RPP NEWS WRAP May 4 to 8

📰 RPP NEWS WRAP — MAY 4–8

🗳️ POLITICS & STATE BUDGET

🔵 Marsh Gets Straight To Work After Nepean Win

Anthony Marsh has wasted no time stepping into Parliament after the Liberals retained Nepean.
The result is being viewed as an early test for Opposition Leader Jess Wilson.
One Nation’s strong showing reshaped the contest narrative.
Marsh says he’s focused on delivering for the Peninsula.

🏥 Rosebud Hospital Fears Grow Amid Budget Silence

Concern is growing that Rosebud Hospital remains off the State Government’s immediate agenda.
Major hospital projects across Victoria appear stalled or deferred.
Josh Sinclair says the Peninsula again missed out on major infrastructure funding.
The Liberals have pledged $340 million for Rosebud if elected.

🚌 Peninsula Misses Out In State Bus Expansion

Despite a near $100 million statewide bus boost, Peninsula gains appear modest.
Only limited upgrades between Carrum, Frankston and Seaford were announced.
Critics argue transport investment is failing to match local growth.
The debate has reignited concerns about regional neglect.

💰 Hastings MPs Clash Over Victorian Budget

Hastings MP Paul Mercurio has praised the Victorian Budget and its projected surplus.
Shadow Treasurer Chris Crewther says the numbers don’t stack up.
The Government highlighted renewable energy investment in Hastings.
Opposition MPs say debt pressures are beginning to bite.

🏘️ DEVELOPMENT, PROPERTY & COUNCIL

🏡 Holiday Home Sell-Off Accelerates

High land tax bills are driving a wave of Peninsula property sales.
Some Flinders and Merricks holdings are reportedly down 50 per cent from Covid peaks.
Agents say buyers now hold the upper hand in Portsea and Sorrento.
Annual land tax bills on second homes can exceed $40,000.

🛣️ Shire Boosts Roads Spending In Draft Budget

Mornington Peninsula Shire has unveiled its draft 2026–27 Budget.
Roads and drainage funding rises 19 per cent — up $7.5 million.
Waste charges are also set to increase under new state bin reforms.
Community consultation is now underway.

🚧 Main Ridge Guardrail Debate Intensifies

Council has approved modified safety barriers on key Main Ridge roads.
The rollout was scaled back to reduce impacts on wildlife and visual amenity.
Councillors acknowledged more than 100 road deaths locally in 15 years.
Road surfaces, signage and speed remain major safety concerns.

🏗️ The Block Faces Peninsula Buyer Questions

The Block’s Mount Eliza season is already stirring local property debate.
Critics say the homes resemble dense townhouse-style developments.
Buyers’ advocates warn Peninsula purchasers still value space and larger blocks.
Producers insist the homes reflect changing luxury trends.

🚨 COMMUNITY & SAFETY

🚶 Police Target Pedestrian Danger Zones

Operation Aware is focusing on pedestrian safety across Frankston and the south east.
Victoria has recorded 17 pedestrian deaths already this year.
Police say distraction, speeding and failing to give way remain key issues.
The operation will continue through winter.

🤝 Frankston Connectors Program Cuts Disorder

Frankston’s Community Connectors initiative is seeking ongoing State funding.
The outreach-based model focuses on mental health and homelessness support.
Council says disorderly conduct in Young Street has dropped 15 per cent.
More than 1,700 community interventions were recorded this year.

🔥 CFA Urges Burn-Off Caution

Residents are being urged to register burn-offs as cooler weather arrives.
Emergency services warn warm autumn conditions still pose risks.
Authorities say unregistered burns trigger unnecessary Triple Zero callouts.
Landowners are being reminded never to leave fires unattended.

🎭 COMMUNITY, CULTURE & EDUCATION

🌈 South Side Festival Returns To Frankston

The South Side Festival returns with ten days of arts and cultural events.
Neon Fields at Beauty Park again headlines the program.
Mayor Sue Baker says the festival boosts Frankston’s creative identity.
Food trucks, installations and live entertainment will feature across the city.

🏖️ Frankston Accessible Beach Wins Praise

Frankston’s accessible beach program continues to exceed expectations.
Former mayor Kris Bolam says the initiative is reshaping the city’s image.
The project has drawn national attention for inclusion and accessibility.
A detailed performance report is expected shortly.

📚 Home Library Service Marks 25 Years

A Peninsula volunteer library service is celebrating a major milestone.
The Home Library program delivers books and companionship to isolated residents.
Volunteers say personal connection is as important as reading material.
The service has quietly supported the community for a quarter-century.

👶 Kindergarten Demand Continues To Rise

Kindergarten enrolments for 2027 have opened across the Peninsula.
Officials warn demand may outstrip places under new education reforms.
Thirty sessional kindergartens are managed through the centralised system.
Families are being urged to apply early.

🧒 Frankston Gains New Early Learning Hub

Frankston will receive expanded early childhood education services under a statewide rollout.
More than 1,100 places are planned across Victoria.
A First Peoples’ Early Years Hub is included in the Frankston expansion.
The projects aim to meet demand in fast-growing communities.

⚓ DEFENCE & ENVIRONMENT

🔱 Collins-Class Submarines Enter Port Phillip

Two Collins-class submarines have entered Port Phillip after major naval exercises.
Residents had earlier been warned about increased military activity across the bay.
The submarines participated in anti-submarine warfare drills off Victoria and Tasmania.
Defence says the vessels were acting as stealth targets during ASWEX 26.

⚖️ COURTS & CONTROVERSY

🎈 Frankston Blimp Explosion Case Continues

Two anti-high-rise campaigners injured in a Frankston blimp explosion remain locked in legal action.
The activists had planned to use the blimp during foreshore development protests.
A judge ruled the supplier’s insurer is not obliged to provide cover.
The case stems from a 2023 explosion involving hydrogen-filled equipment.

🏏 SPORT

🏏 Scott Boland Leads Victorian Squad Again

Frankston Peninsula quick Scott Boland has again been selected in Victoria’s Sheffield Shield squad.
Boland remains one of only two Victorian players with Cricket Australia contracts.
The squad also highlights strong south-east cricket pathways.
Casey South Melbourne’s Ashley Chandrasinghe retained his state deal.