Council
Q&A on Council’s planning for Carlisle Street
Port Phillip Council CEO Chris Carroll tells TWiSK what the community will – and will not – be able to influence as planning for Balaclava’s supermarket sites moves ahead.
Make or break decision for Balaclava looms
Balaclava is on the verge of a series of Council decisions about the renewal of the supermarket precinct on Carlisle Street. Resident and urban researcher Rachel Iampolski urges people who love Balaclava to speak up before it’s too late.
Why I Support Port Phillip’s New Encampment By-Law
The 2025 Safety Roundtable headed by Ian Gray AM brought police, local welfare agencies and council together to have a coordinated response to community safety concerns. He comments on the proposed local laws.
Lakeside Ward ignored in council budget
Council has released its draft budget for consultation, with public feedback open until 29 May. For Lakeside Ward, the verdict is brutal: the budget offers next to nothing in 2026/27.
State budget brings some local joy
Budget season can feel like a blur of big numbers and bigger promises, so it is always worth asking what it means close to home. TWiSK looks at what the State budget is set to deliver for St Kilda and nearby suburbs.
Cosmopolitan Hotel plans hit drainage hurdle
Plans to redevelop the seven-storey Cosmopolitan Hotel have hit a major obstacle: a drainage easement that could block a building permit.
Collective inspiration for The Vineyard?
Cr Serge Thomann is proposing that a dream team of local architects help pro bono to develop creative ideas infused with local understanding to inspire the next decisions about the fabled Vineyard.
Council backs controversial local law
Councillors have voted to proceed with controversial amendments to local laws covering encampments. Facing a packed public gallery and after heated questioning of officers, the final vote was 5 for, 3 against and 1 abstaining. TWiSK reports.
Hall victory: St Kilda Primary’s big win
There were smiles all-round at St Kilda Primary School last week when news arrived that funding for the school’s long-awaited and much-needed community hall would be delivered in the coming State Budget.
Budget faces dissent from inside
The Council has released its draft Budget 2026/27 for community consultation. Readers won’t be surprised about increases to rates and waste charges. Council expects to pocket a surplus and keep business running as usual. Let the brawl begin.