Council election candidates in MONTAGUE WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

PETER MARTIN ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Labor. Peter is an incumbent Councillor, and has steadfastly supported active transport in his time on Council. He supports all the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Strategy. For specific improvements needed in the Montague Ward, he says “Williamstown Rd is a major barrier to pedestians and cyclists. There is an urgent need for improved crossings particularly for students attending Port Melbourne Secondary College and the proposed new primary school and sports participants at Murphy Reserve.”

More information: socials @Peter4Montague

ALEX MAKIN ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent. Alex is a strong supporter of active transport, and supports all the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Plan. He also has a long history of involvement in the Public Transport Users Association. He is also a former Councillor and Mayor at the City of Maroondah, where he worked on several transport projects. Since moving to Port Phillip in 2013 he has been advocating for public transport improvements, including frequency upgrades for bus route 235 and 606 which service Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend.

For specific improvements needed in the Montague Ward, he says “Fishermans Bend will only reach its full potential with a strong focus on sustainable transport infrastructure, such as expanded cycling networks and public transport…. Additionally, we must implement bus priority measures to prevent buses from being caught in traffic, and improve tram priority in Southbank (near Clarendon Street Junction) to ensure public transport remains a competitive and reliable travel option.”

More information.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in ELWOOD WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

LILIANA CARRANZA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Liliana supports the implementation of the active tranport elements of the Integrated Transport Strategy. In response to our question about how to get from Tennyson St shops to the beach using active transport with a 10 year old, Liliana has some good ideas about how to improve the route for walkers: We'd follow the canal down across glenhuntly road to wave st/ beach ave. At glen huntly road we would think how it might be very useful and safe to put a crossing where it crosses the canal and everyone jaywalks anyway because they want to continue following the path of the canal.” More information

JANET DE SILVA ⭐⭐⭐⭐

People Empowering Port Phillip (PEPP). Janet support the items that improve active transport from the Integrated Transport Strategy. For specific improvements to transport in the Elwood ward, she notes: [The Elwood canal] bike path lacks proper signage - many walkers are unaware that they are on a shared bike path, which can lead to safety issues. Appropriate signage would help both cyclists and walkers safely share the canal trail. “ She also says: “We need a clear bike path - shared or otherwise - through Elwood. Considering that most rides are reasonably narrow, it's important to use the wider streets, including Tennyson st, St Kilda St, Broadway and Mitford.” Janet hasn’t shared any personal advocacy history. More information.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in SOUTH MELBOURNE WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

EARL JAMES ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Earl supports the implementation of the active tranport elements of the Integrated Transport Strategy. Earl has “always participated in and supported ride to school day as a teacher and father”. More information

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in LAKESIDE WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

IVY pierlot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Ivy supports the implementation of the active tranport elements of the Integrated Transport Strategy. She has also supported students who ride to school: “I repeatedly spoke to my high school about adding bike storage in campus because it LACKED while my primary school was very effective at promoting bikes with significant bike sheds. ”. More information

LEVI SILCOX ⭐⭐⭐

People Empowering Port Phillip. Levi supports the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Strategy in general, but makes very few commitments to specific projects, saying that he would review them based on their merits. A cautious approach that gives little information about his priorities. https://www.pepp.org.au/

BARNEY MOORE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Labor. Barney supports the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Strategy. He also supports the construction of bike lanes on St Kilda Rd south of the junction—- a key issue for Lakeside Ward. He has advocated for improving the St Kilda Junction tram stop. Barney says “As a Lakeside Ward resident who walks and takes the tram daily, I understand the need for improved active transport options. This begins with upgraded footpaths, safer tram stations, and dedicated bike lanes that prioritise people’s safety.” More info.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council elections: vote for sustainable, active transport

The integrated transport strategy 2018-2028 is a well-thought out document, emphasising social inclusion, and preparing for demographic growth and climate change.

It details policies to shift towards a city where residents have multiple options for travel, including walking, public transport, cycling, and driving.

Implementation of the strategy has stalled, with no progress indicators published. Of the proposed 11 bike corridors, only 1 has been completed. (State Government has partially completed Moray St and St Kilda Rd.)

In the past term of Council, we’ve seen divisive and misinformed campaigns against much needed infrastructure.

The facts are:

• Protected and connected bike lanes work: since construction, the St Kilda Rd bike lanes have increased ridership by over 200%

• 70% of the residents of Port Phillip would like to ride more, but are prevented from doing so because they don’t want to mix with heavy traffic (Monash University study, 2023)

• The bicycle lane network was the most popular part of the Integrated Transport Plan (consultation outcomes 2018)

• In the consultation on the Inkerman protected bike lane, the fully protected lane was the most popular, despite the concerted campaign against it

• The lack of protected lanes especially affects women and other vulnerable groups: when safety increases, the proportion of women cycling increases.

Opportunities for the new council:

• Implement the Integrated Transport Strategy

• Improve walking by infrastructure such as new crossings and wider footpaths

• Improve walking by trialling 30km/hr zones in busy areas

• Continue the e-scooter scheme but get scooters off the footpath, by providing parking corrals in busy areas, and by providing protected lanes to ride in

• Improve public transport by supporting super-stops (level floor access to trams), essential for older people, and people with prams or other wheels

• Increase cycle trips by prioritising the building of the protected lane network, particularly Kerferd Rd– Albert Rd corridor; Inkerman St; St Kilda Rd south of the junction; and Park St.

• Work with State Government, not against it, to fund and build planned infrastructure

Print-ready pdf version of this post.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in ALBERT PARK WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

RHONDA SMALL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent. Rhonda is running on a platform of community services, addressing the climate crises, and fairer decision making. She is a strong advocate for active transport, including speaking up as a member of the public at Council meetings. In her own ward, Rhonda says that a protected bike lane on Kerferd Rd would make for a safer, more relaxing ride. In her own words “If I am elected to Council, I will advocate for stronger community education and engagement by Council to respond to community concerns and better promote active transport options - walking, cycling and public transport - as of benefit to us all.” More information

CONNOR SLATTERY ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Connor supports almost all of our active transport items, though not improved measures to help keep footpaths free of scooters. He nominates bike lanes on Kerferd Rd as a clear opportunity for improving active transport in the Ward. In his own words, “I was a long time commuter from St Kilda West to Clayton, so I have a good appreciation of the uphill (pardon the pun) battle that daily riders face, and have also been the beneficiary of the benefits. Lowering the barriers to entry and increasing safety are key to encouraging a behaviour that has great upside for the individual, the community, and the environment, and I am fully committed to supporting it in any capacity I can.” MORE INFO.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in ST KILDA WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

TIM BAXTER ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tim is a current Greens councillor, in the Canal Ward. As a Councillor, he was a key force behind our excellent Integrated Transport Strategy 2018—2028, and since then has worked on its implementation. He’s identified co-operation with the State Government as important for getting better walking and cycling infrastructure. In his own words:

“The current Council is the most anti-bike Council in Port Phillip's history, and we need to elect Councillors who will be brave and work with our communities to achieve solutions to the transport problems facing our streets, rather than pit drivers against other road users, like the conservatives have done. I have a solid track record of defending active transport, and I hope to continue to do so.” MORE INFO.

ROBBIE NYAGUY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Labor. Robbie is currently a councillor. In this role he’s been an uncompromising support of active and sustainable transport. He supports the actions in the Integrated Transport Strategy but would not be open to re-opening the decision to implement the Inkerman St bike lane as a paint-only lane. He notes that in St Kilda Ward, bike lanes and pedestrian connections are messy. More information: Facebook (/robbie.nyaguy) and Instagram (@robbie.nyaguy).

JENNI ROPER ⭐⭐

Independent. Jenni is unsure about whether she supports the actions in the Integrated Transport Strategy to improve public transport. She supports the actions in the ITS to improve walking, though she doesn’t support introducing 30km/hr zones in areas of high pedestrian activity. She is not sure whether she supports building protected bike lanes in general; she specifically does not support protected bike lanes on the Kerferd Rd-Albert Rd corridor. She does support continuing the e-scooter scheme in Port Phillip. For improvements in the St Kilda Ward, she says “the bike lane on Fitzroy Street is dangerous for cars, bikes and pedestrians and needs to be reviewed”. She has “championed community safety improvements, such as the installation of lighting in the Canterbury Road underpass, making cycling and walking safer” and has also advocated for renewal of tactile paving, making walking more accessible.

SERGE THOMANN ⭐⭐⭐⭐

PEPP (People Empowering Port Phillip). Serge supports most of the active transport items in our survey, and the actions in the Integrated Transport Strategy— which he also supported during his previous stint in Council. He says: “I would champion the bridge at the Marina Reserve that would provide an important link in the Bayside trail.” More info.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in PORT MELBOURNE WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

RICHARD WHITFIELD ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Richard is a member of the Older Persons Advisory Committee, and in that capacity has co-authored a report supporting the more extensive use of eScooters. He’s identified the lack of a protected bike between Port Melbourne Primary School and the Sandridge trail as an opportunity to improve mobility in Port Melbourne Ward. He says “I strongly believe that we need a much more extensive and inter-connected network of protected cycling paths throughout the municipality. I would be happy for see much more spending in this area, including much more conversion of on-street parking areas to green pedestrian and cycling pathways.” MORE INFO

DAVID WRIGHT ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Labor. David generally supports the items to improve active transport that are planned in the Integrated Transport Strategy. He has not shared any personal history of advocacy for active, sustainable transport.

More info: Facebook David4portmelbourne

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in BALACLAVA WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

ALEX DARTON ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent. Alex is a strong supporter of sustainable transport, and is personally an avid walker. He has spoken at Council in favour of protected bicycle lanes. How would he improve walking in Balaclava Ward? “Decrease the speed limit to 30km for vehicles on all municipal roads. Increase canopy coverage for shade in laneways en route via constructing archways overhead with deciduous vines grown up passive watered by aligned households grey water discharge. Increase planting of first succession nitrogen fixing native wattles in all remaining plots. And hold hands”. MORE INFO

RACHEL IAMPOLSKI ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rachel supports all the active transport actions in the Integrated Transport Strategy, and notes that for some of these, implementation is in the hands of State Government—- but strong advocacy from Council is still important. In her response to improving a route in her ward, Rachel focuses on how greening measures can improve walking “There are opportunities to boost tree canopy [..] to help make the walking experience more comfortable, and reduce the urban heat island effect.” She also notes how urban design can contribute to people (particularly women) feeling safer when walking.

MORE INFO. Facebook and Instagram @racheliampolskigreens

MICHELLE DI DONNA ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent/PEPP. Michelle supports most of the active transport items in the Integrated Transport Strategy, though she thinks Inkerman St is “too narrow for bike lanes”. She supports widening footpaths and making walking more attractive. Michelle says “To be honest. As a newcomer to Council candidacy, I have not yet made a contribution to date, but now that I am aware of the Active Transport campaign, I think it is an excellent proposal. I would be willing to support any safe proposal”. A great open-minded approach! More info.

Council election index here. All council election blog posts.     

Responsibility for election comment is taken by J. Clutterbuck, Elwood.  Postal address c/o P.O. Box 4223 Richmond 3121

Council election candidates in ALMA WARD

Candidates are rated on their record and their survey response. All the survey responses are HERE. Candidates are invited to fill out the survey here.

justin Halliday ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Independent candidate. Justin has been a key part of the campaign for greening Inkerman St through increased vegetation, more pedestrian crossings, and a protected bike lane. Justin designed and advocated for the Green Link project, a walking and biodiversity route along the Sandringham rail corridor from the Yarra River to Gardenvale; has successfully secured initial funding in Port Phillip and Stonnington, and work is underway in Glen Eira. The Green Link includes some cycling aspects, where there is the opportunity for co-located on-road cycling routes (not mixing cycling and walking). He’d like to see better pedestrian crossings on Alma Rd, to improve walking. MORE INFO.

DICK GROSS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dick Gross is a former mayor and councillor, and is often seen riding around town. As a councillor, Dick was mostly supportive of active transport, and was on Council when the excellent Integrated Transport Strategy was adopted. His key issue for this election is the poor transport planning around Fishermans Bend. “CoPP has been far too weak in advocacy. The failure of the State government to build the promised tram routes in Fishermans Bend has undermined what should be a huge housing opportunity.” He would like you to know: “I am the most prominent bike rider (apart from Janet Bolitho) that has served on Council. I ride everywhere and everyone knows that.” More info.

jOSIE FOSTER ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Greens. Josie supports the active transport items from the Integrated Transport Strategy, though with respect to Inkerman St she notes that it’s important that a protected bike lane suits the needs of the community. She says: “I am a bike rider myself so I have an understanding of how much needs to be improved to make the roads safer for everyone.” More info

Port Phillip Council 2020-2024: Sustainable transport

‘Roads, rates & rubbish’ supposedly form a Council's core responsibilities. We focus here on the first: roads, and in particular Council’s record on sustainable transport.

Council began their term with an excellent transport policy, Move Live Connect: Integrated Transport Strategy 201-2028. This policy prioritised creating 10-minute walkable neighbourhoods; safe, connected and convenient active transport options; a focus on the transport needs of vulnerable residents; and boosting bike riding.

However very little progress on these aims have been achieved, with Councillors voting against key projects when the decisions are made. For example, the State Government proposed to fund the Shrine to Sea project, which Council policy described as one of the highest priority corridors for delivering protected bike lanes. The councillors voted against supporting this project.

Moreover, the ITS included some concrete progress indicators, such as number of daily walking trips. As of writing (11/8/24) the Council appears to have never published any of these indicators.

To give credit where it is due: this is a split council. Several councillors have worked consistently towards the goals of the transport policy. Some councillors are unable to move beyond the fantasy of everyone having copious on-street parking available at all times, and care nothing for those who do not drive, or who are seeking access to other options. And others are happy to talk the talk on sustainable transport, but consistently vote with those in the previous group.

We will discuss individual councillors in a separate post.

Sustainable transport goals* (from the Move Live Connect strategy)

Outcome 2:

Number of daily walking trips (measured by Vista): Goal 163k. NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

Number of daily bike riding trips (measured by Vista): Goal 35k. NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

Number of ‘Healthy Tracks to School’ - infrastructure improvements for safer walking routes to schools completed : NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

Number of bike corridors completed (of 11): Goal 7. Actual: 1 (Garden City Route). State Government has partially completed Moray St and St Kilda Rd. NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

Outcome 3:

Number of public transport trips (measured by Vista): NO PROGRESS INDICATOR PUBLISHED.

There are many opportunities here to address climate change, give people more inclusive transport options, reduce congestion, improve air quality, and green our streets. Let’s hope the next council can get to work on this!

*The goals here are interpolated from the 2028 goals.

Councillor report card: who supports residents when we're cycling?

Here we assess the legacy of the councillors on Port Phillip Council 2020-24.

Council’s strategy for improving transport options is the Move, Connect, Live , Integrated Transport Strategy 2018-28. As we’ll see below, many councillors have blocked implementation as each project is under consideration.

The key action from the policy is to create a network of protected bike lanes. Protected bike lanes are the most effective way to enable people to ride; about 70% of Port Phillip residents are interested in riding more, but are prevented from doing so because they don’t want to ride with heavy traffic.

The policy proposed that 11 protected bike lanes be built by 2028, with a further 2 afterwards. Another 2 were planned to be delivered by State Government. In 2024, only some have been considered by council and even fewer have been built. Specific issues affecting people on bikes are briefly described below.

Garden city off road connection: completed 21/22. A decision from the previous Council.

Park St link: Design for on-road protected bike lane between St Kilda Rd and Kings Way down-graded to a partially on-footpath design, to be completed by 2025.

Albert Rd to Kerferd Rd: planned to be delivered by State Government as part of the Shrine to Sea project. Council voted against the protected bike lane that was part of this project.

Inkerman St: Council voted against installing protected bike lanes in May 2024.

Pop-up bike infrastructure project: In 2022, VicRoads implemented a trial of pop-up bike and walking infrastructure. In December 2022, councillors demanded that the changes be removed. The trial was wastefully reversed before the data was analysed— despite user feedback indicating that some of the changes increased perception of safety, and high level reports that it reduced rat-running and increased ridership by 48%.

Councillor report card

TIM BAXTER: A stalwart supporter of active and sustainable transport. Greens. ☆☆☆☆☆

ANDREW BOND: Councillor Bond has proclaimed he’s “proudly part of the most anti-bike Council ever” and he generally votes this way too. Liberal. ☆

RHONDA CLARKE: Consistently votes against any initiatives that would promote cycling. Quote: “you can’t ride a bike with shopping, or to pick up kids, or if you’re elderly or disabled”. RoPP party. ☆

LOUISE CRAWFORD: Councillor Crawford has made cogent arguments in Council in favour of a systematic treatment of traffic issues, and has also been open to consulting with the community and coming to see conditions on the street. However her record in Council is patchy; she ensured Council avoided a discussion of the much-needed protected bike lane on Inkerman St; and also voted to remove the pop-up trial before data was analysed. Was not present for the Kerferd Rd vote. Understands the issues but will not take any bold moves to support people in her community to stay safe while riding. Labor. ☆☆☆

HEATHER CUNSOLO: Councillor Cunsolo is personally a confident and active cyclist, and has been open to consulting with the community about transport safety. This has not translated into any concrete action to keep people on bike safe, indeed during the Council discussion on Kerferd Rd she actively misled the community about the proposed designs (she stated that the surface would be inclined, which would be difficult for disabled people using trikes to use; this was not what was shown in the plans). A cyclist who consistently votes with the anti-cyclist lobby. Independent. ☆☆

PETER MARTIN: Like Cr Cunsolo, Cr Martin is personally an avid cyclist, but the difference is that Cr Martin acts to enable others to cycle safely. Genuinely works towards finding a positive outcome. Labor. ☆☆☆☆☆

ROBBIE NYAGUY: Since joining the council halfway throught he term to fill a vacancy, Cr Nyaguy has spoken passionately in favour of active transport and improving conditions for people on bikes. An uncompromising supporter. Labor. ☆☆☆☆☆

MARCUS PEARL: Consistently votes against any initiatives that would promote cycling. Liberal. ☆

CHRISTINA SIRAKOFF: Consistently votes against any initiatives that would promote cycling. RoPP party. ☆