A fair share for the Mornington Peninsula
On Monday night (16 March) I attended a public meeting about housing with Minister Harriett Shing as part of the panel.
The panel of speakers put forward the urgent position about housing issues on the Mornington Peninsula. They articulated our urgent need for housing stock, including crisis housing and in situ housing support wrap around services. BUT the impression I got was that this information and local knowledge sharing fell on deaf Ministerial ears.
I do understand the limitations the Minister is held to. We heard broad statements about lots of dollars towards housing and initiatives to address housing issues, but we know from experience that the Mornington Peninsula rarely is the recipient of those supports or funds. That needs to change.
A SWAN Housing Round Table in late 2025 heard about the extraordinary level of state government funding the Frankston area gets in housing and housing services support, we have heard about the extraordinary level of funding the Geelong area gets, a similar area to ours. The Mornington Peninsula is ignored, overlooked, fobbed off. We are woefully underfunded.
There is a state election at the end of the year. I will be voting for whoever is committed to ensuring the Mornington Peninsula gets its fair share of Housing build and Housing wrap around services funding.
Denise Hassett, Mt Martha
Infrastructure
I have just spent a few days at Lakes Entrance. Despite having a fraction of the population of Mornington, the infrastructure is incredible.
On the beach, a six person shower and foot cleaning facility on concrete, an indestructible toilet facilities and change rooms, beautiful footpaths, no rubbish , adequate parking(free), and happy tourists and locals.
Our council must have 100 times the revenue of their council, but what do they spend it on? Take Fishy’s Beach, for example , so dangerous to even walk down the path, no railing to get on the beach, wash your feet (if the tap is working) then they’re covered in sand straight away, or shower in 100 year old facilities.
And Main Street! Plane tree cones litter the footpaths, and if you slip on one, you’re down. So many shops closing because of huge rentals.
Please, Mornington Peninsula Shire, could get into the 21st Century? Just visit another shire and see what is possible.
Wendy Doyle, Mornington
Electrify the ferry
Meeting friends recently at Sorrento who had travelled on the ferry from Queenscliff provided a chance to see the new terminal (Unique over-water ferry terminal opens in Sorrento, The News, 17/3/26).
It’s world class. But it also raises the question of how much longer Searoad Ferries will rely on diesel engines.
The company notes that “less than 13.5kg of CO₂ is emitted per vehicle on a ferry crossing between Queenscliff and Sorrento, compared to 57.2kg per car by road for the same trip”, but emerging technologies can do even better.
Incat in Tasmania recently launched the world’s largest battery-electric ferry, capable of carrying more than 2,100 passengers and over 220 vehicles, for routes of around 55–70km overseas. By contrast, the Searoad crossing is just 11km.
A Tasmanian-built electric ferry on the Queenscliff–Sorrento run would be the logical next step — and a point of real pride
Ray Peck, Hawthorn
Luge opposition
Much of the Arthurs Seat escarpment sits within the new Mornington Peninsula Shire planning overlay that identifies the area as prone to landslip. We only need to remember the McCrae landslip to understand how real that risk is.
Cutting tracks, altering drainage and increasing construction on a fragile slope should be approached with extreme caution, if at all.
There is also a broader question of principle. Arthurs Seat forms part of public Crown land. Allowing private profit-making ventures on land that belongs to everyone deserves serious scrutiny.
But perhaps the simplest point is this: Dromana and McCrae already offer something far better than an amusement ride.
One of the most beautiful and safest beaches in Australia is right at the foot of the hill. Give the kids a bucket and spade, bring an umbrella and a towel, and let them build sandcastles, paddle in the calm water and enjoy the bay.
Not every natural place needs to be turned into a commercial attraction.
Some places are valuable precisely because they remain natural.
John Steele, Dromana
Kangaroo fate
It was heartbreaking to see seven kangaroos left dead along a rural road (Seven dead kangaroos found in Flinders, The News 17/3/26).
Having just watched the Four Corners report showing sick and dying kangaroos in South Australia—poisoned by toxins from the prolonged algal bloom—made it particularly upsetting.
Although losing any wildlife is distressing, the sheer scale of the algal bloom in South Australia is staggering. It has devastated marine life, littered beaches with dead fish, and cost the tourism and fishing industries millions. This is an ecological disaster, driven largely by warmer waters, and it has now been unfolding for a year.
At what point do we start talking more seriously about the toll this is taking on our South Australian neighbours, and what it signals for all of us? If this were happening on our beaches, how would we respond?
Amy Hiller, Kew
Medical cost alert
Recently, I was referred by my GP for a echocardiogram and was quite shocked that Medicare didn’t give me any rebate.
Investigating this, it seems only one echocardiogram is allowed every 24 months; this I was completely unaware of.
Apparently, I had an echocardiogram last March ordered by my cardiologist while having a battery replaced in my pacemaker. I was not made aware of this first echocardiogram.
So, please be aware if you are to have any procedures. Make sure there is a rebate from Medicare. I am out of pocket nearly $400, a considerable amount as I am on an aged pension. Ask your medical practitioners about rebates before proceeding with any medical procedures.
Name withheld, Mt Martha
Mutual respect
In the spirit of Victorian Treaty it was uplifting to see the mutual respect between the community independent candidate for the Nepean by-election,Tracee Hutchison, and Jillian West, a Bunurong Traditional owner, at the launch of Tracee’s campaign in Rye.
It speaks volumes of Tracee’s character that she sought approval to represent the Nepean lands from Jillian before nominating for the election. Following the inspiring story of Jillian’s father’s life the genuine emotion in her voice as she endorsed Tracee’s nomination was very moving.
If only there was more genuine care for fellow life travellers the world would be a better place.
Rosemary Bates, McCrae
Promises, promises
Your correspondent (Liberal promises, Letters 17/3/26) mentions what he feels are the sins of the Liberal party, but overlooks the greater sins of this Labor government.
In his estimation the Liberals don’t like spending money on us. It is the Labor government’s reckless lack of fiscal responsibility that has landed the state, i.e. us poor taxpayers, with an almost insurmountable debt.
The same government that has spent so much more across the bay than in the so-called Melbourne metropolitan suburbs of the Mornington Peninsula. The Jetty Road overpass has not been built because this (Labor) government won’t fund it.
As for the East-West tunnel being a white elephant, it must be a white mouse compared to the Suburban Rail Loop. And to the cost of cancelling said tunnel? That was a decision of the Labor Government to cancel a project duly initiated by the (previous) Liberal Government.
Compare that to the decision to cancel the Commonwealth Games at enormous cost. Those Games were fought for by the Labor government, then cancelled once they had harvested the extra votes from the regions. Blow the cost of the cancellation, all those extra votes must be worth it, and again, all paid for by us poor taxpayers.
A couple of other observations: I suspect the Uyghurs and Taiwanese don’t see China as an industrious, mainly peaceful nation.
And I join with what I am sure are many other readers in hoping Cliff Ellen had a wonderful birthday on Sunday – even though he is on what many of us would see as the wrong side of politics, and worse still, a Collingwood supporter!
Jack Wheeler, Mornington
Think before you commit
Our local ALP correspondent John Cain writes (Liberal promises, Letters 17/3/26) about Liberal promises not eventuating with typical gusto. Is that because the state and federal ALP governments put taxpayers’ money into projects where they have the security of holding seats?
John’s closing remarks are correct. Just think before you complete your ballot paper.
Think about Daniel Andrews saying, “the cancellation of the East West project would not cost a cent”. $1.1b of taxpayer’s money later he decides to build a West East project then handing responsibly to replacement Premier Jacinta Allan whose incompetent management leads to costs doubling.
John has also forgotten to tell us who or what government project received the $15b that is alleged to have disappeared into the thin air of corruption.
The real issue is the debt from borrowings and interest the Andrews and Allan inept governments reaching $200 billion; to put that number into perspective it is $200,000,000,000. An ageing debt our future generations will be saddled with.
Of course one can never forget Covid issues: $20m dollars for security at a city motel by an unknown company sacked after seven days.
The current $124m taxpayers’ dollars for “out of court” compensation recently paid to businesses for losses during the Covid shut down.
The $589m dollars for Andrews/Allan cancelling the Commonwealth games: $380m to the Commonwealth Games Commission and $200m spent on pre-games costs.
The above highlights financial mismanagement. We should not forget this has led to insufficient funds to address the condition of Victorian roads, increasing crime statistics, motor vehicle thefts, the ongoing teachers strike, etc.
Responsible citizens will vote according to their wants and needs; however, a good recommendation is… “Think before you commit”.
Bruce White, Safety Beach
Flinders bright spot?
As a Labor Party member, I read with interest the article on the Liberal’s 2025 federal election campaign (Liberal autopsy tells of Flinders ‘bright spot’, The News 10/3/26).
To see a margin reduced from 6.7% to 2.3% as a bright spot does talk of desperation.
What the report seems to have missed is the Coalition need to do more to listen to the community and develop effective policies that address the key issues that are facing people today.
Watching Parliament question time, it seems that the whole focus of the Coalition is to can everything that Labor introduces, oppose the extension of renewable energy, create fear and divisiveness and blame immigration for all the problems.
As I write this I am having a battery installed by a workforce that includes two Muslim immigrants out of a workforce of four. If we reduce immigration who will do that work?
We need a good opposition for an effective democracy. I hope the coalition can do some soul searching and develop effective policies, but so far the signs look a little depressing.
Marg D’Arcy, Rye
Well done Jess
I enjoyed Victorian Liberal Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, and her Liberal colleagues’ so very humorous “lost Commonwealth Games” video send up, of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s great mess. When as Minister for Major Projects, Allan oversaw the Commonwealth Games, disaster costing Victorian taxpayers almost $600m. The video is right on the money.
And Jess seems to have heeded Moliere’s, “The most effective way to tackle vice is to expose it to public ridicule. People can put up with rebukes, but they can’t bear being laughed at: they are prepared to be wicked, but they dislike appearing ridiculous”.
And so savvy, young Jess and Co have certainly done that to Jacinta Allan, and Victorian Labor!
Howard Hutchins, Wantirna
Truth denied
$50m hotel bungle bill, “the Allan government settles a massive class action linked to the state’s controversial hotel quarantine program”. But Wait!
Now “Taxpayers cough up covid $125m of taxpayer’s money”.
Then on the Channel Ten News on Monday 16/03/26 at the Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has the audacity to say, “We have settled at this amount ($125m) to save Victorians further cost”.
This is BS. The Labor government has lied time and time again to the Victorian public. It is not Lies we want, it is the truth that we desire. The Labor government has made a $125m payout to cover the decisions they made during covid.
By doing this, they will do anything to hide from an open court case, we can all remember Daniel Andrews saying “I cannot remember”. More lies!
This would have been the one chance, if the case had gone to the Supreme Court, for the general public to maybe learn the truth. Now we are denied by this rabid government, using our hard earned money to escape unscathed.
The $15b CFMEU scandal, the Commonwealth Games scandal, the inept “Tap and Go” on our train service, when other states have had it for years, the waste goes on and on.
Are you, the general public, going to keep letting it happen? You have a chance in November to see the end of the most dysfunctional government this state has ever had.
David Lines, Somerville
Marsh for MP?
Anthony Marsh has put himself forward as the new Liberal candidate for Nepean in the 2 May by-election. As the former Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor, Marsh repeatedly misled the public about his intention to leave council midterm to seek election to state government.
Should he win in Nepean, a council by-election would be required for Briars Ward, costing peninsula ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In his time as mayor, Marsh set out to limit transparency at the council and accountability to our community by reducing the number of public council meetings from 24 to 11 a year.
He set alarm bells ringing by requiring the public to send written questions a week before public council meetings, replacing the practice of questions on the night. He threw out citizens panels and worked with the CEO to dispense with questions to officers who formerly presented reports to public council meetings — all effectively restricting the public’s ability to scrutinise council decisions.
Marsh severely limited councillors’ ability to bring Notices of Motion on behalf of residents to public Council meetings, and completely misled the community about how he intended to vote on the “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” lightshow that seriously impacted wildlife at The Briars.
He failed to ensure that council funding was fairly distributed around the peninsula, funding the northern area from Mt Martha to Mt Eliza to the detriment of the southern peninsula, where he is now standing for state parliament.
With this egregious record on transparency and accountability, Marsh hopes to represent an area that he does not live in and has shown zero interest in until now.
Ray Aspinall, Bittern
What’s going on?
It beggars believe, not one person found it in their hearts to point out that the unhinged attacks by Israel and the great orange ogre the king of America, Donald the terrible, are 100% illegal actions in international law.
It is great to see that the usual followers of American adventurism have this time declined to jump into the breach. I hope this will stay that way until America and Israel start to negotiate seriously with Iran and apologise for their breach of international law.
No plan Trump, is so beholden to Bibi, one wonders what Bibi’s got over the American king without clothes? What’s the end game of these nincompoops? When all else fails, we’ll drop the big one? I hope they’re not that far gone morally and ethically.
In the meantime the rest of the world pays through the nose for this two fools adventurism.
Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach
Price gouging
Raw material crude oil typically represents approximately one-third to 40% of the total price of petrol at the pump.
Wholesale vs. Retail: Between 20 February and 11 March 2026, wholesale terminal gate prices rose by roughly 41.8 cents per litre but retail prices often outpaced this. Using the highest percentage of 40% this means that the wholesale price added 16.7 cents per litre to the bowser price.
Retail Surge: Between 20 February and 11 March 2026, daily average retail petrol prices across Australia’s five largest cities jumped by 48.8 cents per litre, 170.9 cents per litre to 219.7 cents per litre. This is 32.1 cents per litre, essentially double the wholesale price of crude with reports of prices exceeding $2.50 per litre in some areas, an increase of 79.1 cents per litre.
I am ecstatic that The ACCC is monitoring Australian petrol prices daily across capital cities and over 190 regional locations, investigating price gouging amid the current Middle Eastern conflict, with specific focus on rising costs. Is the ACCC just another regulator doing what they do best, not regulating?
Petrol prices have started to push past 230c per litre in most state capitals. I am gobsmacked. The consumer watchdog is calling major fuel suppliers and retailers to an emergency meeting to demand explanations for the recent surge in petrol prices.
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY CLIFF ELLEN
A ditty for Cliff
There were clues.
Little ones. Scattered.
A number appearing here… disappearing there…
Ninety, perhaps. Nearly. Soon.
We read on. We waited.
And now… no more guessing.
It’s official.
You made it.
Happy 90th, Cliff Ellen… and thank you for keeping us all slightly off-balance along the way.
Anne Kruger, Rye
Congratulations Cliff
Happy Birthday Cliff! May there be many more.
Michael Raynes, Mt Eliza
Happy birthday Cliff!
Congratulations on completing 90 orbits around the sun. Best wishes for the coming year and thanks for all your wise words.
Dale Stohr, Crib Point
BarleyCharlie@90
March 22nd. OMG, made it. What now, aim for 91? Thinking time?
Aside from the “Wars” looking back (say) three years; 2023? The 300 steps to the RSL now not only a stretch, my scooter is doing the job, AND, using said scooter inside Woolworths.
Still living knee deep on the Mornington Peninsula where tradies, once Labor voters, now almost right wing, roam, sneering?
Reading Anson Cameron fortnightly, still a calm clever runt.
It is a lie to say private schools take pressure off the public system. The opposite, taking money out of public classrooms, entrenching inequality, the creation of thus maintaining the privilege.
Speaking of PM Albanese, climate change is surely our number one concern but who is listening? Wars, floods, fire; record temperatures, ice melting, mass extinction, bleached coral, 1.5 degrees, 2 degrees; IPCC report, drought, heatwave tipping points?
Buy up on illegal cigarettes in anticipation of another legal price rise?
We thank our invisible Lord, comedy is still with us, despite living with ratbags, the true dangers (real stress as against anticipated stress, and DNA superstition forever), BUT, nothing matters, at 90, assuming Collingwood wins?
Better thoughts? Thinking (writing) is my necessity, no alternative. If St Peter has access to this, a type of Diary (of Un-entitlements?) a fair chance of no entry into Lahlah land? Maybe an opportunity to ask (St Peter) one or two questions, “Why is it I grow breasts at the same time I lose my bottom, a ‘reverse’ boob job?”
And Noah, allowing two bats on his bloody Ark?
Comedy on tap, a Collingwood victory for dessert, fear of heart attack, stress, ghosts attempting entry, into the Spiolto Respimat, deep breaths.
Albo losing votes (no surprise) not enough to lose, thankfully? Finally dodgy tobacco shops, nah, dodgy government.
“Faith is the pencil of the soul, that pictures heavenly things.” Burbridge.
Mind how you go. CWE….
Cliff Ellen, Rye
