Petition to Object to the Establishment of a fully licensed 200-person capacity, sex on premises venue at 427 City Road, South Melbourne.

We, the undersigned, are strongly opposed to the recent approval by the City of Port Phillip Council for the establishment of a licensed 200-person sex on premises venue at 427 City Road, South Melbourne. This location is entirely inappropriate for such a venue, given its proximity to residential areas, schools, and family-oriented businesses. Despite numerous objections from local residents and business owners, the Council has granted a permit that disregards the character and values of our neighbourhood and what the area should try to aspire to in the future.

We are appealing Council’s decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for the following reasons:

• Incompatibility with the Area: A sex on premises venue is fundamentally incompatible with the residential and family-friendly nature of the neighbourhood (that includes schools, shops and parks) and the future direction of the Montague and South Melbourne precincts.
• Parking Issues: The Council's decision to grant a permit where the applicant is not able to provide any on site car parking for a 200-person capacity venue is grossly inadequate. Furthermore, for Council to set aside two on-street car spaces directly out the front of the venue for the operator’s convenience is unfair and disadvantages existing small businesses in the area.
• Lack of Waste Management Plan: The approved application lacks a comprehensive and resolved Waste Management Plan, posing potential health and environmental risks.
• Excessive 200 Patron Capacity: The Council has ignored the Traffic Department’s recommendation to limit patron numbers to 150, which could lead to overcrowding and increased traffic congestion.
• Safety and Amenity Concerns: The operation of this venue threatens to disrupt the local business environment, reduce public amenity, and create safety concerns for residents and businesses during the day and night.
• Failure to Consider Community Objections: The Council has overlooked the significant number of objections from local residents and business owners, undermining the community’s trust and ability to have a real say in the outcome of planning decisions that will have a significant impact on the future of the area.

By signing this petition, you join us in demanding a responsible and community-focused approach to statutory and strategic planning decisions, ensuring that our area remains a safe and suitable area for the existing residential and business community.