About the Association
The Association of Bayside Municipalities (ABM) is an unincorporated association of the councils that have frontage to, and are affected by the tidal influences of, Port Phillip Bay.
The ABM operates under the auspices of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and is recognised as the key representative of local government in relation to the health and sustainable management of Port Phillip Bay. Through our advocacy and action, we work together on a regional basis focused on marine and coastal matters of common interest to Member councils.
The ABM provides a forum for:
- information exchange, innovation and best practice in coastal management;
- advocacy – representing the collective views of member councils;
- networking and collaboration between member councils, other Bay stakeholders and coastal organisations; and
- leadership in coastal planning and practice.
- integrated, whole-of-bay outcomes for Port Phillip Bay
The Association of Bayside Municipalities is committed to:
- Improving the water quality and coastal surrounds of the bay allowing for its continued enjoyment and sustainable use whilst ensuring the protection of the marine ecosystem.
- Acting as a conduit and catalyst for information exchange in relation to the impacts of climate change to bayside councils, including sea level rise, storm surge and inundation.
- Appropriate and sustainable coastal planning, development and land use
- Advocating for effective governance arrangements for the Bay.
- Reflecting the community’s values for the Bay as a place for recreation and enjoyment, advocating for safe clean beaches, appropriate water quality, sustainable recreational opportunities, appropriate land use, community accessibility, environment and open space values, the conservation of native terrestrial and marine life and protection against a changing climate and its impacts.
We work in close partnership with other Port Phillip Bay stakeholders, marine and coastal organisations such as:
- Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning
- Parks Victoria
- Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority
- Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
- Melbourne Water
- Municipal Association of Victoria
- EPA Victoria
- Port of Melbourne Corporation
- Central Coastal Board
- VicRoads
The Member councils of the ABM are:
Councillor Representatives 2017-2020
Strategic Plan
The ABM strategic plan 2017-2020 focus on:
LEADERSHIP and advocacy
We will work with others to ensure our collective actions and achievements lead the way in protecting and managing our marine and coastal environment. We will continue our advocacy on behalf of member councils, on issues that relate to the health, protection and management of Port Phillip Bay.
KNOWLEDGE and capability
We will grow and share our knowledge, resources and capability to protect and manage Port Phillip Bay. We will strengthen our connections with coastal land managers and stakeholders within and beyond Port Phillip Bay.
Our priorities are:
- coastal erosion – beach renourishment
- water quality – beach closures
- stormwater management, litter, beach cleaning
- coastal climate change adaptation
- coastal land use planning
- infrastructure renewal and maintenance
ABM Charter
History
The municipalities of Port Phillip Bay came together in the early 1930s due to shared concerns about the Bay. There has been a cooperative arrangement and partnership between the bayside councils that can be identified back to a significant storm of 1934 where collectively bayside councils called for State government action to repair, protect and improve the coastline.
The bayside councils recognised the need for a coordinated approach to addressing issues, lobbying and working with state agencies. In 1974 the Association of Bayside Municipalities was formed.
Recent history of Presidential Councils
2017 Frankston City Council
2016 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
2015 Bayside City Council
2014 Frankston City Council
2013 Hobsons Bay City Council
2011-2012 Greater Geelong City Council
2010-2011 Borough of Queenscliffe
2009-2010 Bayside City Council
2008-2009 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
2007-2008 Port Phillip City Council
2006-2007 Greater Geelong City Council
2005-2006 Wyndham City Council
2004-2005 Frankston City Council
2003-2004 Kingston City Council
2002-2003 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
2001-2002 Bayside City Council
2000-2001 Borough of Queenscliffe
1999-2000 Port Phillip City Council
1998-1999 Hobson Bay City Council
1997-1998 Greater Geelong City Council