The proposed change would allow authorised officers to take actions to remove encampment equipment as a last resort option to address community safety concerns. These include directing a person to remove encampment equipment, removing the equipment if that direction is not followed, and impounding the equipment where required.

We’ve heard from our community that they want clearer and more effective ways for us to respond to camps.

The proposed Local Law amendment would enable authorised officers to respond where camps are having adverse impacts on amenity and community wellbeing, while continuing to prioritise a welfare‑focused approach.

Although it would be a last resort option, this approach may help discourage encampments from developing in ways that create safety or amenity risks in our community.

An authorised officer is a council staff member who has been formally given legal powers to carry out specific enforcement and compliance activities under legislation or local laws.

Removing encampment equipment would be a last resort approach, used once all other options have been exhausted.

We take a welfare‑focused approach that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness. Before any consideration is given to removing items, authorised officers make every effort to engage with individuals and address concerns through support, working closely with local health, outreach and housing services.

This includes connecting people with existing supports, offering assistance on site, and exploring non‑punitive options wherever possible.

In this proposed Local Law amendment, “encampment equipment” refers to any of the following items:

• mattress
• tent
• shelter (whether made of cardboard or other materials)
• other items that are intended or obviously adapted to facilitate camping or sleeping.

Our Port Phillip Zero initiative supports people sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness. Delivered in partnership with local health and welfare providers, the program aims to end rough sleeping in Port Phillip by securing safe, affordable long‑term housing with tailored support.

The program uses a housing‑first approach, placing people directly into permanent housing alongside mental health, alcohol and other drug support services. We also maintain a ‘By Name List’ of people sleeping rough, in cars or abandoned buildings, ensuring everyone is known, their needs understood, and complex issues addressed.

No, enforcement would not include fines. Instead, the focus is on the removal and impoundment of encampment equipment to address ongoing behaviours that are impacting community amenity and people’s wellbeing.

Any confiscated items would be stored safely and subsequently returned upon request.

Smaller personal items such as bags or paperwork would not be removed, unless abandoned. If abandoned items contain identifying elements, authorised officers will attempt to contact the owner to ensure they are safely returned.

Victoria Police support the proposed Local Law amendment and are working with us to prepare an Operating Protocol.

The Operating Protocol will be a formal agreement between Council and Victoria Police that outlines how the two organisations work together when responding to issues covered by a Local Law or Council activity. It will set out how a Local Law is applied and managed in practice. It will explain the procedures, responsibilities and processes that Council officers follow when implementing and enforcing a Local Law.

If you are feeling unsafe or there is a crime or safety incident, then the first point of call should be Victoria Police or other emergency services.

Non-urgent crimes and events can be reported to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

To report non-urgent crime information confidentially you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.