RPP NEWS Wrap - Mar 9 - 13

Frankston & Mornington Peninsula | Week Ending March 13

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

• Driver charged after 200km/h freeway run

  Police have charged a 22-year-old driver after allegedly travelling at 200km/h on Peninsula Link.
  Officers detected the vehicle with five occupants shortly after 2am.
  Police say the driver initially evaded patrols before stopping in Braeside.
  He will appear before Moorabbin Magistrates Court in June.

• Tourist family stranded after vehicle theft

  A Queensland family touring Australia has been left stranded in Rye after their LandCruiser was stolen.
  The vehicle contained belongings for the couple and their four children.
  The theft occurred outside an Airbnb during a wedding visit.
  Police are appealing for information.

• Labour Day road blitz nets thousands of offences

  Police detected more than 6,400 offences during Operation Arid over the Labour Day weekend.
  Speeding accounted for nearly half of all offences recorded statewide.
  Hundreds of drivers were caught unlicensed or disqualified.
  Four people died on Victorian roads during the operation.

POLITICS & PUBLIC POLICY

• Tracee Hutchison launches Nepean campaign

  Broadcaster Tracee Hutchison will run as a Community Independent in the Nepean by-election.
  The Rosebud resident says major parties have ignored Peninsula issues for too long.
  Her priorities include Rosebud Hospital redevelopment, infrastructure investment and housing affordability.
  Hutchison will formally launch her campaign at Rye Civic Hall.

• Diverse field lines up for Nepean contest

  Voters across the southern Peninsula will go to the polls on May 2 following Sam Groth’s resignation.
  Candidates already declared include Liberal Anthony Marsh, Independent Tracee Hutchison and One Nation’s Darren Hercus.
  The Greens and Libertarians have also nominated contenders.
  The by-election is expected to cost taxpayers about $2 million.

• Peninsula funding gap sparks political debate

  A benchmarking study claims Frankston and the Peninsula receive far less state investment than Geelong.
  The report suggests a 2.3-to-1 funding imbalance in public spending.
  Local leaders say the data strengthens the case for fairer infrastructure funding.
  The Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula says the region is being overlooked.

• Peninsula ‘doing the heavy lifting’ in state revenue

  Business leaders say the Peninsula contributes far more to state revenue than it receives.
  New analysis suggests businesses here pay around $225 million more in payroll tax annually than those in Geelong.
  Yet the region has received about $1.8 billion in capital investment compared with Geelong’s $4.2 billion.
  Local advocates say the disparity must be addressed.

• Marsh faces scrutiny over Labor support texts

  Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh is facing political heat ahead of the Nepean by-election.
  Old messages show he backed Labor candidate Paul Mercurio during the 2022 election count.
  Marsh reportedly told colleagues he hoped Mercurio would win and said he was “stoked” by the result.
  He is now the Liberal Party candidate to replace former MP Sam Groth in Nepean.

HOUSING & SOCIAL ISSUES

• Ranch closure threatens homelessness crisis

  Up to eleven people, including children, face losing crisis accommodation in Mornington.
  The Ranch motel, used as emergency housing since 2021, will close within two months.
  Support workers say they are scrambling to find alternatives for residents.
  Advocates warn some may be forced to return to rough sleeping.

• Peninsula records Victoria’s highest rough sleeper rate

  New research confirms the Mornington Peninsula now has the highest number of rough sleepers in the state.
  Around one thousand people sought help from homelessness services in the region last year.
  Advocates say the scale of the crisis is often hidden from public view.
  Community agencies are calling for stronger housing responses.

• Council responding to growing homelessness pressures

  Acting Mayor Paul Pingiaro says the Shire is working with community groups to address homelessness.
  The council says the issue largely falls under state government responsibility.
  Demand for support services continues to rise across the Peninsula.
  Local organisations say more coordinated action is needed.

• Veteran housing proposal gains support

  Vasey RSL Care is seeking funding to expand housing for veterans.
  The organisation has lodged an expression of interest with the Housing Australia Future Fund.
  Advocates say some former service personnel face homelessness after leaving the military.
  Supporters argue stable housing is critical to recovery and reintegration.

ENVIRONMENT & COAST

• Portsea erosion threatening beach access

  Severe erosion at Portsea Front Beach is limiting access for children attending Portsea Camp.
  Community leaders say the once-wide beach has become narrow and steep.
  Engineers are debating solutions including sand replenishment and structural works.
  Some groups want further investigation into the impact of channel dredging.

• Frankston beaches rank among bay’s worst for water quality

  EPA monitoring shows several Frankston beaches ranked near the bottom for water quality this summer.
  Carrum recorded the poorest results across Port Phillip Bay.
  Scientists say stormwater runoff after rain can affect urban beaches.
  Beaches further south recorded significantly better conditions.

• Port of Hastings plan released for public comment

  The Port of Hastings Authority has released its draft 2055 Development Strategy.
  The plan outlines how Western Port could support offshore wind and freight growth.
  The deep-water port may become a key logistics hub for renewable energy projects.
  Environmental groups warn Ramsar wetlands must remain protected.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY

• Farmers concerned over proposed rate review

  Mornington Peninsula Shire is reviewing farmland rate classifications.
  The move aims to prevent hobby farms and land banking from accessing discounted agricultural rates.
  Around 240 properties may be reassessed annually.
  Farmers say the proposal could create uncertainty for genuine producers.

• Council considers four-bin recycling system

  Mornington Peninsula councillors will soon decide how to implement Victoria’s waste reforms.
  The proposal introduces bins for waste, recycling, food-and-garden organics and glass.
  Officers recommend introducing food-and-garden collection first.
  A decision on a separate glass bin may be delayed.

• Debate over councillor term limits

  Former councillor David Gibb says council term limits should not be introduced.
  He argues voters — not regulations — should determine how long representatives serve.
  Supporters say experience is valuable in local government.
  The issue surfaced during recent council discussions about governance reform.

SPORT

• Pines finish top as cricket finals loom

  Pines have finished the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association Provincial season on top.
  The side secured victory over Red Hill led by a strong innings from Cooper Remy.
  Somerville topped Peninsula grade after an unbeaten 89 from Keifer Peries.
  Semi-finals begin next weekend across all grades.

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

• Peninsula Link resurfacing works extended

  Motorists face months more disruption on Peninsula Link.
  Road resurfacing between Carrum Downs and Mount Martha may continue until December.
  The works have already caused lane closures and reduced speed limits.
  Local MP Chris Crewther says the extended timeline is unacceptable.

TRAVEL

• Travellers urged to seek advice amid global tensions

  Travel agents are urging Australians to seek professional advice when booking overseas trips.
  Industry experts say instability in parts of the Middle East could affect travel plans.
  Agents can help rebook flights and adjust itineraries if disruptions occur.
  Travellers are advised to monitor government travel warnings closely.