A popular community-led initiative in Mount Martha has been shut down following a single resident’s complaint, prompting concerns over the impact of local council regulations on small-scale ventures.
Michelle Ball, a local home baker, has been selling her homemade sourdough loaves through an honesty box system outside her home. Twice a week, residents would collect fresh bread and leave payment based on trust, creating a small but valued local tradition. However, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has now forced the closure of the operation due to concerns over increased foot traffic in the area.
Council Requires Costly Permit
Ball was informed by the council that to continue selling her bread legally, she would need to obtain a permit. However, the only available permit option is a $13,000 mobile food vending licence—typically used for food trucks and limited to just four permits across the entire Mornington Peninsula. With such a high cost and limited availability, it is effectively an impossible hurdle for a small home-based initiative.
The council’s enforcement has sparked backlash among local residents, many of whom saw the honesty box as a simple, community-driven way to support a local artisan and enjoy fresh bread.
Community Frustrated by Decision
Residents have expressed disappointment, not only at the closure of the honesty box but also at how a single complaint was able to shut down an initiative that was widely supported.
One local, Mick Duyvestyn, said collecting bread with his three daughters had become a treasured family tradition.
“We’d take the dog, have a walk, and spend time together. It was more than just getting bread—it was a part of our community,”
He said. – The Age
Another resident, Mardi Mason, was critical of the council’s handling of the situation.
“The council has acted on one complaint without considering the wider impact. This was something that brought people together, and now it’s gone,”
She said. – SMH
Another local, Mardi Mason commented on a Mount Martha Facebook group, pleading with the Mayor.
“Mayor Cr Anthony MarshAwaiting your input on this please….I appreciate that you’re normally pretty active on the community pages and this issue very much needs your attention!!”
“The Bread Box epitomises the meaning of community and is clearly a very valued service within our community!!! You should recognise this and be doing something to support them in finding a way to continue to operate not making life difficult for them. The Mornington Peninsula Council have clearly forgotten the meaning of community!!!!”
Mayor Defends Decision
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh acknowledged the public frustration but defended the council’s position. He noted that the council was simply enforcing existing regulations and that Ball could continue baking under alternative arrangements.
“While changes like these can sometimes be challenging, it’s great to see the community come together in support. I’m pleased that another local business in Mount Martha Village has embraced the baker, allowing her to keep sharing her delicious creations,”
Marsh said.
Ongoing Debate Over Community Initiatives and Regulation
This case has reignited debate about how councils handle community-driven initiatives. While regulations are designed to ensure public safety and fairness, critics argue that they sometimes stifle small-scale projects that bring value to local communities.
Some residents have suggested the council should introduce a more accessible permit system for micro-businesses like Ball’s, allowing them to operate legally without excessive financial burden. Others believe the council should have sought a compromise rather than shutting the operation down entirely.
For now, Ball’s sourdough will no longer be available through the honesty box, but the community’s strong reaction suggests the conversation about local food initiatives and council regulations is far from over.
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