Mayor’s statement — Standing together in the face of tragedy

At the start of the meeting, the Mayor addressed Council and the community following the devastating antisemitic terror attack in Bondi. Council expressed its deepest condolences to the victims, their families and the Bondi community, acknowledging the impact on Glen Eira as the cultural home of Victoria’s Jewish community.

The Mayor reaffirmed that Glen Eira stands with its Jewish residents and condemned antisemitism and violence in all forms. Reflecting on the life of Reuven Morrison and noting the attack occurred during Chanukah, the Mayor called on the community to stand together and reject hate. Council confirmed its support for community vigils, with Town Hall illuminated in white and flags flown at half-mast, and observed a moment of silence for those affected.

Smarter parking management endorsed for key activity centres

Council endorsed the Glen Eira Activity Centre Parking Management Strategy, following extensive community engagement that received nearly 5,000 pieces of feedback.

The Strategy focuses on managing increasing parking demand in Carnegie, Elsternwick and Bentleigh, as these centres continue to grow and attract more visitors, residents and businesses. Community feedback highlighted the challenges of finding parking during peak times, particularly in Carnegie and Elsternwick.

Based on this feedback, Council supported the rollout of parking sensors across activity centres to provide real-time information on parking availability and improve data-driven decision-making. Council did not support expanding paid parking, noting the strength and volume of community feedback received.

Councillors acknowledged the quality and depth of engagement undertaken and noted that the community’s input played a key role in shaping the final decision. The Strategy aims to improve fairness, accessibility and safety, support local businesses, and reduce congestion — without removing parking spaces.

Financial Sustainability Strategy adopted to support long-term services

We adopted the Financial Sustainability Strategy 2025–2029, setting a clear framework to ensure we can continue delivering valued services while managing financial pressures responsibly.

The Strategy responds to increasing costs, infrastructure demands and population growth, and outlines actions to strengthen financial resilience over the next four years. Councillors noted the importance of balancing prudent financial management with ongoing investment in community facilities, open space and essential services.

The Strategy will guide future budget decisions and support our commitment to transparency, accountability and long-term planning.

New open space at the Elsternwick Club progresses

Council considered plans for a new open space at the Elsternwick Club, informed by detailed community engagement and advice from the Elsternwick Club Community Advisory Committee.

The proposed open space aims to create a welcoming, inclusive area that reflects community feedback, with a focus on passive recreation, accessibility and heritage considerations. Councillors acknowledged the strong level of engagement from local residents and community groups and supported progressing the project to its next stage.

The project forms part of our broader commitment to improving access to quality open space and enhancing neighbourhood amenity as Glen Eira continues to grow.

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