Landslip mapping report
Following the state government’s urgent direction from Minister Sonya Kilkenny to implement an Emergency Management Overlay (EMO), I wish to raise serious concerns.
I thank the councillors for their positive and practical response regarding the potential landslide mapping for the Mornington Peninsula. However, I am astounded that a report containing so many apparent errors and/or misleading information could be considered acceptable as a basis upon which to draw sound or constructive conclusions, let alone expect ratepayers to fund it.
MP Chris Crewther is cited as calling on the Minister for Planning to clearly explain how approximately 27,000 Mornington Peninsula ratepayers are suddenly deemed to be at risk of landslides. Property owners and ratepayers whose properties previously carried no perceived risk have understandably been contacting council in large numbers (Council responds to landslide map backlash, The News 23/12/25).
The flow-on effects of this situation are significant and potentially severe, particularly with respect to property values, insurance premiums, and overall community confidence.
With the utmost respect, I strongly expect the shire not to use ratepayers’ money to pay for a report that contains so many faults and errors. At best, it appears to be mostly unreliable, and it should not be relied upon. Its release has caused widespread confusion, unnecessary worry, and considerable distress, with no clear outcome or guidance as to where to go from here.
Gerard van de Ven, Mt Martha
Dodgy overlays
We have seen yet another example of the state government panicking and needing to look as though they are doing something following Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny’s approval of a rushed interim erosion and landslide planning overlay (EMO7).
This resulted from the McCrae landslip enquiry with the Minister directing the Mornington Peninsula Shire to fast track the planning amendment.
The shire was concerned that the landslide risk maps were riddled with errors but in just seven weeks the Minister approved the new overlay as a fast political fix ignoring the flawed and outdated data which will impact 33,000 properties across the Mornington Peninsula.
Yet this same Minister is considering a proposal from the Arthurs Seat Eagle to construct a major amusement park development comprising a steel roller coaster (so called Luge) running up and down the Arthurs Seat escarpment, 11 storey, 34 metre viewing tower at the summit and expansion of the base station and summit cafe.
Arthurs Seat has long been identified as having extreme gradients (20-65%), unstable soil and rock and is highly vulnerable to landslips and erosion. It currently has an erosion management overlay in place. The excavation and construction of a roller coaster track with associated foundation drilling, installation of concrete piers, complex steel work, sky/road bridges and use of heavy equipment presents an unacceptable level of risk to public safety and the integrity of the landscape.
The north face of Arthurs Seat has a history of instability so how can such a grotesque development even be contemplated, particularly given the recent heavy handed reaction of government to the McCrae landslip.
Should the Planning Minister now approve the Arthurs Seat Eagle development in a State Park which is highly susceptible to landslip and erosion, this would clearly demonstrate a hypocritical, incompetent government not interested in protecting communities.
Nigel Atkins, Arthurs Seat
Politicised governance
The recent appointment of two municipal monitors to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is something to welcome, as it promises to improve transparency, restore trust, and refocus decision-making on serving the Mornington Peninsula community.
Recent criticism of the state government’s decision to appoint monitors misrepresents both their purpose and the reality facing residents.
The appointment of monitors is not something to politicise. It is not a hostile takeover of local democracy. Rather, it is a recognised mechanism under the Local Government Act, designed to advise, support, and strengthen governance where concerns have emerged, including decision-making processes, conduct, and integrity. Properly applied, it strengthens democracy.
For some time, residents have raised concerns about governance processes, practices, and decision-making that seemed disconnected from community interests and the standards expected of a council.
One example was the motion to introduce term limits for councillors, presented as reform and supported by six councillors, but was later publicly acknowledged by Cr Williams as used to “have a dig” at another councillor, David Gill.
Such episodes undermine confidence in the integrity of council conduct and decision-making. While the specific reasons for appointing monitors have not been publicly detailed, their presence should be seen as a constructive step.
To suggest that ratepayers are disadvantaged by these monitors is difficult to accept; ratepayers are far more disadvantaged by poor governance, unresolved integrity issues, and declining confidence in council decisions.
Good governance should not be partisan. It should be a shared expectation. It should not be about political advantage, party loyalty, or ideology, but about serving the community impartially and effectively.
Residents of the Mornington Peninsula are better served by the appointment of the two monitors — not worse off.
Anja Ottensmeyer, Mount Martha
Rates clarification
As a retiree living in a retirement village on the Mornington Peninsula for 20 years I wish to clarify some issues around the 80% differential rate proposed by council in their rate review.
For many years the valuation of retirement village units and apartments was discounted by 20% by the shire valuer and continued by the Valuer General Victoria until this year.
The reason was because of the loan/lease contractual arrangements in retirement villages. Council rates are a property tax but retirement village residents do not own property – but pay rates. We receive from the council the weekly and fortnightly waste removal services (Some villages do not even receive this service!). Residents contribute through their rates to all that the shire provides for its residents and we are happy to do so.
However, as residents of a retirement village we pay a second time, through our monthly service fee to maintain the roads drains, footpaths, street lighting and streetscapes in our villages that non–village residents have maintained by council.
We save council money in other ways, such as employing nurses reducing pressure on doctors and emergency departments. We maintain the bowling greens, golf courses, pools and gyms once again reducing pressure on shire facilities. We are not a burden on council services, being nearly self–sufficient so the majority of our rates support the whole community.
Because the 20% bulk discount was withdrawn by the State Valuer General Victoria we are seeking to have the discount reinstated through a differential rate. We strongly believe that this is a fair and equitable redistribution as it maintains a long standing rate structure supported by our shire council for many years.
Without it rates for retirement village residents would increase by at least 23%!
Nancy Taylor, Capel Sound
Rates reviews
I am writing to you as a resident of a retirement village in Somerville. This village does not have any swimming pools nor lawn bowl greens, however we do have 24/7 personal care assistants, office staff and three maintenance workers to look after us and this village.
All their wages are paid for by the village residents via monthly service fees. But yes, we are trying to get a differential rate cut – and perhaps a few facts need to be explained to other rate paying pensioners out there.
The resident in this village have freed up valuable council resources because:
1. We run, maintain and refurbish our own library, gym and cafe.
2. There is seven days a week meal preparation for those residents in need.
3. A bus to take residents on outings or to the local shops.
This village also places high importance on physical and mental wellbeing, so have exercise classes (with different degrees of difficulty), book clubs, social get togethers or (just a chat), religious services, arts and crafts etc. All expenses for the above paid for by the villagers themselves either through fund raising activities or via monthly service fees.
These monthly service fees also cover the repair and maintenance of:
- Roads, paths, driveways and car parks within the village
- Street lighting
- Drainage, plumbing
- Signage
- Garden beds, lawns, landscaping
- Hard rubbish removal
- Security
No council workers here – all done by our own maintenance workers whose wages come out of the villagers pockets. This is the reason I believe we are entitled to a rate discount.
V. Meagher, Somerville
Balnarring parking
Inevitably the holiday traffic chaos experienced annually for so long on the Port Phillip Bay side of the Mornington Peninsula has really hit Balnarring Shopping Centre on the Western Port Bay side too.
This hitherto rather sleepy hollow, languid for the bulk of the year now has parking difficulties.
The current Christmas/New Year period is chaotic with vehicles parking wherever they can stop, nature strips, driveways, No Parking and Loading zones, anywhere and everywhere like never before. Extra parking is needed but where?
There are two important businesses at the Balnarring Shopping Centre that require specific, adjacent to them designated parking spots as are provided for the disabled. The chemist and the vet at times need immediate parking availability due to an emergency or even client mobility difficulties.
Who controls the parking areas I do not know but being either the Council or the land owner, this issue needs consideration in my humble view!
Bruce Wearing-Smith, Somers
Cribby will be pleased
The Mornington Peninsula’s Urban Forest Strategy 2024–2034 acknowledges that “development may lead to the loss of tree canopy cover, further exacerbating the uneven distribution of canopy cover”, and sets a clear target of “no net canopy loss in any township by 2034”.
Against that backdrop, it was pleasing to read that the current council supports protecting two mature manna gums from roadworks in Crib Point (Councillors back push to save Crib Point trees, The News 23/12/25).
Beyond providing valuable shade, such mature trees enhance the streetscape and character of the peninsula, and offer important habitat. “Cribby Koala” and friends will no doubt be pleased.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn
Visitor’s paradise
What a way to start the year. Just by chance, on the very first day of 2026, I saw our transformed Information Centre in Dromana. The word “saw” is inadequate. The previously graffitied office has emerged as a stunning work of art!
Most letters about council matters draw attention to critical comment and shortcomings. This one is a full throated congratulation to our local authorities.
Now styled the “Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourist Office” it is a stunning addition and adornment of the Dromana gardens.
I admired in bewildered awe each individual wall. Beautiful works of art depicting local attractions that we so often take for granted. Sunsets over the bay, the McCrae lighthouse, beach boxes, even the “Eagle” – all in luminescent, glowing colour. Just for the sake of the artwork, go and spend some time. Uplifting and beautiful.
But then we get to the heart and function of the building. Without even entering the building, visitors (and locals) information is displayed, making it tempting to visit so many attractions, all here on our doorstep. Wine and food to be discovered at the FarmGate, so much to see and do, and graphical information on how to get there.
A further delight is to go inside and speak to the ever helpful staff who are enthusiastic to share the wonders of our region, and will assist in any way possible.
What a blessing. Go and have a look. Don’t miss out.
Mike Wilton, Safety Beach
Political privilege
In my previous letter (Debating tactics, Letters 24/12/25) I described some of the debating tactics used by proponents against opponents of the Victorian Treaty Act. These include personal attacks, ridicule and the attribution to him or her of opinions and/or attitudes not expressed by the opponent. I think it probable that readers will recognise all of these in of Maureen Donnelly’s letter (Beware of bias, Letters 24/12/25).
However two other strategies are also illustrated in Ms Donelly’s letter. The first is to repeat the original assertion (“the body … has an advisory role only”), because people who hear something repeated often enough tend to believe it. The second is the use of descriptions; in this case the writer’s opinions are “progressive” and “common sense”, while her opponent makes “outlandish assertions” and belongs to a “highly conservative pseudo-academic body”.
If Ms Donelly thinks about it, she might realise that since no other group has a by law established, tax-payer funded body to which the government must listen, even if the body did have “an advisory role only”, it’s creation in itself would have established a two-tiered society; a new form of inherited political privilege.
Albert Riley, Mornington
Thank you
I am an Australian Jew who lives in Crib Point. For a lot of people down here, we are the only Jewish family that they have met or knowingly seen.
I would publicly like to thank our community for the support and love that we have received from mostly strangers of over 400 families.
I can’t stress enough how much that made a difference to us.
Thank you and may God be with you.
Daniel Miller, Crib Point
Heartfelt thanks
To M.G. Free who wrote a heartfelt letter in the last edition for 2025 (I am sorry, Letters 23/12/25).
There is indeed a very small Jewish community on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, and we are hurting. The last two years have been a very isolating experience. The Australia that I grew up seems to be dissolving around me, and the country in which I am raising my children is not the country I enjoyed as I was growing up.
In the weeks since the massacre at Bondi, I have had numerous friends and acquaintances approach me with words of support as I go about my business in the local area.
While welcome, I have to wonder why the firebombing of not one – not even two! – synagogues was enough to bring the sympathy out of the woodwork.
Has violence become so normalised? Has Jew hatred become so normalised?
I have written letters in these pages about people parroting propaganda and vitriol, and warned about the creation of social divisions.
Nevertheless, in the past two years there have been some bright spots of support. For example, I am aware of several local church congregations who have been staunch supporters of the wider Jewish community: some who have hosted services; others who have prayed for the release of hostages, and rejoiced in their return.
M. G. Free’s letter is the latest bright spot of support and was a welcome way to end 2025. I hope that it augurs well for 2026 and what lies ahead. The Mornington Peninsula is a most beautiful part of the world and I hope to feel welcome here always.
Bianca Felix, Bittern
Labor inaction
You’ve got to love failed Labor candidate Marg D’Arcy. It’s seems like it’s a case of “if the tree falls in the forest and there is no-one there to hear it, then it’s safe to blame the Liberal member for Flinders.”
Marg wrote, “Zoe has now politicised the issue by decrying a supposed lack of government action on antisemitism” (Avoid politicisation, Letters 23/12/25).
So lets look at how the government has supported Australian Jews.
Penny Wong refusing to visit any scenes of the 7/10/23 atrocities while in Israel. Tony Bourke greeting some of the 3000 refugees from Gaza that neighbouring Muslim countries refused to take. Albo excusing those marching in support of Palestine carrying hate flags and chanting anti-Jewish hate slogans as “ their right to protest”. The Prime Minister of Australia choosing to shut his electoral office, rather than front up to the handful of Palestinian supporters who had set up camp on the footpath. Recognising a country at the UN that doesn’t actually exist to appease voters in Albanese and Bourke’s mainly Muslim electorates.
You can go on and on but probably most telling and an insight into the weakness of our government, not one member of our government has spoken to Israel’s Prime Minister since the shootings of 14/12/25.
M. G. Free, Mt Martha
Call it racism
“Antisemitism” and “Islamophobia” are the two most divisive words driving anti-cohesion. What’s wrong with “racist” and “hate crimes”?
“Antisemitism” and “Islamophobia” are divisive and used to shut down arguments and to police speech. These terms have become a populist weapon driving us to division and causing people to take sides.
What, exactly, is wrong with “racist” or “hate crime”? These terms describe behaviour. Racism is defined by conduct, not by who commits it or who suffers it. A hate crime turns on intent and action, not on which group carries the most political weight at a given moment.
These terms are carving us into protected identities rather than holding everyone to the same civic standard. The best example is the new radical antisemite definition that the government has adopted which looks like it will make the criticism of Israel antisemitic. There are many Jewish groups that have taken exception with this definition.
“Antisemitism” and “Islamophobia” turns differences into a battleground. Instead of a simple principle — no tolerance for racism or violence against anyone — we imply that some hatreds matter more than others, breeding resentment and defensiveness, the conditions in which genuine hatred grows.
If social cohesion is the aim, the remedy is not more specialised populist language, but clearer standards: equal protection under the law, equal condemnation of hatred, and plain moral clarity. Call racism racism. Call violence violence. Anything else divides us before the argument even begins.
And yes a royal commission but leave out the term antisemitism and replace it with the root cause, hate and racism which is what we need to address.
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Royal Commission?
I don’t know whether a Royal Commission or an independent review is the best way to investigate the attack at Bondi.
I wondered what other countries have done in investigating such atrocities so I looked to Britain to see how Britain dealt with terrorism.
I found that they have never had a Royal Commission into any of their terrorist attacks, not even the Manchester Arena attack which took the lives of 22 people including nine children, preferring instead to have independent reviews and investigations.
I wonder why both sides of politics in Britain prefer not to have Royal Commissions; there must be a reason.
Nerida Miller, Mt Martha
Longwood fires
It may be of interest for your readers to know that in the late 1950’s the Boneo Rural Fire Brigade was called to help with the devastating Longwood fires.
As a member of the brigade I remember being given a police escort through Melbourne.
The Boneo brigade was called to assist because we had the only 4WD (Willys) fire truck in the state.
Seven people died in that fire, a family of five were found in their burnt out vehicle trying to escape.
We said at the time there should have been more fire breaks – it seems we never learn.
On a recent trip along the Hume Highway I commented on the lack of fire breaks. In my opinion it should be compulsory for land owners large or small to have firebreaks installed so as to give brigades a chance of doing “burn backs”.
When conditions are bad it is sometimes necessary to fight fire with fire.
Lawrence Marshall
Congratulations
Thanks for your wonderful paper all year. Love the extended letter pages. Great entertainment.
A lot of headnodding, fury, and everything in between. Albert Riley’s response was my best fun this week even though I can’t remember what caused Ms Cheers ire except something about his painting skills! Missing Stuart’s contributions.
Annette Patrick, Dromana
Balanced letters
I wanted to say how lucky we are to have a local newspaper of the quality of the Mornington News and the related papers on the peninsula.
Unlike most major papers, that tend to lean to the left or the right and publish letters accordingly, the editors at The News remain relatively neutral publishing letters from both sides of the political spectrum and also allow debate to occur between letter writers.
I find this almost a unique situation and so wish to congratulate the team and hope that we all have a successful and happy 2026.
Ross Hudson, Mt Martha
Community voice
I have been reflecting on the actions of the Adelaide Writers Festival in preventing the Palestinian writer Randah Abdel-Fattah from appearing at the Festival and the widespread condemnation of that by many Australian writers.
It made me think how fortunate we are that we have an independent local paper that gives voice to many opposing views and, as far as I know, does not censor views which might be uncomfortable for the paper’s readers.
Peter Greste recently commented on X that “We do not help social cohesion by silencing voices”.
In a strong democracy like ours we shouldn’t be afraid of having challenging conversations or providing platforms for people who disagree with us, as long as views are presented in a way which is not hateful or, to use that word that appears to be challenging in itself, “racist”.
It does appear we have lost the ability to have nuanced conversations, rather we all disappear down our own rabbit holes and stop listening to anything which challenges our world view.
I am off now to my local bookshop Antipodes to buy Abdel-Fatah’s novel Discipline so I can choose whether or not I will be offended by her views.
Thank you to The News for upholding freedom of speech and providing a voice to some who would otherwise be silenced, even when, like Albert Riley’s contributions, I heartily disagree with them.
Marg D’Arcy, Rye
Barley-Charlie@almost 90
So quick, seemingly at best/worst? If Barry Jones is confused – “I cannot be satisfied with simple materialist explanations when too many elements fill me with awe or perplexity – That a God, however defined, exists? Probably. That Jesus was a uniquely powerful and charismatic teacher? Yes. That he had a special or even unique relationship with God? Possibly. That the Church is a divine institution? Well, yes and no. That the Bible is infallible? No. That there is a soul, linked to a collective consciousness? Possibly. That there is life, as we know it, after death? Unlikely.” – why should I worry?
Without a future but retaining hope (gentle into the night?) holding out for another Magpie premiership?
Rebuilding – a wooden fence away from my unit alongside Terry White chemist, Rye; talk of a new (soundproofed?) karaoke set up; spelt Disaster?
Alternatively “Love one another” disregarding the various interpretations on the meaning of love.
Getting back to the Bondi disaster, the reasoning behind Sussan Ley’s blame game against Anthony Albanese? If anything, illuminating the Liberal Party’s confusion. Albo has his weaknesses, like all of us, but not in the Sussan Ley situation; straight out of Barnaby’s mind games nonsense.
Albo’s hope for bliss (marriage, politics) a fond farewell 2025, shattered by the two Bondi numbskulls, thus creating a powerful Jewish community, minus the usual ratbags percentage in all camps.
A left wing PM, preferable to right wing, more inclined to work for all of us, after the obvious self preservation rule of human nature.
Positives include student debt, gender equality, ASIO, accelerated deportation, Medicare, streaming platforms Australian content, others; not so the millions, billions on AUKUS Pillar 1.
Sadly no mention of cancelling King Charles as our leader.
Hey, we are all the same but all different.
A reminder: “Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, and disregard of all the rules,” [George Orwell]. Happy 2026.
Cliff Ellen, Rye