Council meeting recap - August
Published on 26 August 2026
Just five Council meetings remain in 2026 following the August gathering on Tuesday.
Check out the recap of some of the main items discussed at the meeting below.
Hudsons Road level crossing removal
The state government is planning to remove the level crossing on Hudsons Road in Spotswood. As part of this process, Council was invited to provide feedback on the plans. While Council supports the level crossing removal overall, it does not want it delivered as a rail-only project, and wants it delivered as part of a project that completes the missing walking, cycling, public transport and local access connections around the station.
Among points made in its formal response are that Council:
- opposes use of Donald McLean Reserve, West Gate Golf Course and Fred Goldsmith Playing Field for project purposes
- supports, in principle, the rail bridge over road option and new elevated Spotswood Station
- is concerned that the current architectural and urban design does not adequately reflect Spotswood’s industrial, commercial, residential and heritage identity
- seeks more detail on how nearby intersections will be treated, how buses will be integrated, and a parking strategy that avoids an overall loss of parking
- wants to see public toilets within the station or nearby
- wants to see adequate lighting, CCTV and safe underpasses
Endorsed corrections to Hobsons Bay planning scheme
Council endorsed amendments to its planning scheme, making a series of minor corrections to mapping and copy.
The amendment is designed to ensure the planning scheme remains accurate, up to date and easier to manage.
Changes include correcting overlay boundaries and removing outdated or duplicated planning provisions.
The amendment was open for public exhibition earlier this year, with no submissions received.
Council will now submit the amended planning scheme to the Minister for Planning for approval.
New Councillor expenses policy adopted
Council also adopted a new Council Expenses and Support Policy, replacing the previous policy from 2020.
The updated policy outlines the resources and facilities available to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors, as well as rules around eligible expenses and reimbursements.
The revised policy strengthens accountability and transparency, including clearer eligibility requirements, exclusions for expenses, more detailed travel and professional development rules, and quarterly public reporting of Councillor expenses.