Council

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cr Libby Buckingham provided the notes of her remarks at the Council meeting to TWiSK on request. They are presented in full.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Housing First has started construction of 68 new homes in Balaclava in partnership with Homes Victoria