RPP NEWS Wrap May 11-15
🏛️ POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
🔹 Budget Battle Erupts Inside Frankston Council
A procedural clash over Frankston’s draft budget sparked accusations of a “stitch-up,” with tensions flaring between councillors, governance officers and Mayor Sue Baker.
🔹 Frankston Adopts $300 Million Budget
Council passed a community-focused spending plan featuring major infrastructure works while keeping rates capped at the State Government limit.
🔹 New CEO Draws Governance Line
Frankston CEO Tennille Bradley signalled a stronger separation between councillor oversight and operational management during fiery budget exchanges.
🔹 Marsh Resigns As Mayor After State Win
Anthony Marsh formally resigned as Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor after winning the Nepean by-election and entering Victorian Parliament.
🔹 Hutchison Concedes Nepean Race
Independent candidate Tracee Hutchison thanked supporters after finishing second in the closely watched Nepean by-election.
🔹 Edbrooke Targets Economic Plan
Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke accused the Coalition of planning deep public-sector cuts as Victoria’s debt debate intensified.
🏥 HEALTH & COMMUNITY
🔹 $250 Million Rosebud Hospital Proposal Unveiled
Healthcare provider TLC announced plans for a massive integrated health precinct centred around a rebuilt Rosebud Hospital.
🔹 Peninsula Homelessness Crisis Escalates
MPs and welfare agencies called for urgent action as rough sleeping and housing stress continue rising across the Peninsula.
🔹 Winter Appeal Targets Vulnerable Residents
The Mornington Community Support Centre launched its 2026 Winter Appeal seeking $125,000 to sustain food and emergency relief services.
🔹 Gambling Reform Pressure Builds
More than 1000 days after Peta Murphy’s gambling inquiry, advocates say Australia is still failing to tackle gambling advertising harm.
🚆 TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
🔹 Seaford Station Designs Released
Fresh plans for the rebuilt elevated Seaford Station promise improved accessibility, cycling links and reduced congestion.
🔹 Frankston Line Crossing Removals Locked In
The State Government confirmed all remaining dangerous crossings on the Frankston line will disappear by 2032.
🔹 Emil Madsen Reserve Upgrade Advances
Councillors backed the next design stage of the upgraded Mt Eliza sporting pavilion backed by major federal funding.
🌿 ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNS
🔹 Save Flinders Pier Campaign Intensifies
Community campaigners vowed to ramp up pressure after funding setbacks stalled works on the historic Flinders Pier rebuild.
🔹 Arthurs Seat Luge Protest Grows
Environmental activists organised a major “Walk for Wonga” bushwalk opposing the proposed Eagle luge development.
🔹 Peninsula Named National Tidy Towns Finalist
The Mornington Peninsula was shortlisted among Australia’s top sustainability communities ahead of national awards in Tasmania.
🔹 Mystery Surrounds Death Of “Sammy” The Seal
Authorities investigated the death of the well-known seal that recently captured Peninsula-wide public attention.
🚨 EMERGENCY & POLICE
🔹 Body Found Off Sorrento Coast
Police prepared a report for the Coroner after a man’s body was discovered in waters near Sorrento.
🔹 Drivers Clocked At 180km/h Near Rosebud
Two motorists allegedly turned the Peninsula Freeway into a late-night racetrack before police intervened.
🔹 CFA Warns Residents Over Burn-Off Risks
Emergency services urged Peninsula landowners to register planned burns as autumn fire activity increases.
🎵 COMMUNITY & SPORT
🔹 Nepean Music Closes After Three Decades
Mornington music lovers farewelled iconic local retailer Nepean Music after nearly 30 years in business.
🔹 Tyabb Airshow Delivers Community Windfall
More than $45,000 raised at the Tyabb Airshow was distributed to local emergency and community organisations.
🔹 Local Footy Action Continues Across The Peninsula
Craigo Russell wrapped up all the latest MPFNL action from another packed weekend of local football.
📻 RPP FM NEWS
On air • Online • Across the Peninsula
With the assistance of AI and RPP FM newsroom contributors throughout Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
