Victoria Police intercepted a 24-year-old woman allegedly driving the wrong way on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway around 10pm last night. The woman reportedly returned a blood alcohol score of 0.165, more than four times the legal blood alcohol driving limit.
Frankston and Mornington Peninsula councillors will soon decide who leads their councils — not through a public vote, but an internal one. We’re asking readers who they’d elect if given the choice.
Internal tensions within the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s ‘bloc of six’ have emerged following internal reports of a reprimand and threats of resignation from Cr Stephen Batty, an anonymous council employee told STPL News.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is spending close to half a million dollars each year on memberships with advocacy and industry groups but often fails to participate.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh says balancing the budget is not the goal, signalling a shift from the fiscal crisis narrative as Council adopts its 10-year Financial and Asset Plans.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council spent $60,000 for a seat at the MAV State Council — but remained vacant. The no-show has fuelled frustration among ratepayers already concerned about transparency, budget cuts and leadership direction. What would you have done with $60k?
A once-vacant building in the heart of Frankston has been transformed with a bold pink and purple façade, signalling fresh energy for the city centre. The project at 76 Young Street is part of Frankston City Council’s broader plan to revitalise the area, improve safety and walkability, and encourage more people to live, work and invest locally.
Protesters braved wild weather outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property, marking six months of demonstrations, after new photos by photographer and regular protester Carol Augustinus revealed another animal death.
A recovery operation is underway off Mornington Pier after a small boat capsized late Friday night. One man was rescued, while another — believed to be in his 20s — remains missing as police continue their search.
Frankston City Council has strengthened its reputation for effective advocacy, securing five wins at the MAV State Council on housing, transparency, and worker protections — further positioning the city as a leader in local government reform.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam has urged residents to stay clear of the pier and foreshore after two men died in extreme wind conditions on Tuesday afternoon. Council will increase lifeguard patrols and safety signage ahead of summer.
Curlew Court in Hastings is once again under water as heavy rain and high winds lash the Mornington Peninsula. Residents say the flooding is a long-running issue, and Councillor Michael Stephens has visited the site to investigate drainage concerns.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeking community feedback on two proposed routes for a new shared path linking Dromana and Safety Beach, aimed at improving safety, access and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility users across the Peninsula. Submissions close 24 November 2025.
Six years after her baby’s death in Frankston, mother Kayla Hehir has finally received Talon’s death certificate — but the Victorian Government’s refusal to hold an inquest has renewed her fight for justice.
More than 140 people attended the Smorgasbord of Music at the Somerville Seniors Hall, part of the Victorian Seniors Festival and hosted by Somerville Community House.
The Mount Eliza horse welfare campaign has raised $4,500 to feed 35 rescued horses, as organiser Carly Wines told RPP FM the community won’t stop protesting until all animals are safe.
Cr David Gill’s push to strengthen transparency and councillor rights during meetings was defeated at Tuesday night’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting — a vote that took place without Mayor Anthony Marsh, whose absence left Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro in the chair.
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie has been appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and will continue as Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning.
Frankston’s city centre is set to become more accessible with the reopening of the Frankston House Car Park on 15 October. The upgraded facility beneath Moon Dog Brewery offers 49 public spaces with the first two hours free, operating daily from 7am to 11pm and fully monitored by CCTV. The project supports local business growth and forms part of Frankston City Council’s broader plan to revitalise Nepean Highway and boost city centre activity.
Around 50 locals gathered for the 25th week outside Maxine Fraser’s property, calling for the release of 18 horses still on site despite last month’s RSPCA seizure.
The McCrae Landslide Inquiry has found failures by South East Water and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, concluding that a burst water main and years of poor leadership combined to cause the disaster that displaced families in January 2025.
Cr David Gill has lodged a motion to strengthen transparency and accountability at Mornington Peninsula Shire, following months of tension with Mayor Anthony Marsh and the “notorious bloc of six” accused of shutting down council debate.
Frankston’s Community Connector program will remain in place for another year, with new funding allowing outreach workers to expand their presence into two major retail precincts in the CBD.
Mornington Peninsula Shire blames a rise in recycling contamination — now costing an extra $1 million — on residents putting the wrong items in yellow-lid bins.
Rosebud Hospital will receive a $4 million upgrade to improve ventilation, safety and patient facilities, but locals say only a full redevelopment will meet the community’s growing needs.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has committed $500,000 to upgrade its CCTV network across major townships, aiming to improve reliability and give Victoria Police better access to footage in real time.
Project One has opened in Frankston, led by 22-year-old local Josh. The new café is already attracting strong community support, with customers praising its coffee, fresh atmosphere and friendly service. Backed by community, Project One is quickly establishing itself in the city’s hospitality scene.
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.
