Residents 3000 are pleased for those that attended our sixth Forum 3000 of the year, which was be held at the Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Place on Thursday, 4 July 2024.

Unfortunately, we heard a lot of complaints in relation to 40 weeks of non-stop protests happening every Sunday and some of the impacts caused by those protesters and the protests.

We are not against protests, but some of those especially on Sundays are affecting the livelihood of small businesses and the wellbeing of residents.

Please for those who do not live in the city remember when protesting in the city to respect others and their neighbourhood and private property.

Some info shared at the event:

1. Each sticker (used by protesters) placed illegally on private property is costing rate payers between $62 to $92 dollars each to be removed depending on the day of the cleaning.
2. A variety (age group) of city residents are feeling stressed and anxious being in the city on Sundays.
3. Residents are preferring to not even leave their residence on Sundays caused by lack of feeling safe.
4. The enormous costs to tax payers on having excessive number of police on every Sunday in order to have the protests on.
5. The lack of support from state government for move-on laws, and enforcement law and permits to better address issues once conflicts arises.
6. Excessive noise from protestors with drums and screaming causing excessive noise issues and anxiety to locals for 40 weeks non-stop.
7. Protesters using streets to put stalls to commercialise merchandise related to the protest without any permits, creating an unfair environment where local small businesses and buskers currently need to apply for a permit.
8. Antisemitic language used on t-shirts, flags, posters, and stickers.
9. A large number of people avoiding visiting the CBD on the weekend.
10. Federation Square could also be used as a place for a protest, and State Government to facilitate the use of it, to reduce city disruptions such as street closures and promote a safety for CBD stakeholders.
    Reasons why:
    1. It’s the biggest square in town and the only one designed for people, events, and other uses. Why is never utilised as a place for protests?
    2. It already presents a stage, and has bathroom facilities.
    3. It’s close to the biggest train station and one the biggest tram stops too, preventing patrons to leave the protesters blocking the streets and requesting large numbers of Police. Consequently creating a safe environment, cost effective, and reducing disruption to Residents and Businesses.
    4. The protests could start at Birrarung Marr and end at Federation Square. This would allow enormously less disruption to the entire city and not compromise the validation of the protest. Especially considering that Parliament House is empty on Sundays.
11. Mobility access for those that depend on public transport, taxis, Uber, and trams to circulate around town. This includes city workers and people with disabilities, and elderly people that cannot get health workers to attend their residence during the protests.

We thank our guest speakers from City of Melbourne Safety, Security and Amenity Team, Victoria Police Melbourne East Command, and Members of Parliament who provided insights into the city disruptions caused by protests affecting the peaceful enjoyment of residents, workers, visitors, and tourists in the city.

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Residents 3000 are pleased to invite you to our sixth Forum 3000 of the year, which will be held at the Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Place (off Russell Street) on Thursday, 4 July 2024, from 6:00pm.

Come and join us to hear how city disruptions, which can range from making living in the city a sometimes interesting experience to causing us to feel our lives are being upended, are managed in the public perception and behind in the scenes.

There are many demands on the city as new transport infrastructure is being constructed, new developments are being built and existing utilities are upgraded and maintained, and significant protests are also occurring with increasing frequency.

Our guest speakers from City of Melbourne Safety, Security and Amenity Team, Victoria Police Melbourne East Command, and Members of Parliament (to be advised) will provide insights into the management of city disruptions and how they are working to deal with and reduce the impacts (including additional costs) of the widespread disruptions affecting the peaceful enjoyment of residents, workers, visitors, and tourists in the city.

The details of the event are:

Thursday, 4 July 2024

6:00pm for 6:30pm start

Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Place (off Russell Street), Melbourne 3000

Registration opens from 6:00pm; and guest presentations start at 6:30pm sharp.
Drinks are available from The Kelvin Club bar; with finger food served afterwards.

The event is free for our current members.

Please note, annual membership renewals fall due this month, and if you haven’t already recently renewed, you’re welcome to renew at $30 per person, per year. Non-members or non-renewing members will be asked to contribute $5 towards event costs. New memberships are welcome at $30 per person, per year.

Annual membership fees are $30 per person, per year, and will cover to the end of June next year.

Neighbourhood Survey 2024

A summary of feedback from the Neighbourhood Survey for the CBD is as follows:

•  People experiencing homelessness was the leading issue for the CBD, with many respondents highlighting cost of living and housing affordability as contributing factors. Immense concern was expressed for the safety of both the people experiencing homelessness and the effect this has on perceptions of the CBD.

“My top priority is assisting homelessness to help get people off the streets. Apart from the wellbeing of the homeless people themselves it currently makes a big difference to how the city feels and the experience coming here as a visitor. Currently it feels unsafe at times because of homeless people on the street. I’ve seen some scary behaviours.”

•  Crime and safety were key concerns for CBD resident respondents, many of whom felt that instances of violence had increased and that the area was unsafe at night.

“Safety is paramount for all locals and visitors.”

•  Lack of safety in the CBD was said to be bolstered by insufficient cleanliness, and maintenance of public spaces and amenities, with commenters calling attention to bad smells, excessive rubbish, and graffiti.

•  There is strong appreciation for existing greening and open space surrounding the CBD and an aspiration to increase green spaces within the CBD and that is of importance but other pain points are more front of mind.

•  Improving the ease of moving within and through the CBD was identified as a key priority. People highlighted a need for better coordination of road works, planning and regulations for safer sharing of roads and fewer public transport service disruptions.