Homeless and Affordable Housing Strategy,” which seeks zero homelessness, received unanimous support. The council plan focuses on supporting community housing providers, social support organisations, and advocating to the state government for increased housing stock and affordability.
Another unanimously endorsed item was the “Community Safety Plan,” which seeks to enhance public space safety through design principles and fostering social connectedness.
However, the proposed local law proved to be a contentious item, with the vote split. Mayor Makin stressed that the proposed law focuses on behavioural responses rather than criminalising homelessness. He also wanted accountability from community agencies receiving grants, stating that stronger service agreements will be implemented.
Makin acknowledged the challenges facing different levels of government, echoing a sentiment from the Mayor of Morton Bay Council regarding the distribution of resources and responsibilities in addressing homelessness.
Despite the division on the local law, Makin noted the significant goodwill and discussion among councillors, suggesting that more time for deliberation might have led to a unanimous outcome.
