RPP NEWS Wrap -Mar 30 -April 3

Frankston & Mornington Peninsula | Week Ending April 3

Politics & Community

• Nepean By-Election Gains Momentum-
  50,910 voters enrolled across the electorate.
  Early voting opens April 22.
  Postal voting also available.
  Campaign intensifying across the Peninsula.

• Greens Campaign Targets Development Concerns
  Sianan Healy launches campaign push
  Focus on housing, environment and cost of living
  Raises concerns over Arthurs Seat project
  Positioning against major party influence

• Marsh Defends Arts Funding Record
  Candidate Anthony Marsh addresses criticism
  Says funding increased despite restructure
  Points to Sorrento Museum support
  Seeks to clarify budget misunderstandings

• Hutchison Slams Free Transport Plan
  Independent candidate questions policy impact
  Claims Peninsula lacks adequate services
  Says many residents won’t benefit
  Labels rollout out of touch with local needs

• Election Laws Overhauled Statewide
  Timelines tightened ahead of 2026 poll
  Roll closure and nominations brought forward
  Focus on transparency and participation
  Impacts fast-growing regions like Frankston.

Law & Order

• Peninsula Trio Charged Over Robbery Spree
  Three men face 48 charges after raids
  Alleged attacks across multiple suburbs
  Berwick jeweller targeted with weapons
  All remain in custody awaiting court

• Easter Road Blitz Underway
  Police launch statewide Operation Nexus
  More than 6,400 offences recently recorded
  Drivers warned of random testing
  Focus on speed, drugs and alcohol

Housing & Development

• Frankston Housing Push Steps Up
  Council moves to a Housing Accelerator Taskforce
  Next phase follows three years of advisory work
  Government backing is now being sought
  Part of a broader push to ease local housing pressure

• Skyline Shift with Major Projects
  $91m Solene development breaks ground
  Five major builds to deliver 1,000 homes
  High-end features signal changing market profile
  Frankston emerging as a growth and investment hub

• Rosebud Hospital PPP Proposal Emerges
  Private provider pitches multi-use health precinct
  Includes aged care, childcare and aquatic facilities
  Gains traction as election issue heats up
  No formal government commitment yet

Health & Social Issues

• Emergency Housing Facility to Close
  The Ranch shuts April 17
  Eleven residents face displacement
  Operators cite lack of funding
  Calls for urgent government support

• Moonah House Pushes for Shelter Solution
  Emergency accommodation plan advancing
  Focus on women and children at risk
  Community backing strong
  Region facing critical service gap

Environment & Infrastructure

• Western Port Protection Campaign Builds
  Petition calls for strategic management plan
  Concerns over wetlands and development
  Focus on Ramsar-listed environment
  Links to Port of Hastings expansion debate

• EastLink Secures $1.27 Billion Refinance
  Major toll road restructures debt
  Signals strong investor confidence
  No toll relief expected for motorists
  Key freight and commuter corridor reinforced

• Soft Plastics Recycling Trial Begins
  New drop-off points at local centres
  Waste converted into reusable materials
  Aims to reduce landfill
  Part of broader sustainability push

Transport & Cost of Living

• Free Public Transport Rolled Out
  Government move targets fuel cost pressure
  Expected to increase network demand
  Stony Point line may face strain
  Commuters weigh savings against congestion

• Next-Gen Trains Prepare for Service
  Drivers training on X’Trapolis 2.0 fleet
  Part of nearly $1 billion investment
  Extra services planned
  Local rollout timing still unclear.

Arts, Culture & Lifestyle

• Sand Sculpting Championship Draws Crowds
  400 tonnes of sand reshape waterfront
  “Enchanted Realm” theme unveiled
  Tourism boost expected over Easter
  Event billed as biggest yet

• Mayor’s Writing Awards Open
  Entries invited across three age groups
  Celebrates local creative talent
  Prizes include residencies and cash
  Winners announced in September

• Mount Martha Turns Back the Clock
  60s and 70s event set for May
  Features Tim Ross and retro displays
  Celebrates local culture and design
  Interactive experiences planned

• Garden Designer Wins at Melbourne Show
  Andrew Stark claims Silver Gilt award
  Recognised at national garden showcase
  Urban Luxe design praised
  Highlights Peninsula creative talent

• Community & Local Life

• Pet Registrations Delayed but Extended
  Renewals arriving later than usual
  Deadline extended to May 10
  Funds support animal welfare services
  Easter reminder on caring for small pets

Sport

• AFL South East Council Dissolved
  Governance issues prompt intervention
  AFL Victoria takes interim control
  New council to be formed
  Aims to strengthen local football oversight

• Boland Retains National Contract
  Frankston Peninsula quick stays in squad
  Key figure in Australia’s Test plans
  Selectors favour experience
  Highlights strength of local pathways