RPP News Wrap - June 15 - 19th
🏛️ POLITICS, COUNCIL & GOVERNMENT
NEW MAYOR ENDS PENINSULA DEADLOCK
Mornington Peninsula Shire has a new Mayor after weeks of political uncertainty. Cr Bruce Batty secured the position following a third council meeting and a final vote that broke the impasse. The vacancy followed the resignation of former Mayor Anthony Marsh. Cr Batty says his priority is to restore unity and stability within Council.
QUESTIONS OVER MAYOR'S POLITICAL ROLE
Attention has quickly turned to Mayor Bruce Batty's continuing role as chair of a fundraising committee for Liberal MP Chris Crewther. Critics have questioned whether the dual roles could create perceptions of conflict ahead of the State Election. Cr Batty says his political affiliations have never been hidden. The issue is expected to remain part of local political discussion in coming months.
MCKENZIE ATTACKS FEDERAL TAX PLANS
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie has launched a fresh attack on proposed Federal Government tax reforms. Speaking on Peninsula Talks, Ms McKenzie argued the measures could penalise investors, families and small businesses. She says many Peninsula residents would be directly affected. The debate comes amid ongoing discussion about housing affordability and investment settings.
BUDGET CRITICISM CONTINUES
Ms McKenzie has also rejected claims Labor has an electoral mandate to alter negative gearing and capital gains tax arrangements. The Flinders MP says the proposals extend beyond policies presented to voters. She argues the reforms risk undermining aspiration and investment. The comments form part of a broader national economic debate.
🚔 LAW & ORDER
CRIME FALLS – BUT REMAINS HIGH
Victoria has recorded its first fall in crime in almost four years. Despite the decline, more than 625,000 offences were recorded statewide over the past year. Police say theft, assault and breaches of court orders remain significant concerns. Community safety continues to be a major issue across Frankston and the Peninsula.
FORMER POLICE OFFICER AWAITS SENTENCE
Former Mornington detective Hayden Bodycomb is awaiting sentence following convictions for conduct endangering a person and resisting arrest. The charges stem from an incident involving another police officer at Somerville. Defence lawyers have sought a fine without conviction. Prosecutors are seeking a Community Corrections Order with conviction.
COMMUNITY CONNECTORS IN SPOTLIGHT
Frankston Council is investigating whether its Community Connectors program should be expanded beyond the city centre. The proposal follows concerns that anti-social behaviour has spread into nearby commercial precincts. Supporters believe the initiative can help address community safety issues. A report is expected before Council later this year.
❤️ HEALTH & COMMUNITY
MEALS ON WHEELS FUTURE UNDER SCRUTINY
Questions continue over the future of Meals on Wheels on the Mornington Peninsula. The Shire has confirmed it will cease delivering the service in 2027. Major Federal aged-care reforms are being blamed for the decision. Alternative providers are expected to take over operations.
AGED CARE CHANGES FORCE SERVICE REVIEW
The planned closure also affects community transport and social support programs. Council says increasing compliance and governance requirements have made delivery increasingly difficult. The programs will continue until June 2027. Transition planning is now underway.
HIGH-TECH LAB HELPS INDEPENDENT LIVING
A new Independent Living Laboratory has opened in Frankston. The facility allows older Australians and people with disabilities to trial emerging technologies before making lifestyle decisions. Features include rehabilitation robotics, AI-enabled glasses and fall detection systems. Researchers hope the initiative will support greater independence and reduce hospital admissions.
INQUEST HEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY MEDICAL EFFORTS
A coronial inquest has heard details of extensive efforts to save Melbourne mother Stacey Warnecke following a catastrophic haemorrhage. Frankston Hospital staff battled multiple cardiac arrests and undertook emergency surgery. The court heard the hospital exhausted its available blood supply. The inquest remains ongoing.
🌊 ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION
HMAS CERBERUS LAND PLANS SPARK STRONG RESPONSE
More than 340 residents attended a public information session examining plans to divest over 1,100 hectares of foreshore land near HMAS Cerberus. Many voiced opposition to any future subdivision or development. The environmentally significant Sandy Point area remains a key concern. Officials say the process could take more than two years.
OYSTER SHELL PROJECT WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
A partnership between OzFish and Mornington Peninsula Shire has won a national Circular Economy Award. Thousands of oyster shells have been diverted from landfill and used to create marine habitat. The reefs improve biodiversity and water quality across Port Phillip Bay. The project is being recognised as a model of environmental innovation.
NEW ORCHID SPECIES DISCOVERED
A Frankston scientist has helped identify three previously unknown native orchid species. Robert Mitchell made the discoveries while surveying local bushland reserves. DNA testing confirmed the orchids were distinct species. The find highlights the ecological value of Frankston's remaining natural areas.
🏗️ INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
FLINDERS PIER CAMPAIGN REIGNITED
The campaign to rebuild historic Flinders Pier is continuing despite work stopping on site. Community leaders say contractors were removed because funding has run out. Supporters are now regrouping to push for renewed government investment. The pier remains one of the Peninsula's most recognisable landmarks.
FOOTBALL CLUB PUSHES FOR FACILITY UPGRADES
Frankston Rovers Junior Football Club is continuing its campaign for improved facilities at Bruce Park. The club says growth in female football participation has exposed shortcomings in current infrastructure. Around $1.75 million is needed to complete proposed upgrades. Club leaders are calling on the Victorian Government to provide support.
SCHNAPPER POINT TRANSFORMATION TAKES SHAPE
Major redevelopment works are progressing at Schnapper Point Boat Harbour. New jetties, ramps, dredging and accessibility improvements are all underway. The project is funded through Better Boating Victoria. Completion is expected ahead of the coming boating season.
BUS NETWORK EXPANDS ACROSS PENINSULA
New bus services linking Hastings, Tyabb and Mornington will commence from July 5. Expanded routes will improve access to schools, medical services and shopping precincts.
Longer operating hours are also planned. Transport Victoria says the upgrades will improve public transport connectivity across the region.
🏠 HOUSING
TINY HOUSE PROJECT OFFERS NEW HOPE
The Catalyst Tiny House Project has unveiled its first prototype mobile home. Supporters say the initiative provides a practical response to growing housing stress on the Peninsula. The project has attracted support from Rotary, Lions, the Salvation Army and local businesses. Builders believe the model could provide emergency accommodation options in the future.
⛳ SPORT
PENINSULA KINGSWOOD TO HOST AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club has been confirmed as host of the 2027 Australian Open. The event keeps Australia's premier golf championship on Melbourne's world-famous Sandbelt. Golf Australia says the venue is a worthy addition to the tournament's history. The announcement places Frankston and the Peninsula firmly on the international sporting map.
WINTER WEATHER TESTS MPNFL CLUBS
Difficult conditions greeted footballers across the Mornington Peninsula at the weekend. Heavy grounds and winter weather challenged players throughout both divisions. Despite the conditions, clubs continued their push towards finals contention. Round results have left several ladders finely balanced heading into the next month.
🎙️ RPP FM NEWS
RPP FM — By Locals, For Locals.
Monday to Friday
0600-0900, Midday, 1600-1800
Your Voice – Your community -Your News
