Carlton median strips spark Melbourne NIMBY clash
The lush median strips of Carlton and Carlton North have become a flashpoint in Melbourne’s ongoing NIMBY versus YIMBY debate. Residents, the City of Yarra, the state government and a local wine bar are all entangled in a dispute over alcohol use, public safety and the character of these iconic gre…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The verdant median strips that bisect Carlton and Carlton North streets have long been a cherished communal space for local residents. In recent weeks, however, they have become the centre of a heated debate between those who cherish the strips as a place for relaxed socialising and those who argue that alcohol‑driven crowds are eroding the neighbourhood’s family‑friendly atmosphere.
What sparked the conflict?
The dispute began when the City of Yarra announced that alcohol consumption would be banned on the median strips of Canning, Rathdowne and Drummond streets. The ban followed a surge in police calls and complaints about loud parties, public urination, smashed glass and other disorderly conduct. The council’s decision was criticised by residents who see the strips as a vital public amenity, and by the owner of the nearby Wine Corner Store, who says the bar’s patrons are responsible for the behaviour.
Community voices split
Local residents have taken divergent positions. Some, like Kii Belling, a filmmaker who lives on Drummond Street, describe the strips as a “lovely part of living in that area” that fosters neighbourly interaction and community spirit. Others, including a long‑time Canning Street resident, argue that the mood has changed dramatically in the last 18 months. They point to larger crowds, rowdy behaviour and the bar’s failure to control the number of people who gather on the grass.
In August, a petition signed by 30 residents was submitted to the City of Yarra Council. The petition highlighted incidents such as men urinating in a laneway behind residents’ back fences, a man vomiting on Canning Street, abandoned bikes and broken glass. It called for the council to reclassify the median strips as a park and to consider a parklet or outdoor trading permit for the Wine Corner Store.
Council and state responses
City of Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly pledged to find a compromise, but the state government’s reaction was swift. Premier Ben Carroll declared that the ban would be overturned if the council did not reverse it, stating, “Consider this unbanned. Because if council doesn’t reverse it, we will reverse it for them.”
City councillor Edward Crossland announced that he would bring a motion to the next council meeting to address the “genuine amenity issues” without radically altering how the median strips are used. He criticised the council’s initial decision to restrict use, arguing that it ignored the long‑standing special character of the strips.
The role of the Wine Corner Store
Owner Steve Mifsud‑Ellul disputes claims that the bar is responsible for the behaviour on the strips. He says he cannot police a public space and that patrons who bring their own alcohol are not under his jurisdiction. Mifsud‑Ellul has added staff to tidy the lawn during busy periods and points out that the bar’s facilities, such as bathrooms and rubbish bins, are available to the public.
Despite these efforts, residents argue that the bar’s proximity and lack of adequate capacity have encouraged people to use the median strips as an extension of the venue. The situation has highlighted a broader debate about gentrification, the cost of living and how to foster community in inner‑city neighbourhoods.
Looking ahead
As the council prepares to debate potential solutions, residents and local groups are calling for practical measures such as additional public toilets, bins and curfews. The outcome will determine whether the median strips can remain a safe, family‑friendly space or become a contested public domain for nightlife.
Whatever the decision, the median strips will continue to be a symbol of Melbourne’s evolving urban landscape, reflecting tensions between preservation of community spaces and the pressures of modern city life.
Key facts
- City of Yarra banned alcohol on median strips after complaints
- Premier Ben Carroll threatened to override the ban
- Residents split between preserving social space and curbing disorder
- Wine Corner Store owner disputes responsibility for public behaviour
- Council considering reclassification of strips as a park
- Community groups propose practical solutions like extra toilets and curfews
Why it matters
The median strips are a rare green space that defines Carlton’s neighbourhood character, and how they are managed will influence community cohesion and public safety in a rapidly gentrifying area.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal status of the median strips?
Technically part of the road, alcohol is prohibited on the median strips under current law.
Can the City of Yarra change the status of the median strips?
Yes, the council can reclassify them as a park or grant a parklet permit, subject to council approval.
What is the role of the Wine Corner Store in the dispute?
The owner claims he cannot police a public space and has added staff to manage the area, but residents argue the bar’s proximity encourages misuse.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “How Carlton median strips became the latest battlefront in Melbourne’s NIMBY war”
