RPP NEWS WRAP Feb 2nd - 6th
🚨 POLICE, COURTS & PUBLIC SAFETY
Firearms & Drug Bust – Rosebud
A Rosebud man has been remanded after police allege firearms, drugs, cash and a 3D printer were seized.
A woman arrested at the scene was released pending summons.
The case follows a warrant executed at a Sharen Street property.
Police say investigations remain ongoing.
Copper Theft Charges – Hastings
A 26-year-old man has been charged over a series of copper thefts from power poles.
The alleged offences disrupted local infrastructure.
The man has been bailed to appear in court.
Police say inquiries continue.
Child Safety Incidents – Peninsula
Police are investigating reports of an attempted child luring in Mornington.
A separate case saw a man arrested at a shopping centre on Sunday.
In court, a former Langwarrin Park school principal pleaded guilty to child abuse material charges.
Detectives say child protection remains a priority.
🏛️ POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Sam Groth Resigns – Nepean By-Election
Liberal MP Sam Groth has confirmed his immediate resignation.
The move triggers a by-election in the seat of Nepean.
The Liberals hold the seat on a 6.4 per cent margin.
It becomes an early electoral test ahead of November’s state poll.
Committee Flags Regional Funding Gaps
The Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula says the region is underfunded.
A new benchmarking report compares the area with Geelong.
Infrastructure and service delivery remain key concerns.
The findings land months out from the state election.
🏥 HEALTH & EMERGENCY SERVICES
Ambulance Delays on the Peninsula
New data shows long wait times for life-threatening ambulance cases.
In the slowest ten per cent, patients waited more than 27 minutes.
Pressure is increasing as Frankston Hospital services expand.
Campaigners say local emergency capacity remains stretched.
Save Rosebud Hospital – Public-Private Model Talk
Campaigners say a public-private solution may be emerging.
A model similar to Frankston Hospital could save around $500 million.
Distance and access remain major concerns for peninsula residents.
Calls continue for urgent action.
🌱 ENVIRONMENT, PLANNING & INFRASTRUCTURE
Arthurs Seat Eagle Upgrade Proposal
A multi-million-dollar upgrade proposal is now with state planners.
Plans include summit works and a proposed luge-style ride.
The operator claims up to $45 million in economic benefit.
Community opinion remains divided.
Climate Resilience Plan – Mornington Peninsula
The Shire is developing a new Climate Resilience Plan.
Risks include bushfire, heatwaves, storms and coastal erosion.
Infrastructure and biodiversity protection are central themes.
Community consultation is now open.
Tree Protection Law Review – Frankston
Council is reviewing its Tree Protection Local Law.
Tree canopy coverage has increased across most suburbs since 2011.
Stronger protections are being considered.
Public feedback closes in early March.
🏙️ FRANKSTON CITY & COMMUNITY
Waterfront Dining Renaissance
Roccella Lido will open at the Frankston Yacht Club in August 2026.
The venue will offer southern Italian coastal dining.
Up to 90 local jobs are expected to be created.
A long-vacant foreshore site has been unlocked.
Young Street Revitalisation
Council has purchased and will demolish a derelict Young Street building.
A community garden and new laneway are planned.
Improved links between the station and bayside are proposed.
The project aims to make the city centre more walkable.
Frankston Recognised as a Welcoming City
Frankston has been accredited as an Established Welcoming City.
Council received a score of 4.4 out of 5 nationally.
Inclusion and social cohesion were highlighted.
The recognition coincides with the Waterfront Festival.
🏖️ COMMUNITY & EVENTS
Disabled Surfers Open the Season
Point Leo hosted the season’s first Disabled Surfers event.
Accessible facilities supported more than 150 surfers.
Over 600 people attended the beach-side festival.
The event was powered by volunteers.
Crib Point Pool Turns 50
The outdoor pool has marked 50 years at the heart of the community.
A family fun day celebrated generations of swimmers.
Locals shared memories and milestones.
Many more summers are anticipated.
Beach Patrol Targets Fast-Food Litter
Volunteers collected fast-food packaging from Seaford Beach.
The rubbish was returned to the originating store.
The message was clear: clean up locally.
The community says it is watching.
🏏 SPORT
Local Cricket – Finals Race Tightens
Finals positions remain wide open across MPCA competitions.
Several teams are locked on points.
Leaders have emerged in Peninsula and District grades.
Three rounds remain.
State Cricket – Peninsula Pathway
Xavier Crone has been named in Victoria’s Sheffield Shield squad.
Scott Boland remains unavailable due to national duties.
Victoria is pushing for a home final.
Peninsula pathways continue to deliver.
🚆 TRANSPORT
The Big Rail Switch
Victoria’s new rail timetable is now live.
An additional 1,200 weekly services have been added.
The Frankston Line has returned to the City Loop.
Commuters are adjusting to the changes.