Mornington Peninsula Shire has launched its “Shout Out for the Peninsula” advocacy campaign, calling on all political parties and candidates contesting November’s state election to commit to investing in the future of the peninsula.
The campaign outlines key priorities across the peninsula’s three state electorates: Mornington, Nepean and Hastings, with a focus on improving safety, liveability, connectivity and support for vulnerable communities.
In the Mornington electorate, a $14m commitment to complete the Mornington-to-Moorooduc section of the Peninsula Trail heads the shire’s election wish-list.
The missing 8.3km section would bring the shire one step closer to delivering a continuous 170km trail network connecting communities across the peninsula.
Inspecting the proposed trail site alongside Bicycle Network representatives, Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the upgrade would provide safer connections for the community.
“This isn’t just a cycling project, it’s about creating safer connections for families, school students and visitors while bringing communities closer together,” said Batty.
To help tackle the housing crisis, the shire is calling for the redevelopment of social housing at 335 Main Street, Mornington and $500,000 for the Mornington Community Support Centre to support vulnerable residents experiencing housing stress and homelessness.
Community infrastructure plus protecting and improving coastal access also remain priorities, with the shire seeking $800,000 for the Mt Eliza Coastal Walk extension and $8m to restore access to the picturesque Beleura Cliff Path.
“These projects will help ensure Mornington remains one of the most liveable and connected communities in Victoria,” said Batty.
In the Nepean electorate, an urgent $400m investment to secure the future of Rosebud Hospital tops the shire’s wish-list.
Urgent upgrades to Rosebud Hospital would deliver expanded emergency care catering for more than 171,000 residents and tens of thousands more over summer, potentially preventing long and stressful trips to Frankston or Melbourne.
Visiting Rosebud Women’s Community Housing, Batty said Nepean’s reputation as one of Victoria’s premier coastal communities should not mask very real housing challenges.
“Nepean is one of the jewels in Victoria’s crown, but alongside the postcard image are families, women and children struggling to find secure housing,” said Batty.
“That’s why we’re calling for a $15m investment to deliver practical housing solutions and give vulnerable residents the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
Also on the wish list are $10m to restore access to Portsea Front Beach, $900,000 to complete the Peninsula Trail connecting Blairgowrie and Sorrento at Cameron’s Bight and the full restoration of Flinders Pier.
Twenty million dollars is also sought to upgrade intersections along the Nepean Highway at Safety Beach and Dromana improving safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
In the Hastings electorate, a complete rebuild of undulating, dangerous and pothole ridden Coolart Road features on the top of the shire’s wish-list.
It is believed Coolart Road has reached the end of its service life and continues to pose significant safety concerns for motorists.
Increasing freight movement and population growth has placed significant pressure on the road network, making a full reconstruction of Coolart Road essential.
“Hastings is uniquely positioned as an employment, industrial and maritime hub, but local infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with the needs of our growing community,” said Batty.
“We’re calling on candidates in the upcoming election to commit to invest in safer roads, infrastructure and housing needed to support the district of Hastings.”
Rough sleeping and homelessness are also major priorities, with the shire seeking $500,000 to provide support for homelessness through the Western Port Community Support.
Visiting WPCS’s base in Hastings, Batty said the organisation’s frontline work demonstrates why continued state funding remains critical.
“Every person deserves a safe place to call home. This funding will help ensure vulnerable people in Western Port can access the support they need before they reach crisis point.”
Batty also called for commitments to rezone surplus land associated with the Port of Hastings for housing, agriculture, rural activities and broader industry.
“Hastings has enormous potential to help meet Victoria’s housing needs,” said.
With a state election approaching, the shire is urging all parties and candidates to commit to these critical projects and ensure the peninsula receives its fair share of investment for the future.
