Port Phillip Council is planning for a safe and enjoyable Australia Day weekend for the thousands of residents and visitors who flock to the City’s scenic parks and beaches this time of year.
Mayor Dick Gross said Port Phillip’s foreshore was a great free and fun option to enjoy on the public holiday weekend.
“We are noticing more families returning to the St Kilda foreshore since the total alcohol ban started there last December. And, of course, there are many other beautiful beaches along our 11 km foreshore and fantastic public spaces including St Kilda Botanical Gardens which are perfect for an Australia Day picnic,” Cr Gross said.
Council is providing a record number of bins and beach cleans over the busy Australia Day period and local laws officers will be working closely with police, including accompanying them on patrols.
Cr Gross said crowds behaved well over the Christmas and New Year period which meant, unlike 2017, massive one-off litter clean-ups were not urgently required.
“We are urging everyone to keep playing their part by observing alcohol and glass bans and binning their litter so we can all enjoy a fantastic Australia Day break,” he said.
“St Kilda has, and always will be known, as a place which welcomes and values diversity and inclusion. Everyone is welcome here as long as they respect others – and our local laws.
“As we know, there have been recent examples of hate expressed against particular races and groups and this is against everything we stand for as a City.
“Port Phillip welcomes everyone and I am looking forward to conferring citizenship on 100 conferees from 31 different countries at a ceremony at the St Kilda Town Hall on Australia Day.”
Background
Alcohol is banned in all public places in Port Phillip from 8 pm 25 January to 12 midday 27 January. The separate St Kilda foreshore alcohol ban applies until 31 March.
Glass is banned on all beaches, foreshore reserves and parks throughout the year.
The St Kilda Botanical Gardens close at 8.30 pm. DJs or loud amplified music are not allowed.
