RPP FM NEWS WRAP February 16th – 20th
POLITICS
Nepean By-Election Campaign Heats Up
Nominations have closed for Liberal preselection in the Nepean by-election following Sam Groth’s resignation.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh is widely viewed as a frontrunner.
A 23-member panel will determine the candidate ahead of the May 2 poll.
The contest shapes as an early political test before November’s state election.
Monitors Oversee Peninsula Council
Mornington Peninsula Shire has resumed under state-appointed municipal monitors.
The observers are assessing governance standards and councillor conduct.
The move comes amid political tension and preselection activity.
Council Watch has also flagged internal division following a withdrawn no-confidence motion.
CRIME & COURTS
Record LSD Seizure on Mornington Peninsula
Two people have been charged after Victoria’s largest LSD seizure.
Police allege more than 750,000 tabs and $15 million worth of drugs were seized.
Searches were conducted in Mount Martha and Wollert.
Taskforce Icarus worked with US Homeland Security and Border Force.
Mornington Man Jailed for Child Exploitation
A 50-year-old Mornington man has been sentenced to 16 months’ jail.
He pleaded guilty to possessing and transmitting child abuse material.
The offences involved online activity using a carriage service.
The AFP says investigations into exploitation remain ongoing.
Panda Mart Faces 270+ Charges
Discount retailer Panda Mart is facing more than 270 charges.
Authorities allege the sale of unsafe electrical and consumer goods.
Energy Safe Victoria and Consumer Affairs laid the charges.
The matters will be heard in Frankston and Melbourne courts.
Collector Motorcycles Stolen in Seaford
Two prized 1986 Suzuki GSXR 1100 motorcycles were stolen.
The bikes were taken from a Fortescue Avenue garage.
Police say they’re valued at around $30,000.
Detectives are appealing for public information.
DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Arthurs Seat Eagle Expansion Approved
A major upgrade at Arthurs Seat Eagle has received state approval.
The development includes an observation tower and mountaintop luge ride.
It has been declared a Project of Economic Significance.
Construction is forecast to generate $45 million and 250 jobs.
Black Spot Funding for Wilsons Road
Nearly $390,000 has been secured for safety upgrades in Mornington.
The funding will improve intersections and pedestrian crossings.
Speed reductions and lighting improvements are planned.
Completion is targeted for mid-2027.
The Block Heads to Mount Eliza
Channel Nine’s The Block begins filming March 9.
A site on Old Mornington Road will be transformed over three months.
Construction will run weekdays and Saturdays until May 31.
The 22nd season is expected to air later this year.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Frankston Business Survey Shows Confidence
Councillor Stefi Conroy says Frankston remains strong for business.
Council provided $180,000 in grants and mentoring support.
The quarterly survey indicates economic momentum.
Leaders say the city is dynamic and growing.
Mobile Food Vans Expand Across Frankston
Council has approved new mobile food operators.
Three-year licences will roll out from June.
Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve joins the program.
The initiative supports small business and local jobs.
Carrum Beach Name Change Push
Support is building to rename Carrum as Carrum Beach.
Polling suggests up to 80 per cent of locals back the move.
Proponents say it strengthens coastal branding.
Any change would require council and state approval.
HEALTH & COMMUNITY
Youth Mental Health Boost for Frankston
Frankston’s YPARC facility is set for upgrades.
The expansion follows recommendations from the Mental Health Royal Commission.
The state has committed $141 million statewide.
The centre supports young people aged 16 to 25.
Peninsula Prostate Cancer Support Strengthens
Mary Wade has been appointed Chair of the local support group.
The group meets monthly in Mornington.
It supports men and families after diagnosis.
Leaders say community-based care makes a difference.
Playground Equipment Donated to Cambodia
Play equipment from five Frankston reserves is being shipped overseas.
Rotary Peninsula 2.0 will rebuild the gear in Siem Reap.
The “Play It Forward” initiative avoids landfill waste.
The first shipment leaves March 7.
Farmers Receive Hay Relief
More than 360 hay bales are heading to fire-affected communities.
The relief effort is coordinated from Mount Martha’s Briars property.
The initiative began during the 2018 drought and fires.
Organisers say devastation remains confronting.
AVIATION & EVENTS
Peninsula Aero Club Wins National Award
The Peninsula Aero Club has been named Aero Club of the Year.
The honour recognises excellence in Australian aviation.
The club operates the Mornington Peninsula Airport.
Leaders say the award reflects decades of dedication.
Tyabb Airshow Returns March 1
The 2026 Tyabb Airshow promises major aerial displays.
P-51 Mustangs, a Spitfire and RAAF Roulettes will feature.
The event celebrates 100 years of aviation.
RPP FM will broadcast live from the tarmac.
Peninsula LIVE Music Festival Announced
Pretty Snazz in the Nazz lands in Balnarring March 21.
More than 30 local bands will perform across the village.
The event includes workshops and a record fair.
Organisers say it’s a free, all-ages celebration.
SPORT
Boland Returns for Victoria
Scott Boland headlines Victoria’s Sheffield Shield clash.
The Frankston Peninsula quick returns after Ashes duty.
Sam Elliott also features among the leading wicket-takers.
Victoria is eyeing a home final.
Long Island Claims T20 Title
Long Island chased down 135 in the MPCA T20 final.
Harry Cullingford top-scored with 39 not out.
Captain Aiden McKenna lifted the Jack Peacock Cup.
Flinders also kept its season alive in Saturday play.
Malcolm Speed Joins Sorrento Cricket
Former ICC CEO Malcolm Speed has taken an advisory role.
He will guide governance and compliance standards.
Club leaders say his insights strengthen operations.
The move highlights rising governance demands in community sport.
TRANSPORT
Airport Travellers Urged to Allow Extra Time
Overnight closures are affecting the Tullamarine Freeway.
Detours are in place between Mickleham and Sunbury Roads.
Airport officials recommend leaving 30 minutes earlier.
Closures run through to Friday morning.