THE federal government’s $50m commitment to upgrade Nepean Highway was front of mind when Frankston Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire sent their mayors to Canberra last week.
It was a rocky road to Canberra for the delegation, which was organised by the Committee For Frankston and Mornington Peninsula. After making public comments about the Committee, Frankston mayor Cr Kris Bolam was temporarily disinvited from the trip.
He ultimately attended, alongside Committee CEO Josh Sinclair, Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO Mark Stoermer, and Frankston Council officer Kristen Thomson. Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea and Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie also took part.
The full delegation met with aged care minister Sam Rae, housing minister Clare O’Neil, and advisors to infrastructure minister Catherine King. The shire’s attendees on the trip also met with environment minister Murray Watt, shadow minister for health and ageing Anne Ruston, shadow minister for regional development and local government Dr Anne Webster, and shadow housing and homelessness minister Andrew Bragg.
During the meeting with the infrastructure minister’s office, the delegation discussed the federal government’s $50m commitment to upgrades along Nepean Hwy and Overton Rd. The details of the project are expected to be determined by the state government after consultation.
The electrification and duplication of the Frankston Line was also discussed; the project has laid dormant since the federal government shelved it in late 2023 (Frankston line extension derailed, The News 20/11/23).
A statement from the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula read:
“All attendees agreed that the electrification and duplication of the Frankston line to Baxter is not a short or medium term solution given the lack of political will, government funding and priorities, and community appetite. All attendees agreed that alternative options to improving the Stony Point line should be further explored and advocated.”
Other topics discussed included government housing and investment opportunities within the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre, the National Centre for Healthy Ageing at Frankston Hospital, plans for Rosebud Hospital, homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula, the redevelopment of the Emil Madsen Reserve pavilion in Mount Eliza, and plans for $10m committed to the Western Port Highway by the federal government.
The trip ran from 25-26 August. After its conclusion, Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula CEO Josh Sinclair said:
“I want to thank our local members of Parliament for helping facilitate these pivotal conversations in Canberra.
“Joint advocacy with council at the highest levels of government demonstrate the importance and impact the committee and council partnership has for our community.
“Together with both local mayors, our region presented a united and collaborative approach to key opportunities for the federal government to sink their teeth into the peninsula.
“Whether it’s $50m in road upgrades along Nepean Highway, investment in diverse housing options, or support for health and ageing projects, the federal government now knows clearly what our region needs to enhance liveability and ensure the peninsula remains a great place to live and work.”
Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea said:
“I am proud to have facilitated a successful joint delegation with both councils and CFMP, advocating for our region’s priorities.
“It’s another important step to ensure Frankston-Mornington Peninsula is a thriving region for businesses, organisations, and residents.”
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie said she is “grateful to both the shire and committee for coming to Canberra”.
“I stand up for Flinders every day, making the argument for the investment we need in infrastructure, transport, health and education facilities, as well as our roads and community and sporting assets,” she said.
“When others from the peninsula join me to make these arguments face to face with decision makers from both parties, it helps to ensure what we need and why we need it.”
First published in the Mornington News – 2 September 2025
