Stonnington is advocating for policies and funding that help ensure safety and community participation.
Our vision
Stonnington Tomorrow is our Council Plan for 2025 to 2029. It outlines our vision of being a community where you are safe and able to fully participate in community life.
Safety is a critical issue. Rising concerns about crime and family violence need coordinated, place-based responses. We also support community safety in homes, neighbourhoods and public spaces.
The need for partnership
Community safety is a shared responsibility. Government, business, agencies, residents and community service organisations all have a role to play. Council is increasingly funding services which have been the remit of the State Government. We need support to hand funding back to the appropriate level of government, and policy change to help keep our municipality safe.
Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure strategy
This advocacy priority aligns with the following recommendations in Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure strategy 2025-2055:
- Recommendation 6 – Make government infrastructure more accessible
- Recommendation 18 – Invest in maintenance, upgrades and expansions of community health facilities
- Recommendation 19 – Build more residential alcohol and other drug treatment facilities
Policy asks
Action on illicit tobacco
We call for the following action on illicit tobacco:
- Increase inspector numbers to improve monitoring and enforcement of the tobacco licensing scheme.
- Expand the tobacco licensing scheme to include e-cigarettes, other tobacco and vaping products to help combat illegal sales.
- Introduce laws allowing Tobacco Licensing Victoria to shut down stores caught selling illegal tobacco products.
More staff for Prahran and Malvern police stations
An increased police presence for Prahran and Malvern police station will improve perceived and actual safety in Stonnington. Malvern Police Station is currently only open 3 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm.
Funding for community outreach programs
A proactive, evidence-based approach to community outreach leads to lower crime and stronger perceptions of safety.
Funding for these programs will support our most vulnerable communities and enhance Council outreach:
- 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence
- Advance to Zero homelessness by-name list
- Salvation Army Street Team
- Launch Housing
- UnitingCare
- Hartley’s Café
- Stonnington Community Assist
- Better Health Network.
Improving mental health services for vulnerable populations with complex needs will improve safety and support long-term health outcomes.
Public intoxication decriminalisation inquiry
We call for an inquiry into the effectiveness of decriminalising public intoxication on public safety and amenity.
Ongoing support and funding for the Hub
Council primarily funds services at the Hub at the Horace Petty Housing Estate, with State and Federal funding stopping or reducing since 2009. Ongoing financial support for the Hub will help ensure we don't withdraw services because of our financial challenges.
Programs include:
- drop-in sessions
- homework club
- sports and recreation
- school holiday programs
- theatre
- community events.
Programs and activities are reviewed each term and adapted to suit changing community needs.
Improved onsite management of public housing
We ask the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing for an onsite presence at its public housing sites in Clara Street, South Yarra and Denbigh Road, Armadale (similar to Bangs Street, Prahran).
This would:
- give tenants access to housing, maintenance and social support
- provide real-time property monitoring of the property
- safeguard neighbourhood amenity and give tenants the best opportunity to thrive.
Provision of affordable housing
Amendments to the Planning and Environment Act should enable a mandatory supply mechanism. Therefore, State Government should set a target for social and affordable housing.
The State Government Activity Centres Program focuses on housing close to transport, jobs and services. However, reforms should also include stronger requirements for housing type diversity.
Key projects
Council has a number of projects ready for delivery if we secure funding from external partners.
| Project |
Funding |
About the project |
| CCTV expansion |
$20,000 per camera
$140,000 per trailer
|
Installing new CCTV cameras and trailers to expand on previous Council investment to upgrade CCTV in Stonnington. |
| Lighting uplifts |
TBC |
We seek funding of varying quantums to support public lighting uplifts across Stonnington, to promote safety. |
| Outreach services |
$200,000 per year |
Funding to Salvation Army for assistive daytime outreach services and outreach to vulnerable community members in the Chapel St precinct.
This follows our successful trial in 2025 and 2026 to:
- engage with and support vulnerable individuals
- provide a visible presence and coordinated response to enhance safety perceptions in the precinct.
|
More information
For more information, please visit our Advocacy page.