MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have rejected a planning application for use of land for pigeon racing, keeping, training, and breeding. At the 27 October council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to refuse the Balnarring planning application, which included a pigeon loft. Roger Langley submitted the application for use of the land at his holiday house in Balnarring Beach, which subsequently received 14 objections from community members. Cr David Gill, who submitted the motion for a Notice of Refusal, said it was one of the more difficult planning application decisions. “Sometimes there are professional opinions, and sometimes there are other opinions that…
Author: Raia Flinos
FIVE of the candidates running for the Hastings electorate at the upcoming state election have gathered for a Mornington Peninsula Shire organised election forum. On 29 October, the five candidates were asked a range of questions regarding issues affecting the Hastings electorate. The candidates in attendance were Peter Angelico (One Nation), Chloe Coulson (Animal Justice Party), Paul Mercurio (Labor), Frank Schiefler (Liberal), and Isaac Willoughby (Greens). Candidates had two minutes to introduce themselves before a moderated discussion. Chloe Coulson said Hastings’ communities, wildlife, and environment deserves protection. “Evidence based actions, community consultation, and compassion will be at the heart of…
A MORNINGTON home under construction will open its doors to visitors as part of an international initiative showcasing energy-efficient building models. The property will be among more than 40 Australian communities opening certified Passivhaus homes and commercial sites for tours during International Passivhaus Open Days from 13 to 15 November. Emerald Building Services is building the Passivhaus home, which will feature high-performance windows, continuous insulation and airtight construction to improve comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. The Mornington tour will be hosted by Emerald Building Services director and registered builder Tim Greenham and will provide an opportunity for visitors…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have unanimously approved an over-expenditure to complete the Somerville to Baxter Trail. At the 27 October council meetings, councillors voted in approval of delivering a pedestrian underpass beneath Frankston-Flinders Rd; the last section of the trail to be delivered. Cr Kate Roper, who moved the motion, said the community have been waiting decades for the link to be finished. “Currently, the trail is 90 per cent finished, with the path ending abruptly approximately 50 metres from where the underpass is planned,” said Roper. “[The underpass] would give the community a superior, safe way to continue along…
THE BRIARS Wildlife Sanctuary expansion is officially open, creating additional protected habitat for threatened species and providing more opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature. A grant of more than $1.52m from the state government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund supported the expansion of the sanctuary from 90 to 130 hectares. Minster for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Natalie Suleyman MP, said the project has enhanced the visitor experience at The Briars while creating more protected space for wildlife. “Nature-based tourism is a huge part of what draws people to the Mornington Peninsula, and these improvements will give visitors even…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will discontinue customer service operations at Somerville Library, Dromana Visitor Information Centre, Sorrento Community Centre, and Red Hill Village Shopping Centre. At the 27 October council meeting, councillors voted to close the Tier 3 “Your Local Connection Points” model, which was established in 2023. A shire review found customer demand at the four locations has continued to decline, and the current model is not financially sustainable long-term. Councillors also approved a three-month trial of extended operating hours at Hastings Customer Service Centre from 9am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Cr Paul Pingiaro, who moved the motion, said…
RMIT and the RACV have partnered to trial an innovative technology that could transform how roads are monitored for potholes and other infrastructure damage. The road defect detection technology was placed on one of RACV’s Mornington-based roadside vans and, in two months, recorded over 300 defects on 1000km of road. The trial is underway until January, but data collected between 21 August and 21 October found one distinct defect site for every 3.7km driven. Mornington-based RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance patrol driver Mark Orlando operates the trial vehicle, manually flagging road defects to help validate the technology’s detections. “As someone who…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has confirmed what changes will be implemented following a comprehensive review. From next year, libraries will be open longer (including weekends), the library van will be out and about more frequently, and digital collections will be boosted. The shire said the review confirmed libraries are highly valued community spaces that play an important role in learning, literacy, digital access, and connection. Staff members were consulted before the changes were finalised and have expressed concerns about the process (“Shire finalises library service changes after review”, The News, 26/10/26). The shire said there has been no reduction in the…
CONSTRUCTION has begun on ten new homes in Mornington, which will provide safe and secure housing for women and children experiencing housing stress and insecurity. YWCA and Mornington Peninsula Shire are delivering the project together, with Homes Victoria funding the housing and development component under the state government’s Social Housing Growth Fund. Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the homes represent a tangible commitment to dignity, security, and opportunity for vulnerable community members. “Our region has some of the highest rates of homelessness in Victoria. We have the highest number of people over the age of 55 sleeping rough in the…
BONEO Lions Club have expressed frustration towards Mornington Peninsula Shire after the site for their Sunday market was double booked. On 28 October, the club found out through an advertising flyer the Italian Festa had also been booked for 1 November at the Rosebud Foreshore. The Boneo Lions Club has held a market on the foreshore on the first Sunday of every month for the past five years but has had to cancel their 1 November market. Boneo Lions Club president Terry Cook said this is “appalling” treatment of a local community organisation from the shire. “We’re thinking over $6000…
PEACHY Keen Ceramics in Mt Eliza will open its doors to the public as part of the annual Australian Ceramics Open Studio weekend. On 7 November, founder Cait is inviting peninsula locals to see behind the scenes of her ceramic studio. Studio members’ work will be available to purchase, as well as mini-workshops and refreshments on offer. Australian Ceramics Open Studio weekend is an annual event where potters, ceramic artists, and sculptors can share their art through demonstrations and conversations. Cait said the weekend is a great opportunity for people to come and see what they offer, get a feel…
BENTONS Square Community Centre has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a community gathering and afternoon tea. On 22 October, community members, volunteers, staff, and local politicians gathered to celebrate the centre’s history and achievements. The centre is a purpose-built facility that offers a range of cost effective activities for all age groups. Centre manager, Kelly Johnson, said it was a fantastic celebration. “We had over 100 people attend and the weather was great,” said Johnson. With One Voice community choir sang a few songs in the courtyard before the group heard from Anne Shaw, who was the local councillor in…
PUBLIC pole-mounted electric vehicle chargers will be installed across the peninsula as part of United Energy’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Trial. The United Energy trial is delivering chargers across its network to improve access to convenient charging and support the transition to electric vehicles. The proposed sites are 157 Marine Dr, Safety Beach; 46 Hotham Rd, Sorrento; 29 Hurley Ct, Balnarring; 23 Marine Drive, Safety Beach; 87 Byrnes Rd, Shoreham; and 42 Lochiel Ave, Mt Martha. Director of Planning and Liveability at the shire, Andrew Pomeroy, said they provided feedback to United Energy about location appropriateness, community demand, and…
MORNINGTON Lions Club held its annual Lego Technical Building Competition, with 13 schools from across the peninsula competing. On 22 October, teams of six to eight students from Year 4 and 5 at local schools competed in the competition at Mornington Theatre. Head of Membership at the Lions Club, Graham Read, said the competition was designed to help engage young people in a non-physical and creative challenge. “It’s really to engage the local community through the schools and to try and engage with the youth, in terms of getting them to do a non-manual or a non-combative kind of sport,”…
NEPEAN MP Anthony Marsh has committed to rebuilding Flinders Pier under an elected Liberal government. On 26 October, Marsh said the Victorian Liberals remain committed to fully restoring the pier, and they will deliver it if they win the upcoming state election. “This local landmark is a non-negotiable priority for our community, and I am proud to have fought alongside our community since the campaign began in 2021,” said Marsh. “I will be even more proud to see it finally delivered under a Liberal government.” Marsh said the project has not been delivered because Labor “has turned their back on…
THOUSANDS of properties will be removed from the interim Erosion Management Overlay (EMO7) after the state government approved a planning scheme amendment. The approval of Planning Scheme Amendment C314morn means the number of properties covered by the overlay will be reduced from around 33,000 to 6,000. The amendment ensures planning controls are targeted to areas of landslide susceptibility and will make planning requirements simpler for landowners undertaking minor buildings and works. Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the changes delivered a fairer and more targeted approach while continuing to manage landslide risk responsibly. “Council understands the frustration experienced by many property…
THE FRENCH Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency David Martinon, visited The Briars to explore the peninsula’s connection to Napoleon Bonaparte. On 23 October, Martinon was joined by Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie, mayor Cr Stephen Batty, and deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro at The Briars. Martinon received a private viewing of selected items from The Briars’ internationally significant Napoleonic Collection. Batty said the visit highlights an extraordinary chapter of local history that continues to connect the peninsula with France more than 200 years later. “We are honoured to welcome His Excellency Mr Martinon and share the unique story that connects our…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Stephen Batty has joined forces with local psychologist, Danielle Jacobs, to call for urgent safety upgrades at three of Mt Eliza’s busiest intersections. The pair have started a petition calling for safety upgrades at Volitans Avenue, Mount Eliza Way, and Baden Powell Drive. They said the gaps in traffic at these intersections are short, and vehicles travel fast, with no traffic lights or proper intersection controls to help anyone get onto, off, or across the highway. Batty said locals will be familiar with the problems experienced at the three intersections. “It’s been too long -…
COMMUNITY group Save Our Seat have raised questions about the state government’s transparency after the Planning Minister failed to respond to a request for information. In August, a government document revealed the Arthurs Seat Eagle was invited to propose changes to the draft planning permit conditions for its rollercoaster-style luge before final approval was granted (“State government consulted with Arthurs Seat Eagle over approval conditions”, The News, 19/08/26). On 5 August, Save Our Seat wrote to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny and requested the public release of information regarding any changes to the permit conditions. The group sent a follow up…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has notified library staff of what changes will be implemented as part of an upcoming library restructure. The shire completed a library review and presented staff with the proposed changes on 17 September (“Concern over restructure of shire libraries”, The News, 20/10/26). A staff consultation period took place, with the findings disclosed to staff at a meeting on 14 October. A staff member, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the staff are still unhappy and there have been three resignations, with more expected to come. “There were no library-qualified people on the working group that did this…
TWO Bays Art Group is celebrating 60 years with a pop-up exhibition and sale at Peninsula Community Theatre. The group consists of 18 women who hold around eight shopping centre art shows a year. The pop-up exhibition and celebration will take place at Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington from 26 to 29 November. Nicole Barros, one of the members, said reaching 60 years is something worth celebrating. “It’s something to be proud of that these women, 60 years ago, came up with this idea to do it, and it still works today,” said Barros. “So, we’re celebrating it by having…
A 16-YEAR-OLD from Tyabb had her artwork displayed on a supercar bonnet during this year’s Bathurst 1000. Supercar driver Cody Burcher had the artwork of ten children diagnosed with cancer displayed on his bonnet as he raced over the weekend of 8 October. Burcher drove a fully charity-branded Holden Commodore ZB for the Kids with Cancer Foundation. Tyabb resident Shontel was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in March and has since had her kidney removed. She now faces 12 more months of intensive treatment. Shontel had the opportunity to draw a picture of Tinkerbell and to autograph the bonnet with her…
MORNINGTON residents have raised concerns over the location of a proposed telecommunications tower. The proposed tower is funded by the state government as part of its Connecting Victoria Mobile Program, which exempts it from VCAT review rights and public notice. The suggested location for the 900 MHz tower is 900 Moorooduc Hwy, Mornington, as coverage for Optus has been identified as deficient in the area. Tim Hannaford, who lives on a neighbouring property, noticed surveyors at the property on 17 September. Hannaford said he contacted the owner of the property, who said he believed it was a good spot for…
MORNINGTON Lions Club have donated $5000 to the peninsula branch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation, allowing for two new ultrasound machines at Frankston Hospital. On 16 October, Lions Club representatives presented the Blue Ribbon Foundation with a cheque for $5000 at the Mornington Police Station. President of the peninsula branch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation, Rhon Nation, said they wouldn’t have reached their target without the donation. “You can’t say thank you enough,” said Nation. “It’s very generous that they’re willing to donate and we really appreciate it.” The Lions Club raised the money for Blue Ribbon Day, which is…
AN application to expand an existing quarry in Langwarrin has been refused by the Minister for Planning. On 7 October, Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny refused a Development Facilitation Program planning application for a quarry expansion onto a site on Valley Rd, Langwarrin. Local community groups and residents have been advocating against the expansion, which was proposed on green wedge land, for years. The proposed quarry would have impacted a recognised wildlife corridor that links The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve with Cranbourne Botanical Gardens. Elizabeth Cester, who lives in the area, said they first received notice about the proposed…
A COMMUNITY event will bring together local residents and environmental groups to celebrate Western Port Bay and call for a coordinated whole-of-bay plan to protect its future. Save Westernport is holding Wild About Western Port on 25 October from 2:30 pm at RW Stone Reserve. The free event will feature live music from local guest Dingo Spender, a teaser screening of Western Port Down Under, guest speakers, and campaign updates. This event comes ahead of the upcoming state election, with locals calling on all parties to commit to a coordinated plan for Western Port Bay. Save Westernport secretary, Julia Stockigt,…
ANIMAL Justice Party candidate Chloe Coulson will contest the seat of Hastings in the upcoming state election. Coulson joined the party in early 2026 after deciding she wanted to have a greater impact on environmental change on a political level. Coulson has a background in disability, social work, and community development and has plans to undertake a Master of Teaching next year. “I’ve always been very passionate about the community, environment, and animals,” said Coulson. “I actually live right on the border between Frankston and the Hastings electorate, and I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering there, particularly with environmental…
A RETIRED Senior Sergeant has alleged Sorrento Police Station has had all resources removed and has not been fully operational for 18 months. Malcolm Davey, who was formerly the officer-in-charge at Sorrento and Rye Police Stations, said he believes the station has been out of use for a year and a half. “They’re probably saying it’s still operational, but for all intents and purposes, the recording equipment for interviews and things has all been removed,” said Davey. “That means it’s not being used and it’s not fully operational.” Davey said the station still appears operational, and the local community has…
MORNINGTON Tourist Railway has painted one of its locomotives pink to raise funds for breast cancer research. On 17 October, the community gathered at the railway for a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Network Australia. The pink colour is historically accurate to what the locomotive T334 was painted for a short period 40 years ago. It was used for a mock V/Line training video which created an anonymised operator, “OzRide”, to depict the importance of taking responsibility for customer service. The video featured Vince Colosimo and has since been lost, but recently, the OzRide pink has gained…
CONCERNS have been raised over a proposed restructure of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s library system. Multiple library employees, who wish to remain anonymous, have expressed concerns over the proposed model, which is set to come into effect in early January 2027. Director of Communities at the shire, Cheryl Casey, said the community comes first. “We’re reviewing the shire’s library service to ensure it meets community needs and delivers the best outcomes for our residents now and into the future,” said Casey. “No final decisions have been made and consultation with employees is underway.” A staff briefing for library employees was held…