MEMBER for Nepean, Anthony Marsh, has made an explosive claim in parliament that a large tract of the green wedge is at risk of development, and suggested there may have been state government discussions to rezone the land to meet housing targets.
Marsh claimed developers may have lobbied Sonya Kilkenny, Minister for Planning, after previously lobbying the Mornington Peninsula Shire to have green wedge land between Mornington and Mt Martha rezoned to accommodate 2000 new houses.
In parliament on Wednesday (12 August) Marsh addressed the following to Kilkenny:
“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.
“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.
“The proponents, represented by a Labor-connected lobbyist, acknowledged existing policy prevents development beyond the town boundary but argued Labor’s housing targets mean those boundaries will be reconsidered.
“Curiously, the minister’s department’s new modelling suddenly identified that green wedge land around Mornington and Mount Martha is highly accessible for housing.
“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 Sonya Kilkenny’s office and received a reply from Liam Miles, a spokesperson from the Officer of the Premier of Victoria, stating: “There has been no meeting from the Minister for Planning or her office to discuss this matter”.
Despite no meeting with Kilkenny, Mornington Peninsula Shire’s publicly available Lobbying Activity Register lists a meeting on 15 April 2026 between registered lobbyists and shire CEO Mark Stoermer.
The notation of the meeting states “Met with Steve Wall and Anton Pound – employees of Bauenort, a client of Phillip Reed” and the purpose of the meeting to discuss “housing and community opportunities in Mornington”.
The “Bauenort” referred to is Bauenort Management Pty Ltd of which Anton Pound is a director. Their website states they are a “strategically minded property development and advisory group providing innovative solutions that are rewarding, responsible and sustainable”.
An email from Anton Pound, seen by The News, states “…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”.
Also mentioned in the notes from the meeting was Phil Reed, who has worked in senior roles for Labor leaders including managing the media unit for Victorian Premier Steve Bracks. Reed was also Labor’s candidate for Lord Mayor of Melbourne in 2020 and 2024. The company Reed works for currently states they are a “strategic advisory and communications firm that specialises in government relations, political engagement, public policy and strategic communications”.
Reed did confirm Bauenort was a client of his, but claimed no knowledge of the meeting, which he did not attend. He also told The News “I will not be providing any comment on or off-the-record”.
Public records show that Bauenort has placed caveats over several of the properties in the green wedge area in question on the grounds of “charge contained in an agreement”, prohibiting the owners to act contrary to the agreement made between the parties.
Dr. Greg Holland, President of the Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network, told The News: “My understanding is that the question by the Member for Nepean will be ruled out of order on procedural grounds, and that the Minister does not have any authority to change green wedge zoning.”
“However, I do acknowledge that such rezoning attempts are regularly made on the integrity of our green wedge and take this opportunity to remind readers of why it is here.
“Our green wedge is ‘one of Melbourne’s greatest assets, characterised by contained townships, a substantial and diverse local economy, and areas of national and international conservation significance’ (Melbourne 2030: Planning for Sustainable Growth, 2002).
“It is more biodiverse than any similar area in Victoria.
“It is an outlet for the large numbers who arrive from the city on weekends and during holidays to sample our farm table delights, and to enjoy our mix of rural, coastal, and natural environments.
“These activities add up to an important blend of people and nature. A blend that is internationally recognised by our belonging to one of only five United Nations designated Biospheres in Australia.
“One that must be protected for the good of all.”
First published in the Mornington News – 18 August 2026
