Council
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.
Mayors meet to combat antisemitism
Mayor Louise Crawford and Deputy Mayor Bryan Mears attended the recent Mayors Combatting Antisemitism Summit on the Gold Coast. They provided this report for TWiSK.
Construction starts on 68 new homes
Housing First has started construction of 68 new homes in Balaclava in partnership with Homes Victoria
Council Now Open to Deputations
A delegation from the public will now be able to present at Council meetings after a series of changes to governance rules were narrowly passed at last Tuesday’s meeting. However, the process to initiate a delegation is yet to be worked out. TWiSK reports on this and other changes.
Council’s Tricky Tuesday agenda
TWiSK has branded the 2 September Council agenda as ‘Tricky Tuesday’ in recognition of the Council’s desire to keep some ‘tricky’ issues on the ‘QT’.
Sprint to finish pier entry
Council is hoping to finish landscaping and other works on the landside of St Kilda Pier before the St Kilda Festival
Last chance to halt a 21-day Lake lockout
The final decision on a proposed 21-day closure of Albert Park Lake now rests with Upper House MPs after the Lower House passed the Allan Government’s Australian Grands Prix Amendment Bill 2025. Sports clubs and other recreational users of Albert Park are furious about the extended encroachment into their activities.
Park encampment enters 19th week
Concerns have been raised after a park volunteer was assaulted by an aggressive man from the encampment near the Ngargee Tree in Albert Park Reserve. Park volunteers have told TWiSK that the camp has been there for over 19 weeks.