By Molly Broadfoot* AS homelessness hits a record-high on the Mornington Peninsula, The Block has begun filming its latest season in Mt Eliza. In an $11m deal to purchase the site, the show plans to construct five luxury houses across 1.35 hectares on Old Mornington Rd. While the show may bring excitement and publicity to the area, critics argue it highlights a broader issue: a focus on luxury property while the region’s housing crisis remains unaddressed. The Mornington Peninsula now has the highest number of rough sleepers out of any local government area in Victoria – including Melbourne City. Despite…
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OCEAN activist Josie Jones believes ratepayers and the community are being shortchanged by a new hand-cleaning model that fails to clean the entire beach. Jones has spoken to shire-contracted beach cleaners and questioned them about their cleaning from the low water line to the high tide mark, and failure to clean the rest of the beach. Jones was told the water line is all they were contracted to clean. Jones’ concern is that the contracts for the hand cleaning falls short of what is required to keep those beaches clean, providing poor value for ratepayers and increasing the workload for…
MORNINGTON Peninsula streets are shining a little brighter, with 3,648 outdated streetlights now replaced with modern LED technology across the Peninsula. Acting mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said “the new lights are more energy efficient and require less maintenance, which means significant savings over time that can be reinvested into services and infrastructure for our community.” The project will receive approximately $630,000 from State Government through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. The upgrade is expected to save the shire around $526,000 every single year. Over 20 years, that adds up to $8.3m back into community funds after project costs. Pingiaro said…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have endorsed a developer stormwater fund as a permanent initiative, aiming to improve stormwater management and fund Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) projects across the region. The decision, made at the council’s 17 March meeting, also saw councillors support a $60,000 grant application to the state government’s Integrated Water Management Grant program for 2025–2028. If successful, the grant would fund detailed design work for priority WSUD projects at Olympic Park Recreation Reserve and Murrowong Reserve in Rosebud, and Dromana Parade Reserve in Safety Beach. According to a council report, urban development increases impervious surfaces, which generate…
Mornington Peninsula drivers are set to face road restriction to lower traffic on roads and reduce the number of potholes. In a first anywhere in Australia, the state government has introduced restrictions limiting peninsula drivers to only driving every second day with an “odds and evens” number plate schedule. Vehicles with number plates ending with an odd number can drive Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and those ending with an even number can drive Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. “Look, the roads are getting worse by the day,” said Cliff Snufkin, a spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning. “We…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have backed a push to strengthen enforcement of jet ski regulations, voting to submit a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council meeting in May. The motion calls on the state government to increase enforcement of personal watercraft rules, particularly around speed limits and safe distances from swimmers. Council officers said submitting a shire-led motion would elevate the issue at a state level and highlight safety concerns shared by coastal communities. The MAV has confirmed the issue is strategically relevant, noting its impact on community safety and amenity across Victoria’s coastline. The Association…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire representatives have met with department officials at Southern Peninsula Community Support to address homelessness and broader community crisis issues on the peninsula. According to a council report, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity for advocacy, with councillors meeting with Housing and Building Minister Harriet Shing, as well as Homelessness Victoria at Rosebud on 16 March, before a public homelessness forum that evening. “These discussions were constructive and are considered a positive step toward addressing homelessness and broader community crisis issues, which consistently remain among the top priorities for our community,” the report stated. It also noted that…
THE Greens have launched their Nepean by-election campaign, with more than 60 supporters gathering in Blairgowrie on Sunday (29 March). Mornington Peninsula mum Sianan Healy is the Greens candidate, vowing to be a true community representative in Parliament if elected, stating that “Nepean shouldn’t risk Liberals and One Nation who will work for their corporate donors, not their community.” Healy works for a non-profit in women’s health and has a background in research and education in the university sector. “Together we can build a better and brighter future – one in which we have a say in decisions that affect…
THE Ranch Motel in Mornington, that has been operating as crisis accommodation, will close for redevelopment on 17 April. A joint venture between Mornington Community Support Centre (MCSC) and Southern Peninsula Community Support (SPCS), the crisis accommodation was only made possible due to the developer allowing it to be used while finalising plans for redevelopment of the site. “For the past five years Mornington Community Support Centre (MCSC) has operated The Ranch, a 12-room former motel generously provided by a local developer, to support people experiencing homelessness with crisis accommodation. It has done so without any government funding,” said MCSC…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have approved changes to its rates system including a discounted rate for retirement villages and a revised two-tier waste service charge. From the 2026–2027 financial year, retirement villages will be charged at 80 per cent of the general rate, providing an average reduction of about $181 per year for 2514 properties. The council said the differential rate recognised that retirement village residents contributed to village-provided infrastructure and services, generating comparatively lower demand on council facilities, and ensured a fairer allocation of rates across property types. Councillors supported the proposal in a 6-4 vote at their 17…
MORNINGTON Special Development School has been upgraded with new classrooms. The $8m state government project includes new art and food technology areas, a multi-purpose space, and four special needs learning areas, each sharing amenities, kitchen, storage, breakout zones and withdrawal spaces. Designed by Katz Architecture, it also features wide pathways, accessible bathrooms ramps and indoor-outdoor connections to “promote student independence and safe movements throughout the school”. The redevelopment also includes a library and community hub with landscaped areas including meeting rocks and a serpentine trail, each of which realises connections with country. “Connection with landscape is key, and all spaces…
A PUBLIC reserve strip in Mornington is set to be sold and rezoned for new homes, with a developer expected to create a replacement park. Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors approved the move at their 17 March meeting, despite resident opposition to the proposal. The land at 93 Watt Rd, described as “part of Reserve No 1 on Plan of Subdivision 346179,” sits between 8 and 10 Woodbyne Crescent. The long, narrow strip stretches about 163 metres and 10 metres wide, providing open space and a pedestrian link between Woodbyne Crs and Racecourse Rd. Council documents show the site was flagged…
WITH less than six weeks until the Nepean by-election, electoral rolls are now closed and candidates are able to officially nominate for the race. A new name has entered the contest with Milton Wilde nominating for “End Mass Immigration – Reform AU”. Wilde joins the Liberal Party (Anthony Marsh), Victorian Greens (Sianan Healy), One Nation (Darren Hercus), Libertarians (Peter Angelico), and Indepdendents for Mornington Peninsula endorsed candidate (Tracee Hutchison) to make up the six contesting Nepean so far. Pundits from the major parties would have looked to South Australia over the weekend, and pondered how the results there will offer…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire and South East Water (SEW) have issued a joint statement that agreement has been reached with some affected residents, facilitating critical works to be undertaken, and providing a pathway for residents to return to their homes. The board of inquiry’s report into the McCrae landslide of 14 January 2025 found the landslide, which destroyed a house and injured a council worker, was due to a burst water main owned by South East Water (SEW). Inquiry chair Renée Enbom KC found the burst water main was located 450m south of the destroyed property, near the corner of Bayview…
CRIME across the Mornington Peninsula has begun to ease for the first time in five years, according to newly released figures from the Crime Statistics Agency. There were 12,194 criminal offences recorded in the Mornington Peninsula LGA in the year ending December 2025, down from 12,726 offences in the previous year, a drop of 4.2 per cent. Mornington was the peninsula suburb most affected by crime, followed closely by Rosebud and Hastings. The data shows crime dropped across some of the highest recorded offences including breach family violence order, steal from motor vehicle, criminal damage and other theft. However, steal…
THERE were plenty of reasons to celebrate at Willum Warrain Aboriginal Gathering Place in Hastings on Saturday 21 March. Willum Warrain is celebrating 12 years of caring for its community members and for the site that it has woven into a beautiful place of reconciliation. Willum Warrain CEO, Uncle Peter Aldenhoven said, “we thank all our mob and allies for helping us celebrate our birthday and for sharing our excitement and hopes for Treaty”. Jules Pittle from Mornington Peninsula Human Rights Group added, “Willum Warrain Aboriginal Gathering Place is a living example of self-determination – Aboriginal people running things their…
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate missing Safety Beach man George. The 75-year-old was last seen on Seaview Avenue about 8am on 22 March. There are concerns for George’s welfare as he lives with dementia and may be disoriented. George is Caucasian, about 167cm tall, with a slim build and short dark brown hair. He was last seen wearing beige pants, white runners and a brown shirt with checks. Anyone who sees George or with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Rosebud Police Station on (03) 5986 0444.
BALNARRING will be buzzing with live music, community activities, and talent when Peninsula LIVE: Pretty Snazz in the Nazz takes over the town on Saturday 21 March. Organised by the Mornington Peninsula Shire in partnership with the Live Music Office, the one-day free micro-festival will run from 10am to 11pm, offering performances across multiple venues and outdoor spaces. More than 30 local bands and performers are set to entertain audiences of all ages, highlighting the region’s vibrant music scene while connecting musicians, audiences, and local businesses. Performances will take place at venues including The Social Club Balnarring, Balnarring Bowling Club,…
A MAN has been charged with family violence offences for a range of alleged offending spanning from 2019 to 2026. Somerville Family Violence Investigation Unit detectives have been investigating the 42-year-old-man. A Victoria Police spokesperson said he allegedly committed “serious family violence offending against five female victims from 2019 to this year – including stalking, sexual assault, physical assault and making threats to kill.” “The alleged offending against one of the victims includes strangling and kicking her. He’s also accused of breaking one of the other victim’s noses after punching her in the face and also hitting another victim in…
INTERNAL communications at Mornington Peninsula Shire have indicated the rollout of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across remoter areas of the peninsula may be driven by lack of effective ambulance coverage; a claim disputed by Ambulance Victoria. Ambulance Victoria is believed to fall well short of its KPI target of “less than 15 minutes response times for 90% of incidents” for some remoter parts of the peninsula. Recent data across the entire peninsula shows that 60.1% of responses are achieved in less than 15 minutes, with the average response time 16 minutes and 11 seconds. Ambulance branches are located in Sorrento,…
A FUNDRAISER to raise money for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives in regional Australia was held in Seaford last weekend. The Black Dog Seaford Ride One Dayer took place on Sunday, 15 March, with motorcyclists setting off from Scotties Garage Cafe on a ride through Rye, Flinders, and Balnarring. Motorcycle rides occurred nationwide as part of the fundraising effort. Seaford Black Dog Ride coordinator Caroline Wallbridge said the money would help fund community-based mental health programs in regional and rural areas. “Mental health challenges don’t discriminate by postcode, but, unfortunately, access to support often does. The last week before…
A WILDLIFE rescuer has reported the heartbreaking discovery of seven dead eastern grey kangaroos along a rural road in Flinders, raising concerns the animals may have been killed elsewhere and dumped at the site. Virginia Carter, co-ordinator of the Mornington Peninsula Wildlife Action Group and a wildlife rescuer with Wildlife Victoria, attended the incident on Meakins Rd about 3.45pm on 4 March after being contacted by a nearby landholder. She said the injuries to the kangaroos were consistent with being hit by vehicles and possibly being shot. Carter added the kangaroos “appeared to have been killed at another site and…
WITH less than seven weeks until the Nepean by-election, candidates are out in force, with perhaps the hottest topic being the state of Rosebud Hospital. Liberal Party candidate Anthony Marsh, alongside party leader Jess Wilson, announced on Saturday (14 March) that an elected Liberal government would spend $340m to rebuild the hospital. In a social media post, Marsh wrote “For years as mayor, I stood alongside locals calling for the upgrades our hospital desperately needs”. “Today, with Jess and the new Liberal Team, we’re drawing a line in the sand. We will get this done. “To deliver real outcomes, you…
In the early hours of Friday morning, Rosebud along with Dromana Fire Brigade responded in support to reports of a fence fire between houses in McCrae. On arrival, crews found that the fire had advanced significantly and had spread to the roof space of one house and was heavily impacting the second. Crews had difficulty accessing water supplies but worked quickly to bring the fire under control. The fire is not being treated as suspicious.
THE clock is ticking toward one of Australia’s most significant charitable events for children, with preparations underway for the Good Friday Appeal on the Mornington Peninsula. As part of the lead-up, Uncle Bob’s Club will revive its long running Wheelbarrow Push on 3 April, raising funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Marking its 55th year, the 29km endurance push will once again take in the classic route along Point Nepean Rd, beginning at Sorrento and finishing at the Safety Beach Sailing Club. The event is expected to draw crowds from across the region, offering spectators a close…
CYCLISTS, walkers, and nature enthusiasts can now enjoy the first completed section of the Peninsula Trail connecting Somerville to Baxter. The northern portion of the trail, stretching about 1.2kms between Baxter–Tooradin Rd and Golf Links Rd, has reached practical completion and is officially open for public use. The shared path is a vital missing link in the grand vision for the Peninsula Trails $7.7m project, a 170km network of connected trails traversing the Mornington Peninsula. Once the Somerville-Baxter section is complete, walkers and cyclists will be able to travel off road from central Melbourne all the way to Balnarring. Mornington…
COMMUNITY advocacy has helped deliver more than $6m in road safety funding across the region, with residents now being asked to once again play a key role in shaping future upgrades. The Mornington Peninsula Shire said last year residents raised concerns about hazardous intersections and high-risk stretches of road, feedback that directly strengthened council’s funding applications. As a result, more than $6m was secured in the 2025-26 financial year to support a range of road safety projects. Funded works include several Safer Local Roads and Streets Program initiatives, such as local area traffic management upgrades at Mount Eliza Woodlands, Marcia…
CRIB Point Community Garden is celebrating two decades of growing sustainable organic fruits and vegetables. To mark the occasion the garden is holding an Open Day on Saturday 14 March between 10am and 2pm with everyone welcome to come and see the results of all the hard work by the 35 volunteers. The driving force behind the establishment of the garden and the first president was Nanette Cuming, OAM, who is well into her 90s and still attends committee meetings. Visitors on Open Day can explore the 3000 square metres of the garden, talk to members who will be happy…
THE review of the Liberal’s Party’s 2025 federal election defeat has painted a grim picture overall, but makes positive mention of Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie’s performance defeating independent Ben Smith. The confidential review, commissioned by the federal executive of the Liberal Party and authored by retired Liberal MPs Pru Goward and Nick Minchin, has been obtained by The News. The report did not hold back, with the authors stating “Our recommendations cannot be put on the back burner or implemented over the course of five years. The party’s survival requires urgency, determination and unity”. Submitters contributed numerous concerns including “about…
OPINION THE above headline was a comment on our Facebook page. It was in response to an article pushing for a speed limit reduction on a section of the Westernport Highway notorious for koala deaths (Push to reduce speed on Westernport Hwy after koala deaths, The News 24/2/26). The very day this comment was made, the koala pictured above was killed on the same stretch of road. The small section between Thornells Rd and the intersection of Oneills Rd and Mckirdys Rd is the area of greatest concern on a stretch of the highway that has seen 10 koalas killed…