RPP FM NEWS WRAP- February 9th to Friday 13th

🏛️ POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

🔹 Sam Groth Officially Resigns

Sam Groth’s resignation from State Parliament has now been formally announced.
The move officially triggers the process for a Nepean by-election.
The Speaker is expected to announce a polling date early next week.

🔹 Marsh Invited to Seek Liberal Preselection

Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh now appears poised to enter the race for Nepean.
The three time Mornington Shire mayor-  has been granted special dispensation to seek Liberal preselection despite only recently joining the party.
Marsh has until noon Monday to lodge his nomination.

🔹 Six Nominate for Liberal Preselection

RPP sources say six candidates have nominated.
Names include Briony Hutton and former Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy.
Independents are also preparing contenders.

🔹 Frankston Ahead of State Planning Push

The State has unveiled higher-density housing plans near transport hubs.
Eight Frankston Line stations are included — but not Frankston.
Local planners say Frankston is already well advanced.
Questions remain about line capacity further north.

🔹 Frankston’s Long Planning Strategy Vindicated

Frankston has spent five years defining its own activity centre rules.
Growth has been strategically shaped, not imposed.
Committee CEO Josh Sinclair says the city is well positioned.
Planning reforms elsewhere may now follow Frankston’s lead.

🔹 Benchmarking Report to Launch

The Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula will launch a major study March 6.
It compares the region with Geelong and Queenscliffe.
Economic trends and investment levels are examined.
The report is aimed squarely at state election advocacy.

⚖️ LAW & ORDER

🔹 Apprentice Deaths Spark Safety Warning

Five apprentice deaths in five years have triggered a WorkSafe rebuke.
66 companies prosecuted, $7 million in fines.
3,000 injury claims accepted since 2021.
A Frankston case highlighted bullying and harassment.

🔹 Hammer Assault Charges

A Frankston man has been remanded over an alleged hammer assault.
Police say a 51-year-old was struck during a dispute in Cranbourne.
Charges include serious injury and offending while on bail.
The men are known to each other.

🔹 Portsea Pier Death

Police have prepared a report for the coroner.
A man’s body was found near Portsea Pier.
The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Investigations remain ongoing.

🔹 Ritchies Loyalty Data Breach

Ritchies IGA confirmed a third-party data breach.
Basic contact details may have been exposed.
No banking or credit card data affected.
Customers have been notified and authorities informed.

🏥 HEALTH & COMMUNITY

🔹 Rosebud Hospital PPP Whispers

Save Rosebud campaigners say talk continues of a public-private rescue.
The rebuild carries a $500 million price tag.
Advocates say the southern Peninsula remains under-serviced.
An announcement is hoped for before year’s end.

🔹 Homelessness Under Fire

Mornington MP Chris Crewther has criticised the State’s homelessness record.
He cites alarming Peninsula figures.
Crewther says rough sleepers need urgent attention.
The issue is likely to feature heavily in the election campaign.

🔹 International Women’s Day Across the Peninsula

Events will run throughout March.
Talks, workshops and exhibitions are planned.
This year’s theme: “Balance the Scales.”
Focus areas include equality, safety and opportunity.

🌊 DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS

🔹 Continental Hotel Legal Fight

Former operator Julian Gerner has launched Supreme Court action.
He claims he was promised a 20% stake.
The $150 million Sorrento redevelopment is now on the market.
Owners deny the claims and will defend proceedings.

🔹 Mornington Retail Corner to Auction

Mornington Centre Point will go under the hammer next month.
Home to Farrells Bookshop and long-term tenants.
The site generates around $390,000 annually.
It marks the end of 75 years of family ownership.

🔹 Roccella Deal Finally Locked In

Southern Italian group Roccella Lido will open at the Yacht Club in August.
The deal took nearly a decade to secure.
Planning delays and pandemic setbacks slowed progress.
Frankston’s waterfront revival now appears cemented.

🔹 Michelin Recognition for Alba

Alba Thermal Springs has received a Michelin Key.
It’s one of just 14 Australian hotels recognised.
The Sanctuary has entered Michelin’s 2026 selection list.
Tourism operators say it elevates the Peninsula globally.

🔹 Destination Event Funding Open

Frankston Council has opened applications for its 2026–27 program.
A $250,000 funding pool is available.
Events are expected to draw 50,000 visitors annually.
Economic impact is projected at $5 million.

🎉 EVENTS & CULTURE

🔹 Portsea Polo Returns

The iconic event returns after a five-year hiatus.
It will run in a fast-paced F3 format.
Buenos Aires will headline against Victoria.
Organisers expect a strong premium crowd.

🔹 World’s Largest Sunflower Blooms

Mornington Green will unveil a giant sunflower installation.
More than 3,000 flowers form the display.
It opens across two February weekends.
Family games and picnic options included.

🔹 Crib Point Pool Turns 50

The community pool celebrated five decades.
A family fun day marked the milestone.
Generations have learned to swim there.
Locals hope it remains a summer fixture.

🔹 Top Arts Selection for Peninsula Student

Padua College student Fyonn Munro has been selected for Top Arts.
Just 40 works were chosen from 1,200 statewide entries.
The sculpture explores chronic illness and pain.
The exhibition opens at NGV in March.

🏏 SPORT

🔹 Davidson Shines at Australian Open

Heath Davidson OAM reached the quad doubles final.
He also made the singles quarterfinals.
The Paralympian continues an extraordinary career.
The trophy cabinet may need expansion.

🔹 Local Cricket

The Geelong Cricket Association Eleven defeat Mornington Peninsula  in the Melbourne Country Week Provincial Division grand final by 31 runs.

The Jack Peacock T20 finals  this weekend.

🚧 LOCAL ISSUES

🔹 Recycling Truck Fire Warning

A Mount Martha recycling truck caught fire.
A discarded battery is suspected.
The driver diverted to Ferrero Reserve safely.
Residents urged to dispose of e-waste properly.

🔹 Overnight Roadworks Anger Residents

Peninsula Link resurfacing resumed this week.
Residents report noise until after 3am.
Lane closures and speed reductions continue.
Calls for better noise management are growing.

💼 YOUTH ENTERPRISE

🔹 Lemon Kisses Five-Figure Success

Two Frankston sisters have built a startup in under a year.
They began with $236 from recycling containers.
The pop-up drink business has earned over $65,000.
This year marks their first profitable run.

 

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