We explain some of the highlights from the meeting below.

Council endorsed a submission to the Minister of Planning on the permit application for 10-16 Selwyn Street, Elsternwick 

Council refused a planning permit application for a multi-level, mixed-use redevelopment of the land at 10-16 Selwyn Street Elsternwick at its meeting on 5 February 2019. After the applicant changed their proposal, VCAT approved the application with conditions. 

However, on 10 December 2024, the applicant submitted a new permit application to the Minister under Clause 53.23 (Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing) of the Glen Eira Planning Scheme. This clause allows for development applications that include affordable housing to be made to the Minister.  

To qualify the applicant must demonstrate: 

• the total development cost is at least $50 million  

• at least 10 per cent of the homes are affordable housing  

• written advice from the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Victoria confirming the proposal is financially feasible. 

This week, Council has decided to write to the Minister with Council’s concerns and recommendations should the Minister issue approval. We requested that the application be referred to Standing Advisory Committee before a decision is made, which would allow objectors to be involved in the process along with Council and improve transparency. 

To read more about Council’s letter to the Minister and view Council’s submission, read the minutes from the Council meeting.

Council updated community grants and awards decision-making  

Council is committed to funding not-for-profit organisations for projects and activities that strengthen community connections. After the 2024 Council election, grant decision-making was reviewed based on recommendations from the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) report, Fraud Control Over Local Government Grants. 

While there have been no reports of non-compliance in Glen Eira’s current processes, one area was identified for improvement by VAGO which recommended that Victorian Councils exclude councillors from assessing and making recommendations on grant applications. 

Previously, the Community Grants and Awards Advisory Committee made recommendations on grants to the Council. To align with VAGO’s recommendations, Council has delegated a Council Director to approve all Community Grants and Awards. 

Council endorsed a motion to be submitted to the Municipal Association of Victoria 

The MAV works with Council’s across Victoria to help advocate to the Victorian Government for change. Glen Eira’s motion for the next State Council meeting calls on the MAV to support councils in improving community safety across Victoria. 

The motion seeks funding and resources to help councils improve safety and increase investment in statewide programs that address the safety concerns of diverse and vulnerable community groups, including women, youth, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. 

Immediate actions, such as using mobile CCTV trailers and working with the community on safety planning, can provide tangible benefits. Long-term initiatives, such as participating in Welcoming Cities or implementing tools like YourGround, will create sustainable, inclusive communities. 

By working with councils across the state and nation, Council aims to strengthen advocacy efforts and influence Victorian Government policy. 

Council notes the final 2024 Quarterly Service Performance Report 

This Quarterly Service Performance Report provides Glen Eira residents with information about Council’s performance from 1 October to 31 December 2024. 

The report outlines progress made on significant projects such as: 

• Completion of the Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool redevelopment 

• Completion of the Queens Avenue Cycling Path in Caulfield East. 

• Promoting climate change action through a range of events and activities such as the Going Circular training course for Glen Eira businesses and hosting the Sustainable Gardening workshops 

• Celebrating the Diwali Festival of Lights in October 
• Safeguarding the delivery of Council led in-home support services for some of our most vulnerable community members by entering into a partnership with Bayside City Council 

Read the full report to follow how we are tracking against our key priorities and planned actions. 

For more information and all the reports from the meeting, visit our Council meeting page.