Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has unveiled a new infrastructure program focusing on safer roads, renewed community facilities, and stronger coastal defences to prepare the region for future growth.
Somerville Tennis Club has officially opened new lights on courts 4–6, funded by a $100,000 State Government grant. The upgrade means all six courts are now available for night matches.
The battle to save animals at 550 Moorooduc Highway continues, with protesters warning the fight is not over despite the RSPCA seizing 35 horses from Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property.
RSPCA Victoria has confirmed 35 horses were seized from Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property under warrant. The Inspectorate praised the operation as complex but successful, while campaigners hailed the outcome as a major community win after months of protests.
RSPCA and Victoria Police have raided Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property in a major win for the community and animals. Horses, including a mare and foal, have already been removed.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to call on the MAV to cap councillor terms at 12 years. Many saw the move as a strategic swipe at veteran Cr David Gill, who walked out of the chamber after being shut down in debate.
Disturbing new video exposes starving, injured and dead horses at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property. Protesters demand urgent RSPCA action as animal deaths continue.
The Port of Hastings has announced six new directors to its Board, bringing expertise in transport, finance, law and governance. The team will guide the Port Development Strategy and lead delivery of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, a project central to Victoria’s renewable energy future and local job creation.
Community protestors marked 22 weeks outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property on Sunday. STPL News interviewed organiser Carly Wines, who says the RSPCA’s warrant is progress — but vows the fight continues until every horse and animal is rescued.
After months of protests, political pressure and community outrage, the RSPCA will finally take action on the Mount Eliza horse welfare case. Campaigners say their relentless fight has forced action — and the neglected animals are now one step closer to freedom.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has unveiled the draft design for a new Sorrento playground at David MacFarlan Reserve. Locals are invited to provide feedback on features including slides, swings, sensory play and accessibility. Community consultation is open until 15 October 2025.
Councillor David Gill has clapped back at Mayor Anthony Marsh’s “keyboard warrior” Facebook post, labelling it a “fabrication” during fiery debate over The Briars wallaby crisis. Although the vote to protect the animals was unanimous, the urgent meeting exposed sharp divisions — and revealed ulterior intentions from the Mayor and the notorious bloc of six.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh is facing scrutiny after a Facebook post thanking the notorious bloc of six councillors raised governance concerns, with former mayor Steve Holland warning the comments risk undermining public confidence in council.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has announced a major restructure of its youth services, shifting to a partnership model with external providers. While the Shire says the changes will expand opportunities for young people, families and advocates are questioning the stability of services and pointing to recent disruption at Shed 11 in Hastings.
CJ Castle Care in Somerville has collapsed into administration, leaving staff and families in limbo. Director Richard Ingram has revealed his personal bank accounts were frozen. Verified former workers allege unpaid wages, missing superannuation, and clients being relocated before closure.
More former staff have stepped forward after CJ Castle Care’s collapse in Somerville, alleging unpaid wages, unpaid superannuation, and risks for vulnerable NDIS clients.
CJ Castle Care in Somerville has entered external administration. Verified former staff allege unpaid wages, safety issues and mismanagement, leaving workers and clients facing uncertainty.
Somerville-based disability provider CJ Castle Care has gone into administration, with staff and clients left in limbo. Owner Richard Ingram has deleted all company and personal pages. While Arcadia Sports and Recreation in Hastings remains open, its future is uncertain. Workers are urged to contact unions over unpaid entitlements, and clients can seek urgent support from Amity Care Services in Somerville.
Frankston City Council has handed down its 2025–26 budget, keeping rates below the state cap and delivering a $1.7m Local Support Package. The budget also commits $73m to capital works, including the $60m Frankston Stadium, in what Mayor Kris Bolam says is a direct return of savings to ratepayers.
New AIHW and Homelessness Australia data reveals nearly 480 local children are homeless and more than 880 at risk across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
The Notorious Six councillors have blocked a motion to declare a homelessness emergency on the Mornington Peninsula. The proposal, which would have cost the Shire no funds, aimed to push state and federal governments to act as the region records Victoria’s highest rates of rough sleeping and three deaths in the past year.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has been forced into a backflip, reinstating Council votes on interstate travel after public backlash shut down a $2K expense loophole.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is moving to scrap Council approval for expenses over $2,000 and interstate travel, leaving decisions to the CEO’s pen. Critics warn the change strips away transparency and accountability.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh has been the Shire’s most expensive and least performing councillor during the 2020–2024 term. With high allowances, costly trips and few resident requests lodged, his record raises questions of value for ratepayers — especially in light of his criticism of Frankston’s mayor and claims about spending not passing the pub test.
Peninsula Health will merge with Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and Kooweerup Regional Health Service to form Bayside Health in January 2026. The new network, backed by the state government, is promising stronger access to specialists, faster transfers and more career opportunities for staff across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh’s attack on Frankston Council has backfired, with mayor Kris Bolam labelling the comments a deflection. The row has exposed Marsh to claims of hypocrisy over his own travel while highlighting Frankston’s progress under Bolam’s leadership.
Somerville will get its promised Medicare Urgent Care Clinic after weeks of uncertainty. Federal Labor has confirmed the bulk-billed, walk-in service will open by late 2025, despite initial tender documents favouring Hastings.
Superintendent Anne Rudd has been appointed to lead Victoria Police across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. With a strong background in police training and leadership, she says her priority is ensuring the community not only feels safe but is safe, through visible policing and stronger connections with residents.
Helping Hands Somerville has officially opened its doors at Somerville Community House, already supporting more than 120 families each week with free food. Backed by volunteers, donors and local groups, the pantry launched on 22 August with a strong show of community support.
The Somerville Business Group is urging the Federal Government to honour its commitment to deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Somerville, amid reports the project may be redirected to Hastings despite Somerville’s greater population reach and limited access to bulk billing services.
Somerville could be short-changed again, with a promised Medicare Urgent Care Clinic now clouded in confusion. Tender documents point to Hastings, but the federal government’s official list still names Somerville, leaving locals demanding clarity.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has confirmed a restructure that will see up to 48 staff made redundant. CEO Mark Stoermer says the realignment is necessary for financial sustainability and improved services, with Mayor Anthony Marsh backing the move
Mornington Peninsula Shire is facing one of its biggest workforce shake-ups in years, with up to 30 staff reportedly on the chopping block under Mayor Anthony Marsh’s restructure. Rumours suggest senior leaders may also be affected, as community satisfaction with council services continues to slide.
A Hastings man has been charged with allegedly recruiting children in a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts across the Mornington Peninsula. The 30-year-old faces 29 charges and has been remanded ahead of a Frankston Magistrates’ Court hearing.
If a councillor fails to declare a conflict of interest, consequences can include suspension, reputational damage, and loss of public trust.
Somerville rider Noah Hart competed at the UCI BMX World Championships in Denmark, an event showcasing the best riders globally.
A woman has been charged over the alleged vandalism of three vehicles in Rosebud last month, causing an estimated $20,000 in damage. Police say she will face Dromana Magistrates’ Court in September.
A late-August Canberra trip is set to highlight both a leadership divide and souring relations between Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire. Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam refused to vote on his own travel, while Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh debated and approved his — a stark contrast that comes amid a breakdown in the councils’ regional partnership.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh voted to approve his own interstate travel without declaring a conflict of interest — and it’s not the first time his voting has raised transparency questions.
Capel Sound has secured a major victory, with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voting unanimously to keep 11a Allambi Avenue as public parkland in the draft Open Space Strategy.
A woman confronted a group of children as young as 8 vandalising a Frankston line train with a Stanley knife in a viral TikTok, raising safety concerns as Victoria’s machete ban takes effect.
Police have released CCTV after three cars were vandalised in Rosebud, causing $20,000 in damage. Do you know this woman seen in the carpark?
Baxter Primary School shone at the 2025 Rotary Inter Schools Activity Challenge in Hastings. The sixth annual event, hosted by the Somerville Tyabb Rotary Club, saw students build card towers to withstand high winds.
VCAT has refused a permit to build a large temple in Pearcedale, ruling it inconsistent with Green Wedge planning controls and environmental overlays. The decision affirms Council's original refusal and is seen as a major win for local residents and environmental advocates.
Capel Sound residents are calling on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to honour its 2023 commitment to protect 11a Allambi Avenue as parkland. A draft strategy proposing a 50/50 housing split has sparked community backlash ahead of the 12 August council meeting at Tyabb.
Rocky Russo has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Matthew Salau in Frankston, claiming he acted in self-defence. The high-stakes trial continues before the Victorian Supreme Court, where jurors must determine whether the killing was justified or criminal.
More than 150 residents packed Flinders Civic Hall calling for the Mornington Peninsula Shire to reinstate arts and climate funding. The Mayor, CEO and councillors attended the meeting organised by Save Our Arts MP and the Peninsula Climate Alliance. A motion was passed demanding the return of the Climate Emergency Declaration and support for sole trader creatives.
The proposed renewable energy terminal at Western Port Bay will undergo full federal environmental assessment after being declared a "controlled action" under the EPBC Act, amid concerns over its impact on Ramsar-listed wetlands and marine life.
A machete ban takes effect in Victoria from 1 September — with amnesty bins now in Frankston, Rosebud and other suburbs. Critics say it’s a political stunt that won’t reduce violence. What do you think?
Police are urgently searching for 21-year-old Ashton, last seen in Frankston on 4 August. He may be travelling in a white Toyota Yaris. Anyone with information is urged to contact Triple Zero or Frankston Police Station.
