Council

Call to Fix Bus 606
Bus 606 is a vital link between St Kilda and the rest of Port Phillip. Yet it only operates at hourly intervals on weekends and every 30 or 40 minutes Monday to Friday. Council has joined the community call for a more frequent and reliable service.

Mayor explains fortnightly collection
Mayor Louise Crawford has confirmed that the new collection contract is based on current services but can accommodate a shift to fortnightly collections for houses if required.

State silent as Lake lockout looms
Will the Labor Government try to push a 3-week GP lockout through parliament this week? Locals who love the lake (and Albert Park) are emailing the Minister this week.

Next Garbage Tender on the Nose
After a failed tender process, Council is set to award a 4+3 year contract extension to the current garbage collection corporation. TWiSK reports on three concerning issues ahead of the decision on Wednesday.

PCYC sale paused as organisation fights for life
St Kilda PCYC has paused the sale of its Inkerman Street premises and issued an urgent call for support from government and philanthropic sources. Meanwhile, critics are circling the embattled PCYC board.

A milestone for Balaclava
Local ward Cr Justin Halliday provided this comment on his momentous decision to support the sale of council land to Coles. This is presented in full.

The benefits were too great to ignore
Cr Libby Buckingham provided the notes of her remarks at the Council meeting to TWiSK on request. They are presented in full.

Unanimous vote on sale to Coles Balaclava
Councillors have voted unanimously to sell council land to Coles to facilitate the redevelopment of the existing supermarket, along with additional retail, housing, and public space on the expanded site.

Safety Plan faces turbulent consultation
Unanimous voting on both the Homelessness and Housing Strategy and a draft new Community Safety Plan could not conceal a testy atmosphere at the last Council meeting. The crucial unresolved protocol between police and council may overshadow community consultation that starts 6 October.

Vineyard revamp goes on, and on, and on again
The lease on The Vineyard in O’Donnell Gardens will expire in April next year without the council having any idea what to do with this prime location. It’s a sorry saga that is sadly unsurprising. TWiSK has been asking questions.
