RPP NEWS Wrap - Mar 16 -20

Frankston & Mornington Peninsula | Week Ending March 20

🗳️ Politics, Council and the Nepean By-election

• Liberals Promise $340 Million Rosebud Hospital Rebuild

  The Liberal Party raised the stakes in the Nepean by-election with a $340 million promise to rebuild Rosebud Hospital.
  Candidate Anthony Marsh was joined by Opposition Leader Jess Wilson and Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier.
  The commitment placed pressure on the Victorian Government to outline its own health plans for the Peninsula.
  Marsh said the community deserved better hospital facilities.

• One Nation Candidate Targets Homelessness

  One Nation candidate Darren Hercus used social media to outline homelessness and rough sleeping as key campaign issues.
  The Mornington Peninsula continues to record the highest number of rough sleepers in Victoria.
  Hercus said tackling the crisis would be a major priority if he were elected.
  The comments added another social policy focus to the Nepean campaign.

• Tracee Hutchison Launches Independent Campaign

  Independent candidate Tracee Hutchison officially launched her Nepean by-election campaign over the weekend.
  Her launch added further momentum to a contest already drawing major party attention.
  The by-election field continued to widen across the week.
  Local issues including health, housing and infrastructure remained central to the campaign.

• VEC Confirms Nepean By-election Dates

  The Victorian Electoral Commission confirmed key dates for the Nepean by-election.
  Nominations opened, with voters urged to update enrolment details by 8pm on Friday.
  Early voting was scheduled to begin on Wednesday April 22 and run through to Friday May 1.
  Election day was set for Saturday May 2.

• Libertarian Candidate Enters Nepean Race

  Libertarian candidate Peter Angelico stepped forward in the race for Nepean.
  He promised to campaign for small business, jobs and greater investment on the Mornington Peninsula.
  Speaking on RPP’s Peninsula Talks, Angelico said the party was building long-term awareness.
  He said the broader aim was to convert that support into future Upper House representation.

• Darren Hercus Defends Pauline Hanson

  Nepean One Nation candidate Darren Hercus defended party leader Pauline Hanson after criticism of her comments about Muslims.
  The issue brought national political controversy into the local by-election campaign.
  Hercus used the exchange to reinforce his support for the party’s broader position.
  The comments added further heat to an already widening Nepean contest.

• Frankston and Peninsula Councils Seek State Funding

  Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire outlined sharply different state funding pitches.
  Frankston sought $15.6 million for local infrastructure including shared paths, sport and community facilities.
  The Peninsula Shire pursued larger regional asks including Rosebud Hospital, the Peninsula Trail and homelessness funding.
  The contrast highlighted different municipal priorities heading into the state budget cycle.

🏥 Health, Hospitals and Community Wellbeing

• Frankston Hospital Helipad Set To Save Lives

  A new rooftop helipad at Frankston Hospital is expected to improve emergency care across Frankston and the Peninsula.
  The helipad gives direct access to the emergency department and operating theatres.
  Previously, air ambulance patients needed extra road ambulance transfers, adding delays.
  The project forms part of the broader $1.1 billion Frankston Hospital redevelopment.

• Accessible Beach Pilot Delivers Strong Results

  Frankston’s Accessible Beach pilot delivered strong summer results, with more than 450 people using the facility.
  The program included beach matting, all-terrain wheelchairs, water access and trained support staff.
  Council said nearly a third of users had not been to the beach in more than a decade.
  A full report was expected in April, with a two-year program proposed.

• Neighbours Every Day Tackles Social Isolation

  Neighbours Every Day and Relationships Australia promoted connection through a Frankston community expo.
  The initiative links local groups, charities, hobby clubs, sport, gardening and volunteering opportunities.
  The Find Your Community expo was scheduled for Frankston Library.
  It aimed to reduce isolation and help residents find new social connections.

🏘️ Housing and Homelessness

• Walk In Her Shoes Highlights Women’s Homelessness

  The Walk In Her Shoes exhibition brought housing and homelessness back into sharp local focus.
  More than 300 people attended, hearing from politicians, services, advocates and people with lived experience.
  The discussion highlighted the impact of housing insecurity on women across the Peninsula.
  Local agencies continued calling for stronger funding and structural reform.

• Packed Forum Presses Housing Minister

  More than 450 people attended a Mornington Peninsula homelessness forum with Housing Minister Harriet Shing.
  Frontline workers warned the crisis was worsening and called for more crisis accommodation.
  The region has Victoria’s highest number of rough sleepers and more than 2,600 people waiting for housing.
  Acting Mayor Paul Pingiaro described the meeting as constructive and said the Minister was responsive.

• Ranch Motel Closure Raises Urgent Concerns

  Children were among eleven people facing homelessness as The Ranch motel in Mornington prepared to close.
  The motel had provided temporary crisis accommodation since 2021.
  Its planned closure for redevelopment created immediate pressure on local housing services.
  The case sharpened concerns about the shortage of emergency accommodation on the Peninsula.

• Moonah House Pushes For Women’s Shelter

  Women’s homelessness on the Peninsula was reported to be worsening, with more than 350 women sleeping rough, in cars or couch surfing.
  Many cases were linked to family violence and a lack of safe crisis accommodation.
  The Moonah House Women’s Shelter project worked to establish the region’s first dedicated women’s crisis shelter.
  The project had raised $250,000 through community support.

🚔 Police, Courts and Public Safety

• Police Car Rammed In Moorooduc

  A police car was allegedly rammed by a stolen industrial buggy in Moorooduc.
  Police said offenders forced entry to a business on Moorooduc Highway and attempted to steal the buggy.
  The buggy and a blue sedan fled before being intercepted by officers on Benton’s Road.
  No arrests had been made, with police seeking witnesses and dashcam or CCTV footage.

• Serious Crash At Moorooduc Intersection

  A 20-year-old woman was taken to hospital after a serious crash at Moorooduc Highway and Craigie Road.
  The intersection has recorded eight crashes since 2019, including two serious injuries.
  Residents have repeatedly called for safety changes to improve visibility and turning movements.
  The latest crash renewed concern over the danger of the intersection.

• Seaford Woman Fined For Animal Cruelty

  A Seaford woman was fined $3,000 and banned from owning a dog for five years.
  She pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty in Frankston Magistrates Court.
  The court heard the dog had been left untreated despite severe injuries and illness.
  The offending was uncovered by the RSPCA and described by the magistrate as overwhelming.

• Frankston Family Feud Ends In Court

  A violent feud involving several Frankston families ended with guilty pleas to a range of charges.
  The County Court heard the dispute began over a stolen motorbike and escalated into a weapon-filled brawl.
  A man was shot in the head and seriously injured, but attempted murder charges were dropped.
  No one will be convicted over the shooting itself because of insufficient evidence over who fired the gun.

• Skye Warrant Uncovers Drugs And Stolen Property

  Carrum Downs uniform police charged two men after a search warrant at a Skye property.
  Police allegedly found drugs, gel blaster handguns, stolen mopeds and a jet ski.
  A 31-year-old and a 54-year-old were charged with multiple offences.
  Both were bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court on June 5.

🌿 Environment, Planning and Coastal Issues

• Jet Ski Crackdown Push Considered

  Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors considered backing tougher enforcement against reckless jet ski behaviour.
  A council report highlighted concerns about riders allegedly chasing dolphins and harassing swimmers.
  The Shire could lobby the State Government for stronger policing, CCTV and drone surveillance at hotspots.
  Rye Foreshore Group member Michelle Cheers said community concern had been building since 2018.

• Arthurs Seat Eagle Opposition Builds

  Opposition continued to build against the Arthurs Seat Eagle expansion despite state government approval.
  Planning Minister Sonia Kilkenny approved plans for an observation tower, luge ride and expanded visitor facilities.
  Save Our Seat urged the Eagle to abandon the luge proposal and protect Arthurs Seat State Park.
  A public meeting was scheduled at Dromana Community Hall for March 29.

• Shire Resists Fourth Glass Bin

  Mornington Peninsula Shire resisted the State Government’s push for a four-bin waste system.
  Council backed changes to bin lid colours and compulsory food and green waste collection.
  However, it stopped short of introducing a fourth glass recycling bin because of cost concerns.
  Councillor Kate Roper said an extra glass bin would cost around $70 per household.

• Nature Groups Warn Against Environmental Cuts

  The Victorian National Parks Association raised a petition titled Nature Can’t Afford More Cuts.
  The petition warned legislation could weaken environmental assessment and marine and coastal oversight.
  It also raised concern over cuts to DEECA biodiversity staff and independent scientific investigation.
  Campaigners said the changes could undermine protections for public land and coastal environments.

💼 Business, Economy and Cost of Living

• Peninsula Wine Industry Surges

  Victoria’s wine industry delivered a record $10.8 billion economic contribution in 2025.
  The Mornington Peninsula was a standout, contributing $1.7 billion to the state total.
  That represented growth of more than 54 per cent in two years.
  The report highlighted strong wine tourism, hospitality, exports and regional visitor spending.

• Petrol Prices Hit Peninsula Drivers

  Mornington Peninsula motorists faced rising fuel prices, with unleaded climbing toward record levels.
  The national average reached around $2.22 a litre, while some Melbourne stations advertised above $2.40.
  With limited public transport and high car reliance, local households were especially exposed.
  Experts urged drivers to shop around, with large price differences between stations.

• Child Employment Crackdown Hits Local Businesses

  Mornington Peninsula businesses faced possible prosecution after a child employment law crackdown.
  Workforce Victoria found 574 violations across 122 businesses.
  Breaches included inadequate supervision, employing children without licences and excessive working hours.
  Authorities said enforcement action, including prosecutions, would now be considered.

• Craig Tiley Lists Aspendale Beachfront Home At Loss

  Former Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley was reportedly set to take a hit on his Aspendale beachfront home.
  Real estate sources suggested the property was listed around $11.5 million.
  That was well below the $13.1 million reportedly paid in 2022.
  Agents pointed to a softer top-end market and a tight relocation timeline to the United States.

🎨 Arts, Culture and Events

• White Nest Installation Opens In Rye

  A new art installation titled White Nest invited visitors in Rye to reflect on strength and softness.
  Created by artist Chaco Kato, the work used repurposed yarn, bamboo and recycled materials.
  It drew inspiration from the Japanese proverb that the willow does not break.
  The installation helped mark International Women’s Day and remained in place for six weeks.

• Frankston Foreshore Rotunda Rejected

  A proposal to build a grand rotunda on the Frankston foreshore was rejected by council.
  The idea was pitched as part of a broader tourism push.
  After good-humoured debate, Councillor David Asker accepted officer advice and withdrew the motion.
  He joked he may yet return with another bright idea.

• Sand Sculpting Championships Return

  The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships prepared to return to Frankston Waterfront.
  More than 400 tonnes of sand were set to become an enchanted wonderland of large-scale sculptures.
  Artists from Australia and overseas were expected to carve dragons, castles and a 50-tonne centrepiece.
  Council said the event would strengthen Frankston’s reputation as a major events destination.

🏄 Sport

• Junior Surfing Titles Hit Gunnamatta

  More than 60 young surfers competed at Gunnamatta Beach in the No TXT No Wrecks Junior Surfing Titles.
  The event formed part of Surfing Victoria’s three-event junior series.
  Winners included Tarvi Woods, Harlem Pec, Rose Holland, Raff Morris and Stevie O’Day.
  The series contributed points toward Surfing Australia Junior Series rankings.

• Historic MPCA Cricket Finals Weekend

  Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association prepared for a historic finals weekend.
  Across all four senior grades, every grand final matchup was a first-time clash.
  Mornington met Red Hill in Peninsula Division, while Somerville faced Old Peninsula in Peninsula Grade.
  Crib Point, Carrum Downs, Tyabb and Baxter also featured in first-time deciders.

• RPP Extends Cricket Finals Coverage

  RPP FM promoted extended cricket finals coverage across the weekend.
  The station planned expanded Saturday afternoon broadcasts on 98.7 FM.
  The coverage underlined RPP’s continuing role in local sport and community broadcasting.
  It also connected listeners directly with one of the biggest MPCA finals weekends in recent memory.