PETITION FOR SAFE STREETS - END THE CAMPING LAW EXEMPTION IN PORT PHILLIP

It's About Safety — Not Punishment.                                                                                           

Enough Is Enough. Support Councillor Rod Hardy’s Motion. Demand Action Now.

Port Phillip is one of only two councils in Victoria still clinging to a failed exemption in local camping laws — and we are paying the price. Businesses are suffering. Public safety is deteriorating. Vulnerable residents are at risk.

This Isn’t Compassion — It’s Chaos.

Every single day, residents and business owners in the City of Port Phillip face:

• Open drug use in broad daylight
• Verbal abuse and intimidation
• Street-level drug dealing
• Discarded needles and furniture littering our parks and footpaths
• Public spaces overtaken by dangerous, illegal encampments

This is not about punishing the homeless — it's about protecting everyone, including the most vulnerable.

This Law Change Will Help:

• Dismantle dangerous drug camps
• Stop open drug use and dealing
• Connect people to housing, rehab, and mental health services
• Clean up and reclaim public spaces
• Empower police to act — safely and compassionately

Many individuals occupying these encampments are not homeless — they come here to use and sell drugs, placing legitimate homeless and mentally unwell individuals in further danger.

What We’re Calling For:

We urge the City of Port Phillip to:

• Pass the Camping Law Amendment in line with Community Roundtable and Victoria Police recommendations
• Cut through the false claims about “fines for the homeless” — this is about safety, not spin
• Give police the tools they need to act lawfully and effectively
• Stand with residents and businesses suffering the daily consequences of inaction

 
The Facts:

In February, councilors unanimously backed a review of Clause 42 (‘Camping on Council Land’).

The amendment seeks to remove outdated exemptions and clarify enforcement.

It is backed by Victoria Police, and community representatives.

It will help enforce the law without criminalising genuine homelessness.