RPP News Wrap - June 1 -5

By Locals for Locals

Another big week across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, with storm damage, homelessness, council intrigue, policing, road safety and environmental initiatives all making headlines.

🌊 WEATHER & EMERGENCIES

🚤 Moonraker Driven Ashore in Storm

A wild storm lashed the Southern Peninsula, tearing boats from moorings and leaving the iconic tourism vessel Moonraker stranded on rocks at Sorrento. Locals described extensive coastal damage after winds approached 100 km/h.

🚔 King's Birthday Road Safety Blitz

Victoria Police launched Operation Regal ahead of the long weekend, targeting speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving as wet winter conditions increase road risks.

🚁 CFA Drones Set for Expansion

Following a successful statewide trial, CFA hopes to expand its drone fleet, with the technology proving valuable for hotspot detection, search and rescue operations and firefighter safety.

🏛️ COUNCILS & POLITICS

🗳️ Peninsula Mayoral Contest Ends in Deadlock

Mornington Peninsula Shire's attempt to replace outgoing Mayor Anthony Marsh ended in a 5-5 stalemate between Acting Mayor Paul Pingiaro and Cr Stephen Batty. Councillors will reconvene on June 16.

🏛️ Frankston Governance Debate Explodes

Former Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam was excluded from a council meeting following a governance dispute over councillor entitlements and conduct. The incident drew comparisons with a similar episode in 2018.

🏗️ Frankston Election Wishlist Questioned

Cr Bolam also criticised Frankston Council's election advocacy campaign, arguing the city's infrastructure ambitions require far greater government investment.

🏠 HOUSING & SOCIAL ISSUES

🏡 New Women's Housing Begins in Hastings

Construction commenced on seven social housing homes for women in Hastings. The project was facilitated by Mornington Peninsula Shire through a long-term peppercorn lease of council land and comes amid the Peninsula's worsening homelessness crisis.

😴 Frankston Leaders Join CEO Sleepout

Frankston CEO Tennille Bradley and Mayor Sue Baker will take part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise awareness and support for local homelessness initiatives. Up to 50 people are estimated to be sleeping rough in Frankston each night.

🤝 Calls Grow for More Homelessness Support

Local agencies continued lobbying for greater state support, with homelessness remaining one of the Peninsula's most pressing social challenges.

🌱 ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY

🦟 Buruli Ulcer Warning

Health authorities warned of rising Buruli ulcer cases across Victoria, with the Mornington Peninsula remaining a significant hotspot for the debilitating disease.

🦘 Wildlife Collision Crisis

A new partnership between Wildlife Victoria and Mornington Peninsula Shire follows a 135 per cent increase in wildlife road trauma over four years. The Peninsula is now ranked among Victoria's worst regions for wildlife collisions.

🏆 Peninsula Projects Win National Recognition

Environmental leaders and projects from across the Peninsula were recognised at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards, including conservation advocate Gidja Walker and the OzFish Shell Savers program.

⚡ INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT

☀️ Pelican Park Receives Major Energy Upgrade

Federal funding has been secured for a $1.5 million solar and electrification project at Pelican Park Recreation Centre in Hastings, aimed at reducing costs and improving sustainability.

🚧 Road Safety Works Across the Peninsula

New roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, safety platforms and lighting upgrades are planned for Rye, Rosebud, Dromana and Mount Eliza under a $2 million road safety program.

📚 Future of Libraries Under Review

Mornington Peninsula Shire launched community consultation on the future direction of local library services, with feedback open until June 27.

🏢 Centrelink Moves in Mornington

Services Australia opened a new customer service centre on Nepean Highway, replacing its long-standing Main Street location.

🚔 POLICE & COURTS

👮 Mick Gatto Investigation Continues

Mount Martha resident Mick Gatto and his wife were arrested as part of Taskforce Hawk's investigation into alleged financial offences linked to Victoria's construction sector. No charges have been laid. Gatto later joked with media after receiving a traffic infringement notice.

🚗 Vehicle Theft Numbers Soar

More than 1,300 vehicles were stolen across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula during 2025, highlighting growing concerns over organised crime and electronic vehicle theft methods.

---

⚽ SPORT

🏉 Bombers Coach Calls Time

Frankston Bombers Senior Coach Jarrad Grant announced he will retire from playing and coaching at the end of the season, concluding a distinguished football career spanning AFL and local football.

🏟️ Umpires Wanted

The Southern Umpires Association launched a recruitment push encouraging former footballers to take up umpiring, with a free pathway night scheduled for July.

🏉 Reconciliation Round Highlights

Local football celebrated Reconciliation Round, featuring several notable firsts across the Peninsula football landscape.

🎭 EVENTS & CULTURE

🔥 Frankston Fire Festival Ignites Winter

Frankston's waterfront is preparing for its inaugural Fire Festival, promising fire displays, food, entertainment and winter-themed festivities on June 13.

🎨 Sculpture Landmark Wins Award

The giant Portrait sculpture at Southern Way McClelland Gallery received the Augusta Vinall Richardson Award for Sculpture.

🎙️ THE WEEK IN A SENTENCE

A dramatic week in which storm-driven seas stranded the Moonraker, councils wrestled with leadership and governance, homelessness remained front and centre, and communities across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula continued tackling some of the region's biggest social, environmental and infrastructure challenges. 📻🌊🏛️🏠🚔🌱

RPP FM NEWS Monday to Friday

0600- 0900 – Midday – 1600-1800