RPP NEWS Wrap - Mar 23 -27

Frankston & Mornington Peninsula | Week Ending March 27

🏛️ POLITICS / COUNCIL / CIVIC AFFAIRS

• McCrae Landslide Relief Extended
  Mornington Peninsula Shire says cooperation with key agencies is improving following the McCrae landslide.
  Council will waive rates and charges for the 12 affected properties for 2025–26.
  Acting Mayor Paul Pingiaro says the move reflects fairness and compassion.

• Jet Ski Regulation Push Intensifies
  Mornington Peninsula Shire has renewed calls for stronger regulation of jet skis and personal watercraft.
  Council says its Summer Safe program recorded multiple infringements along Peninsula beaches.
  Acting Mayor Paul Pingiaro says better education and awareness are needed.

• Frankston Adopts New Aged Care Model
  Frankston Council says it has settled on a sustainable new aged care model after a year-long review.
  City of Kingston’s AccessCare will deliver key Commonwealth Home Support services from July.
  Frankston will retain meals, transport and social programs.

• Frankston Mayor Focuses On Governance
  Frankston Mayor Sue Baker says stronger governance and leadership are critical for local government.
  She spoke after a MAV leadership conference examining instability, bullying and council culture.
  Baker says practical leadership strategies are essential to healthier councils.

• Frankston Must Stay In Victoria’s Future Planning
  Councillor Nathan Butler says Frankston must work hard to remain central to Victoria’s planning agenda.
  After attending the Future Victoria Summit, he warned competing projects elsewhere are gathering momentum.
  He says Frankston’s strengths include renewable energy and solar leadership.

• LED Streetlight Upgrade Delivers Savings
  More than 3,600 Peninsula streetlights have been upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs.
  The Shire estimates savings of more than half-a-million dollars a year.
  Council says the project will improve safety and reduce emissions.

• Peninsula Transport Gaps Highlighted
  Shire CEO Mark Stoermer says public transport gaps remain a major challenge for the Peninsula.
  He says 82 per cent of the region lacks public transport access.
  Council continues lobbying for rail electrification to Hastings and expanded bus services.

• Frankston Launches Library Master Plan Review
  Frankston Council is moving to the next stage of a major review of its library network.
  Consultants will help develop a long-term Library Master Plan for the city.
  Deputy Mayor Cherie Wanat says libraries play a vital role in combating loneliness and building community.

🗳️ NEPEAN BY-ELECTION / POLITICS

• Anthony Marsh Brushes Off Criticism
  Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh says he is ignoring social media negativity during the Nepean campaign.
  The former shire mayor says he is focused on positive feedback from voters while door-knocking.
  Marsh believes his local government record can translate into strong representation.

• Tracee Hutchison Pushes Independent Case
  Independent candidate Tracee Hutchison says Nepean needs an independent voice.
  With polling approaching, she argues the major parties are disconnected from community needs.
  Hutchison says it is time for a different model of representation.

• One Nation’s Darren Hercus Enters The Race
  Dromana businessman Darren Hercus formally entered the Nepean by-election for One Nation.
  He says mounting pressure on small business drove his decision to run.
  The campaign comes amid questions about whether One Nation momentum can extend to the Peninsula.

• Hercus Explains One Nation Journey
  Darren Hercus says his decision to stand followed meeting Pauline Hanson and viewing party material.
  He says events moved quickly after he joined One Nation.
  The candidate continues building his profile in the contest.

🏥 HEALTH / HOUSING / COMMUNITY

• Women And Children Hit Hard By Housing Crisis
  Women and children on the Peninsula are being disproportionately affected by housing pressures.
  Advocates say affordability and housing shortages are worsening vulnerability.
  Moonah Housing’s Despi O’Connor warns the risks are real and growing.

• Point Nepean Research Hub To Begin Construction
  Work is set to begin on the Point Nepean Research Education Field Station project.
  The $27 million initiative involves Monash, Melbourne University and federal funding.
  Research will focus on coastal erosion, marine systems, pollution and dune management.

• Frankston Hospital Helipad Goes Live
  Frankston Hospital’s new helipad is now operational.
  Critically ill patients can now be transferred directly into emergency and theatre.
  Doctors say the saved minutes can mean saved lives.

• Senior Drivers Offered Free Refresher Lessons
  Older Peninsula drivers can access free refresher sessions funded by the Shire.
  The program targets drivers aged 55 and over navigating busier roads and new technology.
  Lessons are tailored individually and run through May.

• Community Fundraisers Deliver $34,000 Boost
  The Dromana Fundraising Ladies thanked the community after raising nearly $34,000.
  Funds will support a CT scanner for Rosebud Hospital and McGrath cancer nurses.
  The effort highlights strong local philanthropy across the Peninsula.

• Accessible Beach Expansion Reaches Seaford
  Frankston’s accessible beach program is expanding with a new Seaford site.
  The initiative includes specialist equipment, matting and mobility beach wheelchairs.
  Frankston says it is emerging as Australia’s leading accessible beach destination.

• CFA Recruitment Drive Gains Momentum
  More than 3,400 Victorians have expressed interest in joining the CFA since summer fires.
  The “Give Us a Hand” campaign is seeking firefighters and community support volunteers.
  Residents across the Peninsula are being urged to consider joining local brigades.

🌿 ENVIRONMENT / COAST / AGRICULTURE

• Farmers And Conservationists Unite Over Deer Control
  Farmers, environmentalists and community advocates are pushing for stronger deer control measures.
  Victoria’s growing deer population is causing environmental and agricultural damage on the Peninsula.
  Campaigners want deer removed from the Wildlife Act and control funding expanded.

• Frankston Cemetery Tree Removal Begins
  Trees bordering Frankston Memorial Park and Cemetery are being removed after declining in health.
  Around 200 metres of conifers will come out.
  Replacement planting will include bottlebrush, camellia and rosemary.

🚔 CRIME / LAW & ORDER

• Operation Pulse Targets Retail Crime
  Police charged a man after allegedly finding a loaded firearm during a shopping centre incident.
  The arrest comes amid Operation Pulse across major retail precincts including Bayside Frankston.
  Police say increased patrols are delivering a stronger safety presence.

• Crime Falls Slightly — But Concerns Remain
  New statistics show a modest drop in crime across the Mornington Peninsula.
  However authorities say other crime pressures and safety concerns remain.
  The figures continue to drive discussion around policing and community security.

💼 BUSINESS / ECONOMY / EDUCATION

• Fuel Prices Raised In Federal Parliament
  Federal MP Zoe McKenzie raised Peninsula fuel costs in Parliament.
  She questioned Energy Minister Chris Bowen over supply pressures and rising prices.
  McKenzie says households and businesses are feeling the strain as diesel climbs above $3 a litre.

• Digital Skills Centre Coming To Chisholm TAFE
  Chisholm TAFE will host a new $30 million Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence.
  Victoria is forecast to need 87,000 additional digital workers by 2035.
  The centre will target skills growth, inclusion and workforce development.

• Peninsula Property Hotspots Revealed
  Agents have identified the most sought-after streets across Frankston and the Peninsula.
  Prestige areas like Mount Martha and Sorrento featured alongside affordable pockets such as Rosebud Parade.
  Demand remains strong, with options still available below the million-dollar mark.

🎭 EVENTS / CULTURE

• Sand Sculpting Championships Return To Frankston
  The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships return to Frankston Waterfront.
  This year’s “Enchanted Realm” theme features dragons, castles and mythical creatures.
  The month-long attraction runs through April 26 with workshops, food and family activities.

🏏 SPORT

• Historic Cricket Finals Produce New Champions
  The MPCA finals produced dramatic first-time matchups across all grades.
  Mornington defeated Red Hill, Old Peninsula defended 94, Crib Point and Tyabb also prevailed.
  The weekend delivered one of the most memorable finals series in recent Peninsula cricket history.

• Boland Eyes Milestone In Sheffield Shield Final
  Frankston’s Scott Boland prepared for his 100th Sheffield Shield match.
  Victoria entered the final against South Australia with confidence in its batting and bowling depth.
  Weather remained a watchpoint after a damp opening day.