Port Phillip

Port Phillip

A lot of people walk for pleasure and transport in Port Phillip. The flat terrain and proximity to seashore and green spaces attract walkers and foot traffic. City of Port Phillip is committed to on-going programs and projects making it easier to choose to walk.

Improving walkability in Albert Park - before and after.

Wide streets built before the car dominated can be intimidating barriers for walking. In Albert Park, Victoria Ave at Moubray Street entrance has been narrowed to slow vehicles. The footpath now maintains its level across the street entrance to provide smooth, comfortable passage for foot traffic. Garden beds enhance the surrounding area. Walking is given priority at this site.

Small Poppy Neighbourhood Grants

Have you a got a good idea to make your streets and neighbourhood more fun and friendly?  Dreaming of setting up a local knitting group, community garden, tool library, neighbourhood film group, tree planting or other great ideas?   

The Small Poppy Neighbourhood Grant was established by Council to support the 2007 - 2017 Community Plan.  The grant helps local people have a positive impact on the look and feel of their neighbourhoods. It works by providing a 'matching grant' to support their efforts.  Funding of up to $2000 is available to a group of locals to help make their ideas come alive! Here are some great examples of projects that have been funded recently:

Ping pong in the park

A group of local residents made up of technicians and artists designed and built a beautiful outdoor ping pong table made out of concrete, metal and plywood timber in Jacoby Reserve in West St Kilda. The idea was inspired by the outdoor tables located in small neighbourhood parks in Europe and America. Bats and balls are available for loan at the Cowderoy Dairy Cafe.

Rocklea Gardens

Large apartment blocks are a neighbourhood in themselves.  Residents in one such block in East St Kilda got together to design and build an edible sustainable garden with help from Permablitz.  A highly organised and dedicated group they have also produce a newsletter for residents to keep them up to date including tips on composting and distribution of produce. Over 45 people contributed to the working bee that resulted in a beautiful communal space for all residents to work, gather or just hang out in.

For more information email smallpoppy@portphillip.vic.gov.au or contact the Community Governance team on 03 9209 6521.

Public art projects

Public art on the St Kilda Road underpass and Pakko Lane.

High quality pedestrian access is a vital element in creating vibrant and sustainable communities. Streets dominated by cars can be unfriendly, unsafe environments and get in the way of creating a living city with a community atmosphere. When access for pedestrians and cyclists is made the priority a street can become a useable open space allowing a community to see, talk and interact with each other. Streets are for living, not just driving.

Concern about the unfriendly unsafe environment led to the street art project at the underpass. New lighting signage and of course great art has achieved a highly visible safe access under St Kilda Road Junction to residential, transport and services.

A new project is developing in St Kilda involves high quality street art with new lighting and pathway refurbishment in a much loved laneway which connects residential streets to transport and shops. Pakko Lane will enable more local access as well as complete a missing Walk link north and south through St Kilda’. 

Other ways of encouraging walking

The council has a Walking Strategy (Walk Plan 2005 – 2010) to encourage residents to walk and use public transport rather than drive, and to learn about the great places and people in their neighbourhoods.

 The City of Port Phillip supports walking in many other ways:

• Guided Neighbourhood Walks Program which is a free program of walks that explores the heritage treasures of the seven neighbourhood precincts of Port Phillip. 
• Self guided walks in Port Phillip.
• Walking Groups.