MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has voted to join a collaborative gas procurement program aimed at securing competitive prices for some of its largest facilities.
The current retail gas contracts for some of the shire’s major sites, including Yawa Aquatic Centre and Pelican Park Recreation Centre, expire on 30 June.
At the 9 June council meeting, councillors unanimously approved participation in Procurement Australia’s bulk purchasing process, which combines the gas demand of multiple councils and public organisations to negotiate better rates.
Council delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate the new agreement, with a potential contract value of up to $1.8m depending on the term selected.
Cr Kate Roper, who moved the motion, said securing a new agreement is essential to maintain services at key facilities.
“Our current contract is almost up, so we need to have continuity of supply,” said Roper.
“Some of our swimming centres, they’re the biggest users of gas and they cost us a lot of money.
“But we have to do it, it’s a very important community asset.”
Cr Michael Stephens backed the proposal and noted the benefits of councils negotiating together.
“I think the way it works is a whole lot of councils get together and negotiate a deal together, so look forward to that,” said Stephens.
He added the electrification of Pelican Park will help reduce the facility’s gas consumption (Pelican Park secures electrification grant, The News 11/06/26).
“With the electrification of Pelican Park, we’ll actually be using a fair bit less,” said Stephens.
Cr David Gill supported the proposal, but said council needs to continue working towards lower-emission energy sources.
“There’s not a clear alternative,” said Gill.
“We need to be considering those things and lowering emissions is one of the big issues that we should be always considering.
“All we can do is hope to have a lower financial output for this particular contract, but we need to always be thinking of lower emissions and where we go to next.”
Under the agreement, Procurement Australia will conduct the tender process on behalf of participating councils and recommend the most cost-effective contract term. Estimated contract values range from $400,000 for a one year agreement, to up to $1.8m over a three year contract.
First published in the Mornington News – 23 June 2026
