The Triangle is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to issues of transparent and responsible governance, balancing interests of residents, business and visitors, managing public assets for public good.

On this page we list other issues strongly contested in the City of Port Phillip.

'Village green' targeted for concrete plaza and Skatepark
Group: Save Our Park, 0418 534 898, media10@pacific.net.au

Against the wishes of the community* Council has carved a large area of public open parkland at corner of Fitzroy Street and Lakeside Drive for a 728 sq m Skatepark and accompanying concreted Urban Plaza, replete with syringe disposal bins.

*The Council's plans are already opposed by the St Kilda Park Primary School, the St Kilda Sports Club, Parks Community Association, EarthCare St Kilda, Port Phillip EcoCentre, Cricket Victoria, Fitzroy Street Traders Association, the Australian Institute of Management and many other local businesses and residents.

Consider the process: Is this good governance? In the Skatepark planning process, Council has:

• Ignored the St Kilda Foreshore Urban Design Framework, which proposed a foreshore site for the Skatepark, with a backdrop to Luna Park
• Threatened a precious area of green, open parkland, until now reserved for passive recreation in what is Melbourne's most densely populated suburb.
• Interfered with the designated St Kilda Aboriginal Heritage Trail, and the Native Grasses planting leading to the Corroboree Tree.
• Trashed State guidelines that recommend skateparks should be located a minimum of 100 metres away from the nearest residence, preferably 200 metres, The site is only 50 metres from residences.
• Ignored independent research that schools and skateparks do not make good neighbours, jeopardising the safe and nurturing environment St Kilda Primary seeks to provide for its students. The site is 130 metres from the school, and next to the oval where the primary school children play.
• Paid mere lip service to community consultation, while actively contriving to deny the community a voice in the planning decision.
• Refused to release the details of community response to the on-site consultation day.
• Appointed an 'independent Chair' of the Skatepark Reference Group, whose single vote was able to override the majority view.
• Claimed rights as public land manager for the site, yet refused to publicly release the terms of the lease, and restricted grounds for objection to heritage issues only.

Save Our Park mounted and won a legal challenge to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court found that Council acted inappropriately: New VCAT hearing set for 10 November.

Supreme Court has forced Council to a new VCAT hearing where the whole range of objections would be canvassed and considered against Council's agenda.

If you would like to voice your views you must register your objection with VCAT by 23 July.

• Download further details and grounds for objection
  
  
• Download pro-forma objection ready to send