RPP News Wrap - June 22 - 26th

27 June

🌊 Flinders Pier Fight Becomes Election Battleground
The future of the heritage-listed Flinders Pier dominated the week's headlines.
Nepean MP Anthony Marsh challenged the Government in Parliament before Save Our Pier campaigners revealed the replacement would not proceed.
By Friday, the Opposition had pledged to rebuild the pier if elected, turning the issue into a key election battleground.
🏆 Shire Earns State Recognition
Mornington Peninsula Shire collected two wins and two finalist nominations at the 2026 LGPro Awards.
The Briars Junior Ranger Program and Hastings' All Abilities Boating initiative received statewide recognition.
The awards highlighted innovation in Indigenous engagement and disability inclusion.
🤝 Frankston Urged To Stay Above Politics
Councillor Kris Bolam urged Frankston Council to maintain its bipartisan approach.
He credited that philosophy with helping secure more than $59 million in Federal funding.
Bolam warned political neutrality remains essential to attracting future investment.

🌳 Bushfire Rules Face Review Push
Mornington Peninsula Shire renewed calls for Victoria's bushfire planning laws to be reviewed.
Council says current vegetation clearing exemptions may unnecessarily damage biodiversity.
The Peninsula has been proposed as a pilot region for reform.
🌏 UNESCO Status Reinforced
Council reaffirmed the Peninsula's international environmental importance.
Attention centred on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands.
Leaders say environmental protection remains central to future planning.
🪨 Quarry Expansion Sparks Fresh Concern
A proposal to expand quarry operations near Langwarrin has reignited conservation concerns.
Residents fear the Development Facilitation Program may bypass issues previously considered by council.
Environmental groups are encouraging public scrutiny of the proposal.

💙 Home Care Services Transition
The Brotherhood of St Laurence will assume delivery of Home and Community Care services for younger residents from July.
Council says the move is designed to secure long-term sustainability while maintaining service quality.
The program supports people living independently in their own homes.
🏖️ Tyrone Beach Campaign Gains Momentum
More than 700 residents have backed a push to formally recognise Tyrone Beach as its own locality.
Supporters believe official recognition would preserve local history and strengthen community identity.
A formal submission will now be lodged with Mornington Peninsula Shire.
❤️ Justice Navigator Pilot Announced
A specialist sexual assault support service based in the south-east has been selected for Victoria's new Justice Navigator pilot.
The initiative aims to guide victim-survivors through legal processes and recovery services.
The program will support communities across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.

🚔 Drink Driver Allegedly Five Times Over Limit
Police allege a Bittern man returned a reading of 0.269 after a collision at Mount Martha.
His licence was immediately suspended and his vehicle impounded.
He now faces multiple drink-driving charges.
🔥 Freeway Investigation Continues
Police continue investigating a dramatic freeway incident involving allegedly stolen vehicles.
One vehicle caught fire on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway before two men fled the scene.
Investigations remain ongoing.

🏡 The Block Wraps As Market Softens
Filming has finished on the latest season of The Block in Mount Eliza.
While homes are expected to seek around $5 million, experts question whether the market will support those figures.
The story coincides with continuing corrections across the Peninsula's luxury housing market.
📉 Luxury Home Prices Continue To Fall
High-end Peninsula homes have seen price reductions ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
Property experts believe buyer confidence is slowly returning.
Many now suggest the market may be approaching the bottom of its cycle.
💧 Planning For Future Water Security
Mornington Peninsula Shire adopted an updated Integrated Water Management Plan.
The strategy aims to strengthen water security while improving resilience against climate change and population growth.
The plan coordinates multiple agencies responsible for the Peninsula's water future.

🏉 Bombers Coach To Step Down
Former AFL player Jarrad Grant will retire from coaching and playing duties with the Frankston Bombers after this season.
Grant hopes to guide the club into finals before handing over.
The Bombers remain firmly in finals contention.
🏆 Mid-Season Footy Continues
Round 10 of the MPFNL delivered another weekend of important results.
Clubs continue jostling for ladder positions as the race toward September intensifies.

🐋 Whales Return To Port Phillip
The Peninsula welcomed its first whale sighting of the season.
A southern right whale delighted spectators at Rye Pier after earlier being spotted off Mt Martha.
The annual migration season is now officially underway.
🏔️ Everest Dream Realised
Mornington's Jen Willis fulfilled her lifelong dream of standing atop Mount Everest despite living with Multiple Sclerosis.
She overcame severe snow blindness during the descent.
Her remarkable story inspired listeners across the Peninsula.
📚 Library Services Continue During Upgrades
Hastings Library closed temporarily for heating and cooling upgrades.
A pop-up library has opened nearby while improvements are completed.
Rosebud Library is also expanding access to digital services.

RPP News —written by locals, for locals,

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Brendon Telfer

Passing of Mornington Peninsula Wine pioneer