Engaging with community, listening to what you have told us and then turning your suggestions into actions is a continuous process. Our first community consultation in 2022 asked you to talk about any gaps or issues that you were experiencing.
You highlighted that COVID-19 lockdowns forced us all to live more locally and that these amenities are even more important to you. You told us what you value in your communities, what the challenges and opportunities are and suggestions for shaping and planning the future together.
The priorities listed here reflect the great diversity of voices in the neighbourhood and are the beginning of a cycle of listening that is endorsed by Council’s Neighbourhood Planning Framework.
We’ve listened to you and heard you. We will continue to listen to you and expect over time for recurring themes to emerge and for these local priorities to grow and change. This portal will regularly update what is already happening and what areas we will be exploring further.
For the Wurundjeri, Bunurong, Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin, the place now known as Melbourne has always been an important meeting place and location for events of political, cultural, social and educational significance. We will ensure that the Traditional Owners’ culture, lore, knowledge, and heritage enrich the city’s growth and development.
What you told us
We heard you want better acknowledgement of Bunurong and Wurundjeri Traditional Owners and opportunities to learn and connect with their culture and heritage.
We also heard you’d like to see greater use of Boon Wurrung (Bunurong) and Woi-wurrung (Wurundjeri) names, signage, language, creative art initiatives and plantings.
“Celebrate Aboriginal history and culture […] celebrate culture through festivals, events and other initiatives in the neighbourhood.”
“Education for local people about Aboriginal language and culture.”
“Signage in Aboriginal language next to English where appropriate.”
What we’re doing
As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-23 we are identifying and implementing opportunities for the dual naming of spaces to reflect Aboriginal cultural heritage.
In 2022, our annual festival of ideas was dual named narrm ngarrgu | Melbourne Knowledge Week, following consultation with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Traditional Owners.
At this year’s narrm ngarrgu | Melbourne Knowledge Week we launched Mapping Aboriginal Melbourne a spatial mapping tool highlighting places and events of Aboriginal cultural significance within the city. An interactive map is located in Town Hall Commons and available in desktop and mobile versions.
This educational resource has been developed with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and supports Council in placemaking and signage. The Map identifies Aboriginal Places of Significance in the South Yarra area.
We host the YIRRAMBOI Festival every second year, providing opportunities for Aboriginal artists to present their continuous and diverse contemporary practices.
What’s On Melbourne provides a list of events with Aboriginal programming throughout the year, including National Reconciliation week and NAIDOC week events.
If you want to become more familiar with Aboriginal history and living culture, check out this reading list of books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers. You can borrow all the books from our libraries.
October 2023
- On 21 March, Melbourne City Council endorsed a motion in support of the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the ‘yes’ campaign for the Constitutional Recognition of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. As part of our ongoing commitment to truth-telling, we have compiled a set of resources about the Voice to Parliament, the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the upcoming referendum. We will continue updating these resources as the referendum approaches, including information in multiple languages. We encourage you to bookmark this page to stay up to date. Authorised by Sally Capp in Melbourne on behalf of Melbourne City Council.
- In May, Yirramboi festival brought us an incredible program of First Nations creative exploration for community to experience across the city. In May and June as part of National Reconciliation Week, we hosted a range of events to promote truth-telling, learning, healing and change, including an oration by 2022 Melbournian of the Year, Anotinette Braybrook which is available to view. In July we celebrated National NAIDOC Week and offered a range of activities to embrace and deepen understanding of our Aboriginal history and culture including a Deadly Books Giveaway, NAIDOC in the City event, Finders Keepers Market and more.
- The Royal Botanic Gardens team are running Aboriginal Heritage Walks until DecemberFebruary 2023
- Monday 13 February marked the 15th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. As part of the ongoing work towards reconciliation, we are in the process of acknowledging, recognising and paying tribute to the Stolen Generations by establishing a marker within the municipality. The Victorian Aboriginal Community – including those who are part of the Stolen Generations and their families – are invited to provide feedback on three potential shortlisted marker locations.
- Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, Uncle Dave Wandin, shares the importance of understanding an Acknowledgment of Country and how to deliver it with respect. Find out more about Melbourne’s Traditional Owners and Aboriginal peoples’ deep connection to Country.
We will reduce economic and social inequality by ensuring universal access to housing, core services and information.
What you told us
We heard that having accessible transportation options, including tram stops, roads, parks and other public spaces and amenities are important to you. You would like people of all ages and abilities to have access to public amenities to help them move through the neighbourhood.
“More accessible spaces for people with mobility issues and parents with prams.”
“More changeroom facilities in toilets for changing kids in men’s toilets. I'm often changing my daughter on the floor of a toilet.”
“More tram services, all accessible stops, more services for the aged and disabled.”
What we’re doing
The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-24 includes actions to ensure the delivery of best practice universal access design in new and redevelopment initiatives. City of Melbourne also advocates to other tiers of government on matters that impact on people with disability and/or equity of access issues.
October 2023
- We’re finalising projects as part of the South Yarra Pedestrian and Road Safety Review.
- We’re continuing to work with the Department of Transport and Planning to monitor and evaluate the trial of shared e-scooters. The trial has been extended until 5 October.
To date, there have been 5.4 million e-scooter trips made since the beginning of the trial in February 2022.
In August, the Future Melbourne Committee voted on the future of commercial e-scooter operations. The rollout of in-app designated parking across the municipality is being looked at as part of this. We are also talking to Victoria Police and the Minister for Roads and Road Safety to ensure they can provide adequate infrastructure and enforcement of the road rules for e-scooters.
We are currently working with e-scooter operators to rollout designated parking, focussing first on the Hoddle Grid, before moving to other high activity locations such as Southbank, Docklands and Carlton. By October we should have transitioned Flinders Street, Swanston Street, Elizabeth Street to fully designated parking.
E-scooter operators are trialling technology to improve the safety of e-scooters, particularly targeting illegal activity such as footpath riding and riding with a passenger.
February 2023
- We are renewing and upgrading infrastructure to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, predominantly Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs). This program of works is running ahead of schedule and at the end of January approximately 20 projects have been delivered, equating to over 70% of the program.
- A forum to mark the 30 year commemoration of the Disability Discrimination Act was held on 24 November at Melbourne Town Hall. This was an opportunity for community members to come together to hear and share on how the Disability Discrimination Act has enabled greater access and inclusion for people with disability.
What you told us
You’d like to see more neighbourhood initiatives, programs and services that are affordable, inclusive and welcoming to all people.
“Meal service for single and aged folk, daily papers and free tea and biscuits for residents who are otherwise alone at home and feeling isolated.”
"Have Fawkner Park cater to more than sports and dogs off-leash. These are great to have but I don’t have a dog and I don’t play sports so there isn’t much on offer in the area for someone like me.”
“Foster a more inclusive, diverse and respectful community. It's a lovely area but it feels very exclusive.”
What we’re doing
We provide a broad range of health and support services, programs and resources to assist the community including children and their families, young people, older people, Aboriginal communities, LQBTIQ communities.
See also Programs and events for older people - City of Melbourne
Our Inclusive Melbourne Strategy increases access to opportunities for all people and outlines how we will respond to the diversity of religions, cultures, age groups, gender, sexual orientation and ability among the people who live, work, study in and visit the city.
Our Creating Communities of Equality and Respect: Women’s Safety and Empowerment Action Plan 2021-2024 outlines action that can be taken to prevent violence against women.
The South Yarra Senior Citizens Centre is prioritised for use by older people and carers. It is a safe, accessible and welcoming environment where older people and carers can participate in a diverse range of social, cultural, educational, recreational and community activities. It has recently improved its audio equipment enabling people with hearing difficulties to participate in activities.
What we’re doing next
We will be looking at further opportunities to incorporate community suggestions and advance inclusivity, accessibility and affordability within the South Yarra neighbourhood.
October 2023
- Inclusive employment program Game Changers, supported eight young people to gain employment at our recreation facilities. This program, delivered in partnership by The Huddle and YMCA, provides free support to young people seeking employment, including resume writing, interview practice, and career planning and goal setting. The program has helped improve diversity in the recreation facilities’ workforce with 26 per cent living in the City of Melbourne, 25 per cent born overseas, 15 per cent identifying as being a part of the LGBTQI+ community, and 9 per cent with a disability.
- TalktoMe was an application developed by St Vincent’s hospital and funded by City of Melbourne to facilitate brief, sentence-based, non-clinical information in multiple languages, when communicating about day-to-day topics relating to healthcare.
- An inclusion and access officer role within our Family Services team was created to provide inclusive and responsive support for families. The officer will help families from culturally diverse backgrounds access support and services.
- Through a community grant, RMIT held workshops with multicultural LGBTIQ+ people to create a glossary of LGBTIQ+ terms, concepts and services in different languages. These multilingual resources will be shared for community members, organisations, and translators to use when working in LGBTIQ+ contexts.
- Several inclusive community events were delivered with the support of City of Melbourne, including:
- 'What you need to know to survive on the streets’ is an information booklet produced every two months by a group of people experiencing or with lived experience of homelessness, published by our libraries in partnership with Cohealth. While the booklet itself is a major outcome of the project, the participants have also been supported to learn and care for each other and the community, building social, emotional, and practical skills.
- We continued working closely with Victoria Police, including joint outreach patrols to engage with people experiencing homelessness to ensure they are supported.
February 2023
- Our neighbourhood centres for older people (Jean McKendry Neighbourhood Centre, Kensington Neighbourhood Centre and South Yarra Senior Citizens’ Centre), are undertaking the Dementia Friends program, which provides training about dementia, the challenges faced by people living with dementia, and how to help people with dementia remain connected. The centres are being reviewed using Dementia Australia's environmental checklist, in consultation with people living with dementia. We are developing an action plan for the centres to better meet the needs of people living with dementia.
- Fawkner Park's Lawn 17 has been used this summer for blind cricket for the first time, with a highlight being an interstate clash between Victoria and New South Wales in January to celebrate 100 years of blind cricket. The suitability of the venue for blind cricket was realised after consultation with Cricket Victoria and Victorian Blind Cricket Association.
- We have hosted community lunches at South Yarra Senior Citizens Centre.
- A 100 year Blind Cricket Victoria anniversary sporting event was held at Fawkner Park in South Yarra.
- We are currently working on developing 'dogs in the park' events in neighbourhoods. These events, in partnership with behaviour trainers from the Lost Dogs' Home aim to raise awareness and provide education of dog behaviour, enrichment and responsible dog ownership to improve dog and human experiences in public places.
- We are launching the Grow It Local program in early 2023 for all City of Melbourne community members to get involved in growing food at home. As part of the program, Grow it Local have launched the latest Autumn Seed Service, a patch-to-plate adventure that makes free heirloom seeds and instructional content available to local residents. This free offer is available to the first 100 participants who register at www.growitlocal.com/free-seed-service to receive a package containing heirloom seed varieties including kale, rainbow chard and spinach. Participants will learn to grow from seed-to-spanakopita with Costa Georgiadis via online videos for each stage of the growing journey and support is also available from Grow it Local’s garden guru.
- We are in the process of reviewing the City of Melbourne Food Policy and during March will be seeking community feedback on the draft food policy via the Participate Melbourne page. We encourage you to have your say in City of Melbourne supporting and promoting a food system that provides good food for all.
What you told us
You have concerns around housing and rental affordability and want to see initiatives that help reduce homelessness in the South Yarra neighbourhood.
“More initiatives to increase social and affordable housing availability. More homelessness services that provide holistic support to people who are struggling.”
“Initiatives to address rental security and housing affordability. I want to stay in South Yarra but I’m not certain that I can.”
"Address homelessness issues on the streets.”
What we’re doing
Affordable housing, including social housing and subsidised market housing, is a priority for the whole of the municipality. Our Affordable Housing Strategy 2020-2030 guides our actions to deliver more affordable housing in response to the affordable housing shortage that the municipality is experiencing.
Currently, there are no areas within the South Yarra neighbourhood identified for affordable housing projects. However, there are several projects ongoing and planned in the neighbouring suburbs that will benefit community members across the whole of the municipality.
We are actively working through our in-house support team, with other agencies and our recently established Homes Melbourne to support people experiencing homelessness and increase pathways out of homelessness.
October 2023
- We will encourage short-term accommodation operators to shift their properties onto the long-term rental market to deliver more homes for people wanting to live in Melbourne. At the 29 August Council meeting, Councillors voted to begin consultation to inform the development of new local laws that are designed to encourage the flip of short-term accommodation into long-term rentals. Consultation opened in September for feedback. New regulation is likely to be introduced in February 2024.
- We are running a People’s Panel on Affordable Housing in October and November.This panel will include 40 randomly selected people who are collectively representative of our resident community. The panel will hear from the experts, learn about affordable housing in the community and explore new and innovative ways to truly make Melbourne a city that everyone can call home.
- Through one of our community grants, Anika Legal developed Self-Advocacy Guides for Renters in 10 priority languages to help local residents experiencing disadvantage navigate changes in rental laws and seek assistance for housing-related legal problems.
We will prioritise our environment and take urgent action to reduce emissions and waste in order to protect public health, strengthen the economy and create a city that mitigates and adapts to climate change. The City of Melbourne declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2019.
What you told us
You would like more work to be done implementing and advocating for sustainability initiatives, including engaging with local businesses on how to reduce their carbon footprint, local composting hubs and a shift towards renewable energy sources.
“More awareness and education around what can and can't be recycled needs to be addressed in South Yarra.”
“Initiatives to support businesses to go green, like bio-digesters for leftover food disposal.”
“Implement better recycling and waste management such as green waste and public composting."
What we’re doing
We declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2019 and are taking bold action on climate change. We’ve committed to zero-net emissions by 2040 in addition to a range of other actions and priorities.
To find out more, visit: How to act now on climate change.
Our urban water in the city initiative aims to help us better understand sustainable water management and provides resources and ideas to make a difference at home or work.
Our Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy outlines ways to help become a zero-waste city. We provide a wide range of services including street bins, garbage compactors and residential and commercial bin collections and recycling.
We are leading the reduction of food waste and diversion of waste from landfill, through our food and organics (FOGO) collection service for single-unit and multi-unit dwellings up to five storeys. We will also be trialling textile bins and a food organics pilot in high-rise buildings.
In 2017, the City of Melbourne became the first capital city council in Australia to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy through the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project.
By continuing our innovation in renewable energy, Power Melbourne will play a lead role in reaching our ambition to become a whole city powered by 100 per cent renewables by 2030.
We also support the idea of a circular economy and through leadership and community neighbourhood projects, including social enterprise grants, are reviewing a container deposit scheme, alternative waste technologies and developing circular economy guidelines.
October 2023
- We’re shifting the City of Melbourne to gas-free operations and to ensure climate change and biodiversity are considered as we manage our assets.
Progress this year towards implementing gas-free operations included:
• Progressing design work for the electrification of Fawkner Park Senior Citizens Centre, Childcare and Tennis Kiosk in addition to a range of other facilities across the municipality.
- As part of our Power Melbourne project , we identified further areas for future neighbourhood batteries and ran a city-wide online survey and pop-ups in Carlton, North Melbourne, Kensington, South Yarra and East Melbourne. A team of Community Champions also explored the topic with their personal and professional networks. This helped us understand how people feel about potentially having a neighbourhood battery in their area, the kinds of benefits they want to see, and their location ideas. Follow the Power Melbourne page for updates including the report on this phase of engagement.
- All residential single-unit dwellings and low-rise multi-unit dwellings in the City of Melbourne had access to a food waste recycling service in 2022-23. This has resulted in more than 5600 tonnes of food waste being diverted from landfill and recycled into compost.
Works have progressed so remaining households can access food waste recycling, including trialling options for recycling within high-rise buildings, which includes food waste dehydrator technology. This program diverts organic waste from landfill while minimising waste truck movement within the city.
- Programs to minimise waste from businesses within the city have also started, including educating small to medium businesses about the benefits of minimising waste and opting for reusable and recyclable packaging and products. Food waste recycling has also expanded within the city for businesses, utilising electric bikes to collect and divert over 146.59 tonnes of food waste.
February 2023
- We're working to make it easier to access affordable renewable energy. Our Power Melbourne project will install a network of neighbourhood batteries around the city to help renters, people living in apartments, and those running small businesses access more affordable renewable electricity. Late last year we consulted with community on ideas for where neighbourhood batteries should be installed and how we design retail plans with an energy retail partner. Keep an eye on the Power Melbourne page for opportunities to get involved in the next stage of engagement activities, opening soon.
- We continue to roll out the Food Organics Service to high-rise residential apartments across Melbourne. Selected buildings are undertaking a 12-month pilot program to collect and process food scraps using an on-site organic processor. For more information on the pilot, visit Food Organics High-Rise Pilot.
- We continue to provide a wide range of services for reusing, recycling or disposing of unwanted household items and materials. 11,400 combined tonnes were collected from various sources including communal recycling bins, cardboard bins and residential collections between October 2022 and January 2023.
We will focus on driving economic recovery and creating the conditions for a strong, adaptive, sustainable and thriving future city economy supported by a diverse mix of industries and jobs that provide dignity and opportunity.
What you told us
You said there is a need for more tailored support for local hospitality and retail businesses, such as incentive programs, rent reductions and targeted engagement initiatives.
“It's concerning for businesses around here because we rely heavily on office workers for revenue, but we don't see them returning five days a week.”
“Music, arts and other cultural activities should be encouraged to create business opportunities, to support the ravaged arts sector.”
"City of Melbourne needs to consult with local businesses more and communicate better. As a small business, I don’t feel like my needs are considered or heard as much as the residents’ issues are.”
What we’re doing
We provide support for businesses through grants, mentoring, workshops, extended outdoor dining initiatives, regular newsletters, sharing data and research and more.
We are strengthening Melbourne's economic recovery, through precinct program support, delivering an enhanced business concierge service and supporting the night-time economy.
What we’re doing next
We can further help community organisations to explore opportunities with local business and precinct associations around employment pathways. Find out more about our services and support for business.
October 2023
- Our small business grants program supports new businesses to get started and existing businesses to expand and grow. This year we have a special focus on supporting small businesses that enhance the city’s vitality and increase the occupancy rate of shopfronts across the municipality.
Our Business Concierge team had 8089 contacts with business across the City of Melbourne between February and September.
February 2023
- We’ve launched the Melbourne Economy Snapshot, a free seasonal activity guide designed to help businesses make data-led decisions by understanding Melbourne’s new rhythm.
- The first edition shows a sky-high December, with a record $1.1b spent across the city. Friday and Saturday remain the busiest days in Melbourne, while our night-time economy continues to flourish. Delve into the nitty gritty and explore weekday, weekend and night-time activity.
- Dusk 2 Dawn applications were open throughout November and December. Applications are currently being reviewed, with successful activations commencing in May.
- The City of Melbourne’s social enterprise grants program supports social enterprise businesses to thrive in Melbourne. The program supports startups and existing enterprises which are expanding or developing new products or services with a distinctly social purpose. Applications are currently open and close at 2pm Friday 10 March 2023.
- Between October 2022 and January 2023 our Business Concierge service have had 5000 interactions with businesses across the municipality. The range of enquiries have been simple support requests over the phone and email, face to face interactions and supporting new businesses in their start up.
What you told us
You would like to see a more diverse range of businesses, retail and hospitality offerings in the South Yarra neighbourhood, to help reinvigorate the neighbourhood's economy.
“There are not many options for food, entertainment or socialising, especially on St Kilda Road.”
“We need a café in Fawkner Park for parents who wait for their children, visitors, older residents who want to socialise and all other people!”
“There are no good options of diverse restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues on St Kilda Road. It won't attract residents and we can't compete against the businesses on Chapel Street. There's no sense of community in this precinct.”
What we’re doing
City of Melbourne strives to maintain and support a diversified economy and to attract investment from all over the globe across many industries. Our Invest Melbourne program provides support for existing and new businesses, including access to financial assistance and experienced business advisers.
Our Business Precinct Program 2021-25 provides annual financial support to help precinct trader associations deliver local activations, marketing and promotion campaigns.
October 2023
- Our small business grants program supports new businesses to get started and existing businesses to expand and grow. This year we have a special focus on supporting small businesses that enhance the city’s vitality and increase the occupancy rate of shopfronts across the municipality.
February 2023
- A new kiosk is opening in Fawkner Park Tennis Centre in February 2023. The kiosk will be located in the Tennis Centre's reception area and will be open to the general public.
We will celebrate and protect the places, people and cultures that make Melbourne a unique, vibrant and creative city with world-leading liveability.
What you told us
Many of you told us that heritage protection and retaining South Yarra’s low-rise residential areas is important to you. You love the village feel of the area and would like to see that retained while also accommodating the needs of tourists and visitors.
“Maintain its heritage and beauty whilst continuing to service the greater population as a recreation and tourist attraction.”
“Some greater consideration to development. Thoughts about residential versus commercial versus hospitality.”
What we’re doing
Our Heritage Strategy 2013 sets out our plan to protect heritage buildings, places and objects. It has been developed to ensure the city’s rich traditions and memories are celebrated and our places and objects are identified and protected.
The South Yarra Heritage Review is underway. The independent review took a holistic view of South Yarra’s buildings and streets, carefully considering Aboriginal, colonial, contemporary, community, tangible and intangible heritage values.
We’ve developed a Development Activity Model to better inform you of future buildings and construction in your area.
Following extensive review and consultation, the new Code of Practice for Building, Construction and Works came into effect from 17 March 2022. The new Code coincides with the upcoming launch of City of Melbourne Services online, which will bring digital permits to construction activities at the end of March.
October 2023
- The South Yarra Heritage Review, Amendment C426, was endorsed by Council and publicly exhibited.
As part of this, Council ran two information sessions, one online and one in-person, as well as a South Yarra heritage walking tour. We also provided information on our Participate Melbourne and responded to around 50 telephone enquiries from residents.
All of submissions received as part of exhibition are now with GML, the consultants, who will provide responses to issues raised. These responses were presented at Future Melbourne Committee in September. A panel hearing for the amendment is scheduled for early November.
Amendment C425, which provides interim heritage controls for South Yarra, was approved by the Minister, gazetted and put into the planning scheme. These controls are in place to protect South Yarra’s heritage while Amendment C426 progresses.
- Melbourne’s heritage is a rich tapestry of Aboriginal and much later colonial and contemporary stories. We are celebrating all things heritage across the city and invite you to join us. Share your stories, photos and videos celebrating #timelessmelbourne. There are plenty of ways to get involved including self-guided walking tours, learning about history of neighbourhoods and exploring the arts and heritage collection.
February 2023
- We recently completed the South Yarra Heritage Review, the first comprehensive review of heritage in this area since the 1985. The independent review looked at all places within the study area, and made recommendations for heritage protection. Amendment C425 will be applied on an interim basis to ensure these places are protected while C426 progresses. The amendment was approved by the Future Melbourne Committee at its meeting on November 8. A decision by the Minister for Planning for interim protections has not yet occurred, and exhibition for the review will take place this year.
- The Neighbourhood Portals have been updated with links to planning register entries relevant to each neighbourhood, making it easier for community members to find local planning applications. Weekly Planning Applications and Decisions Lists are now sorted by neighbourhood for ease of reference. Sign up to receive these weekly emails.
What you told us
You told us that you highly value green open spaces in South Yarra and would like them to be protected and available for use by all members of the community. We understand the importance of balancing the diverse needs of all park users.
“Fawkner Park is really important to me. I walk in the park every day with some of my neighbours to get some fresh air.”
“We need to make sure that the parks and green spaces are well protected and prioritised for future generations. There’s so much development happening all around us. It would be detrimental to lose the current green spaces.”
“I used to live in another suburb and moved here largely because of access to the parks while also being so close to the city. We need to make sure to look after the parks here.”
What we’re doing
We’ve developed an Urban Forest Strategy and we are delivering on a South Yarra Urban Forest Precinct Plan for the neighbourhood. The Plan will be renewed in the coming years with further opportunities for community engagement and input.
We continue to deliver on the Fawkner Park Master Plan and the Domain Parklands Master Plan, through which we manage and balance the parklands’ wide variety of uses by residents and visitors.
Our Open Space Strategy (2012) aims to plan Melbourne’s open space network to be within easy walking distance to the community. For South Yarra, it focuses on maintaining the quality of the existing open spaces and ensuring preservation of them.
October 2023
- We continued our tree planting program with 2554 trees planted this year. There are over 80,000 trees planted in the City of Melbourne, and our canopy cover was mapped at 25 per cent this year. We are working with Metro Tunnel to improve greening for new train stations. At the new Anzac Station Precinct 33 trees were planted..
- We held three ‘dogs in the park’ events in Princess Park, Fawkner Park and Riverside Park, chosen based on the results of an online poll, with these locations being the most favoured by participants.
- We renewed our Urban Forest Precinct Plans and engaged the community about priorities in East Melbourne, South Yarra, CBD and Carlton this year.
- We held the South Yarra workshop at St Martins Youth Arts Centre. We had 22 people signed up - nine attended and we spoke to an additional 20 people outside the venue. We’ve had more than 150 community responses from the survey.
- Royal Botanic Gardens hosted forest therapy, shinrin-yoku, Domain Discovery Shirine and garden tours, climate watch walks, secret life of birds, audio tours and free exploring activities
February 2023
- We are in the process of reconstructing Fawkner Park's Lawn 20, located in the south west end of the park. We expect to complete the works by the end of March 2023.
- We are renewing our Urban Forest Precinct Plans, starting with East Melbourne, Melbourne CBD, South Yarra and Carlton. Consultation for these neighbourhoods will begin in March. The precinct plans outline what is going to be planted where, when and why over the next ten years. We are delivering workshops in the neighbourhoods and asking community members to provide feedback to us from March to May this year. This is an exciting opportunity for local residents to have their say on the future of street trees within their neighbourhood.
What you told us
You believe that South Yarra would benefit from more spaces that contribute towards building a stronger sense of community and identity. Suggestions include community gardens and a community hub in City of Melbourne managed spaces for community members and private businesses.
“A community garden in Fawkner Park where people can spend time together. Also, a coffee shop in Fawkner Park, near the tennis courts so that people, especially our senior residents, have somewhere to meet and socialise.”
“A community hub and programs for children with disability and after school activities.”
“A ‘cosy’ café, a proper pub for the locals, a coffee cart at the Tennis Centre. Also, better use of the reserve between Domain Road and Botanical Gardens.”
What we’re doing
The South Yarra Senior Citizens Centre’s main hall is available for community use, with priority access given to groups and organisations offering services for older people and not for profit organisations.
The Tennis Centre in Fawkner Park is a City of Melbourne venue that is managed by the Victorian Tennis Academy and available for public hire and classes.
We are looking at ways to provide flexible multi-use spaces across the city for the community to access.
October 2023
- Our libraries provided a safe and welcoming space for all community members, through programs such as storytime for children, ‘Cook to Connect’ social cooking sessions, book clubs (including Chinese book club, queer book club and Womempower book club), ‘Connect Café' to provide tech help for older people, talks such as Queer History in Melbourne, and a trans and gender diverse writing group.
- Communication boards were provided at all customer service point and libraries. These boards contain symbols and pictures and are an alternative communication device for people with limited or no language. Scope Australia was engaged to update and customise the communication boards and provide training to staff in 2023–24.
- Latrobe Cottage on Dallas Brooks Drive in the Domain opens from October to April 2024 between 1pm and 4pm. Book a guided cottage tour (Sundays).
- South Yarra Senior Citizens Centre programs included meditative movement, morning teas, board games, books and biscuits, creative Wednesdays and tai chi. A new men’s club has also started monthly.
- The centre is also holding a tea and chat to hear from community about making neighbourhood centres and programs more dementia friendly on 24 October.
- Newly formed South Yarra Coffee Club are meeting every second Wednesday of the month at a different café in South Yarra with their first club meeting to be held 11 October from 2-3pm at the Fawkner Park Tennis Club kiosk.
What you told us
Many people who live and visit South Yarra enjoy spending time outdoors. You would like to see this encouraged with more public amenities to support outdoor leisure and recreational activities.
“Exercise equipment in Fawkner Park and picnic facilities are missing in South Yarra.”
“More toilets in Fawkner Park. There’s only one block of toilets here.”
“More focus on people that need to recreate outside of their homes because they live in flats or apartments.”
What we’re doing
We provide and maintain a range of street furniture and amenities to support people who live, work and play in South Yarra.
Fawkner Park’s Pasley Street North entrance and multi-purpose court underwent upgrades this year to resolve long-standing drainage issues, improve tree and landscape health, enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety and improve the amenity of the park entrance.
We are currently implementing the recommendations made in the Domain Parklands Master Plan 2019-39, including reviewing and upgrading of amenities in Alexandra Gardens.
What we’re doing next
We will explore opportunities to provide further amenities to assist workers, residents and visitors participate safely and comfortably in activities in South Yarra.
October 2023
- Fawkner Park’s Paisley Street north entrance and multi-purpose court underwent upgrades this year to resolve long-standing drainage issues, improve tree and landscape health, enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, and improve the park entrance.
- We have started a three-year project to restore the Princes Bridge. The works will be completed in three stages, with the first stage starting on the southern end of the bridge near Boathouse Drive.
What you told us
City of Melbourne shares the governing of the South Yarra neighbourhood with the City of Stonnington, with more than half of the population living in the Stonnington Council area.
We understand that many people during their daily events interact with places, facilities and services that cross the boundaries of both local government areas.
Many of you provided feedback on issues and opportunities relating to areas across both Melbourne and Stonnington council areas.
“More connection to the City of Melbourne - we are cut off from the rest of the city and feel more like Stonnington.”
“I take my dog to Fawkner Park in City of Melbourne, and I also go to the library in Prahran. It’s interesting that South Yarra is split into two councils.”
What we’re doing
City of Melbourne is a member of the M9, an alliance of the nine inner Melbourne councils that work cooperatively and collectively advocate for issues and projects of mutual interest.
City of Melbourne engages with other local councils and government agencies for various City of Melbourne based projects that require external support and collaboration.
What we’re doing next
We will explore ways to work with our neighbouring councils, particularly City of Stonnington and Port Phillip, to better service the whole of South Yarra.
October 2023
- We are collaborating with St Martins and the Heart Gardening project to rejuvenate garden beds to St Martins Place to support biodiversity.
- We collaborated to form a small but diverse new South Yarra collective and held the first meeting at the Senior Citizens Centre.
We will plan and design for the safety and wellbeing of those who live, visit, work and do business in Melbourne, regardless of their background.
What you told us
South Yarra is a popular destination and hosts major arterial roads. We heard that people are concerned about safety on the roads, footpaths and other paths in the parks.
“Reduce traffic congestion and increase road safety. Toorak Road is very congested and cyclists and e-scooters on the footpaths are dangerous to everyone.”
“Safer street crossings for example on Punt Road and Commercial Road.”
“Install signs and enforce bicycle speed limits in Fawkner Park. It's very dangerous for pedestrians, especially older people, children and dog walkers.”
What we’re doing
Our Transport Strategy 2030, delivers a protected bike lane network, safer speed limits, trials including e-scooters, and more efficient traffic signal timing. It also supports electric vehicles, bicycling encouragement programs and advocacy and implementation with the Victorian Government.
City of Melbourne hosts and is involved in the Hooning Community Reference Group, facilitated by the Department of Transport. Community members have been invited to participate to provide local perspective and feedback on hooning related issues.
The Transport Engineering Team will be undertaking a Pedestrian Safety Review study in South Yarra in 2022/23, to identify a range of pedestrian and road safety improvements in South Yarra. The study will include consultation with the community.
October 2023
- We are finalising projects as part of South Yarra Pedestrian and Road Safety Review. Works are scheduled to install a raised wombat pedestrian crossing in Dorcas Street at Kings Way.
- We launched Biketober 2023, a bike encouragement program, in collaboration with RACV, Banyule, Glen Eira, Bendigo and Ballarat. Biketober will run through October and is open to businesses and community members for free.
- We are working through the M9 Active Transport Behaviour Change Working Group, made up of other inner-Melbourne councils, to support collaboration on sustainable transport behaviour change initiatives. This work has seen Open Streets and e-Bike subsidy schemes expand across multiple areas.
- We supported neighbourhoods by presenting at resident association meetings in Southbank, East Melbourne and CBD.
February 2023
- We’re undertaking a pedestrian safety improvement study for South Yarra. The study has developed a number of proposed traffic calming projects which will go out for community consultation shortly. The findings of the study will be implemented over the next five years.
What you told us
You told us there are some parts of South Yarra where you don’t feel safe, and that the area would benefit from initiatives to increase safety and security. You are particularly concerned about anti-social behaviours and poor lighting in some areas.
“Our shop has been burgled twice in the last two years. There needs to be more safety measures in the neighbourhood.”
“We’ve had people wander into our shop and threaten us. I worry about when my wife is here without me.”
“I don’t feel safe walking late at night. There are often people who seem to be on drugs. There needs to be better lighting in the parks.”
What we’re doing
We are working with Victoria Police and other agencies to deliver initiatives that improve safety on the streets of Melbourne and within our communities.
We participate in the Neighbourhood Policing Initiative’s Local Safety Committee meetings, chaired by Victoria Police, to understand the community’s safety and security concerns and to collaborate with stakeholders in addressing issues.
The City of Melbourne Lighting Strategy 2021 aims to responsibly manage the environmental and social impacts of night-time lighting while promoting improvements to safety and amenity, especially for pedestrians. All streetlights in South Yarra have been upgraded in the last few years.
What we’re doing next
We do not have further plans to improve public lighting, however, we will investigate requests from the public and take the appropriate actions.
October 2023
- We worked with members of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation Local Drug Action Team to develop a drug safety flyer. Consultation has been carried out with members of the Melbourne Alcohol and other Drug (AOD) Services Network as well as residents and small business owners in Carlton, East Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.
February 2023
- We are working with members of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation - Local Drug Action Team to develop a Drug Safety in the City of Melbourne flyer. Consultation has been undertaken with broader members of the Melbourne Alcohol and other Drug (AOD) Services Network as well as residents and small business owners in Carlton, East Melbourne, South Yarra and the Melbourne CBD. The flyer is currently in final production and will be distributed to residents and small business owners.
What you told us
You told us that you appreciate South Yarra’s vibrancy and its attraction to many visitors. However, you would like to see more initiatives that are community-focussed, making sure that the area maintains a high level of liveability.
“Make it quieter. There are lots of very noisy events, cars and motorbikes at all hours.”
“It’s great that people come here to enjoy outdoor music and film events but sometimes it’s excessively noisy for the residents, all through summer.”
What we’re doing
Various noise related issues, including noise from festivals, events, entertainment and sporting venues, can be reported through our noise reporting tool.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) offers a 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842 where you can report noise from entertainment venues and events or any other music noise.
October 2023
- We have started quarterly meetings with the Melbourne South Yarra Residents Group to discuss issues relating to planned disruptions and impacts from large events that occur in the neighbourhood. Various noise related issues, including from festivals, events, entertainment and sporting venues, can be reported through our noise reporting tool. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) offers a 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842 where you can report noise.
February 2023
- We have commenced quarterly meetings with the Melbourne South Yarra Residents Group to discuss and address issues relating to planned disruptions and impacts from large events that occur in the South Yarra neighbourhood.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.
We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.
