IN the wake of revelations developers have been lobbying for the rezoning of green wedge land for housing, both Labor and the Liberal Party have committed to not altering the current Urban Growth Boundary.
The commitment would see the green wedge protected into the future, whether Labor or the Liberals win the poll in November.
The move comes after The News reported a developer met with Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO Mark Stoermer with a plan to build 2000 houses in green wedge land between Mornington and Mt Martha (MP claims Labor planning to rezone large tract of green wedge, The News 18/8/26).
In an email seen by The News, the developer wrote “…I outlined a proposal for the potential development of the land immediately east of the Mornington & Mt Martha townships – the land is bounded by the Moorooduc Hwy, Craigie Rd, the Balcombe Creek and Mornington-Tyabb Rd. The consolidated site has the potential to yield over 2000 homes and could delivery (sic) extensive areas of public open space, a sports field, possible school site, indoor sports centre, cultural centre and a convenience retail facility”.
In parliament on Wednesday 12 August, Member for Nepean Anthony Marsh addressed Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny on the matter.
“The minister’s department claims that Mornington Peninsula is 1700 homes short of their housing target despite the shire finding sufficient capacity within existing townships,” said Marsh.
“We know of a proposal involving multiple landholders of more than 2000 homes, just above the claimed shortfall, on green wedge land outside the urban growth boundary between Mornington and Mount Martha, with registered interests already secured over multiple properties.
“Will the minister categorically rule out rezoning green wedge land or expanding the urban growth boundary anywhere on the Mornington Peninsula to meet the minister’s new housing targets and the 1700 homes shortfall the minister’s department now claims is needed?”
The News reached out to Kilkenny’s office after Marsh’s speech and received a reply: “There has been no meeting from the Minister for Planning or her office to discuss this matter”.
While Kilkenny has conceded there is pressure from property interests to change the Urban Growth Boundary, she told The News last week it would not be extended.
“Green wedges play an important role in supporting agriculture, jobs, tourism and open space around Melbourne, which is why we have a plan to strengthen protections for them,” said Kilkenny.
“Building more homes for families doesn’t have to come at the expense of our green wedges and we know Victorians want us to protect these areas.”
“Jess Wilson’s Liberal One Nation coalition continue to try and block homes where people want them – forcing young Victorians out of the housing market.”
“Last time the Liberals were in power they expanded the Urban Growth Boundary – building new suburbs without the infrastructure and services needed to support them.”
Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party David Southwick told The News “The Liberals have a long history with the green wedge, having established the concept under the Bolte Liberal government in 1971. Since then, we have proudly honoured that legacy.”
“It is important that the green wedges are managed in line with community expectations, which is exactly what our More Homes, More Choice policy delivers by returning planning decisions to locals.”
The News also put the question of green wedge protection to local Liberal state MPs Anthony Marsh (Member for Nepean) and Chris Crewther (Member for Mornington).
“The Mornington Peninsula’s green wedge is non-negotiable,” said Marsh.
“It needs warriors to protect it, and I will always be at the forefront of that fight.
“It’s no coincidence Labor has suddenly rushed out to say the green wedge is safe, just days after I exposed this issue in parliament.”
“If my sounding the alarm has forced Labor to back away, that’s a win for the Mornington Peninsula.”
Member for Mornington, Chris Crewther, told The News “It is crucial to protect the green wedge on the Mornington Peninsula. Any precedent that alters current protections may open up a floodgate for further erosion of green wedge protections”.
“It’s what has helped the peninsula stay unique, an attraction and a great place to live – with a balance and the best of the city, country and coast – and it must be protected and guaranteed.”
First published in the Mornington News – 1 September 2026
