MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have rejected an officer recommendation that the shire lodge an objection to the Arthurs Seat Eagle’s planned upgrades, at their 2 December meeting.
The upgrade of the Arthurs Seat Eagle was mooted last year with the expansion of both the bottom and summit stations, the addition of a pedestrian bridge over Arthurs Seat Road, the building of an observation tower, and the building of a “luge-style” ride down the escarpment.
The plans were subsequently altered after community feedback, including the scrapping of the pedestrian bridge, and shortening the proposed luge track (Eagle plans scaled back but community still concerned, The News 28/8/25).
Such is the upgrade’s scale, the planned redevelopment has been deemed a “project of significance” under Victorian planning provisions. Practically, this removes decision making authority for the project from the shire, with the ultimate authority resting with the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny.
The removal of authority from the shire does not remove their ability to object to the project.
In the report, shire officers deemed the main issues to be a lack of use approval for the luge, the visual impact of the project, and the lack of critical information in key areas.
Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh was absent from Tuesday’s meeting, and two councillors, Crs Stephens and Patton, declared conflicts of interest over the matter and recused themselves from the vote. This left eight of the 11 councillors to decide the matter.
The motion that the shire lodge an objection to the Arthurs Seat Eagle’s planned upgrades was moved by Cr Gill and seconded by Cr Binyon.
In favour of the motion, Gill said “The problems that are there are probably unnecessary. I think the size, the issues to do with vegetation, issues to do with the new idea of the luge could have been modified and perhaps would have had a better reception”.
“The current proposal seeks a planning permission and I agree with the officers that the expansion is a little too much given the problems that it may create.”
With no other councillors wanting to speak on the motion, deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro spoke against the officer’s recommendation to lodge an objection.
“Our role tonight is to provide a balanced evidence-based advice on a proposal,” said Pingiaro.
“The report acknowledges policy support and finds elements acceptable yet ultimately concludes that the overall proposal is unacceptable and recommends council object.
“The officer report raises considerable legitimate concerns regarding vegetation removal, landslip risk, visual impact, traffic and parking, bushfire risk and flora and fauna. In my view, many of these impacts are capable of being managed through strong conditions and further design refinement, and some changes have already occurred in response, especially the shortening of the luge section.
“Our decision is about what kind of advice we send the Minister. I’d like that advice, whatever council resolves, to be constructive, clearly setting out our concerns and also any conditions we think could mitigate them.
“With no predetermined position, I’m not confident I have the full picture of what could be achieved through the recommendation put before us as I do not feel that I’m either able to support or object to the proposal at this point.”
With no further debate, discussion or questions on the contentious and long-running issue of the upgrade of the Arthurs Seat Eagle, the matter was put to a vote. In favour of endorsing the officer’s recommendation to lodge an objection to the project were Crs Binyon, Gill and Roper. Against lodging an objection were Crs Pingiaro, Williams, Allen, Batty and Ranken. The motion was lost.
With the motion lost, and no alternative motion proposed, Mornington Peninsula Shire will not be lodging a position, or be making any recommendations to the Planning Minster, Sonya Kilkenny, by the 10 December deadline.
Chief Executive Officer of the Arthurs Seat Eagle, Matt Mulkearns told The News they were pleased the recommendation to oppose their planning application was voted against by the council.
“The factual inaccuracies and the presentation of erroneous and overstated concerns contained in the report did not assist to provide councillors with a thorough understanding of the project proposal and its true impacts. Based on this, it was ultimately the right position for the majority of councillors to vote against the motion to object the planning application,” said Mulkearns.
“While the Mornington Peninsula Shire are not the responsible authority, the advice that the council sends to the Minister for Planning may hold weight in the decision-making process.
“Of course, our door remains open to councillors and community members, for anyone seeking additional information or offering constructive suggestions as the planning process continues.”
Save Our Seat spokesperson Kylie Greer said their group was “bitterly disappointed with the councillors who rejected the advice of their own experts within council.”
“This was an opportunity for councillors to stand up on behalf of the community — and they failed miserably,” said Greer.
“The most infuriating aspect is that the rollercoaster is planned for an area council itself recognises as medium-high landslide risk and already subject to an Erosion Management Overlay.”
“This council was severely criticised by the McCrae Landslide Inquiry for failing to address landslide risk on the Mornington Peninsula, yet at the first opportunity to stand up to a developer proposing a high-risk project in a landslide zone, they’ve rolled over like lapdogs.
“The Mornington Peninsula community — and every Victorian who loves this part of the world — should feel deeply let down by the actions of the dominant pro-development faction of council.”
First published in the Mornington News – 9 December 2025
