Mount Martha Retirement Village Backed 8–1 Despite 61 Objections

Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have voted 8–1 to support changes to the Martha's Point retirement village despite 61 objections from residents.
Catch up on the latest news across the Mornington Peninsula News and surrounding areas.

Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have voted 8–1 to support changes to the Martha's Point retirement village despite 61 objections from residents.

Four Nepean candidates outlined their positions on Rosebud Hospital, housing, roads and local services at a Mornington Peninsula Shire forum in Rosebud. Read the questions, responses and key quotes.

Christine Leahy has been sworn in as Briars Ward councillor after securing 64.17 per cent of the vote. She will serve until October 2028.

A 33-year-old Mount Martha man has been charged with 232 counts of making a false document. Police allege he facilitated false workplace education qualifications. He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 15 February.

A packed One Nation fundraiser in Mt Eliza put Warren Pickering, Peter Angelico and Ashli Beards in the spotlight as the Peninsula's election campaign gathers pace.

Frankston–Flinders Road has been omitted from Victoria's latest 33-road repair list, with questions remaining over further rehabilitation funding.

Greens candidate Isaac Willoughby discusses his Hastings election priorities, including a rent freeze, housing affordability, public transport and youth crime. He also responds to questions about repeat offending and preferences.

Mornington independent candidate Adrian Maher speaks with STPL News about housing, roads, policing, project delivery and why he believes political independence sets him apart.

The Liberals have pledged $6 million towards Somerville Recreation Reserve, $1 million more than Labor’s $5 million commitment, as both parties compete over the major redevelopment.

One Nation candidate Ashli Beards speaks with STPL News about why she entered politics, her move away from the Liberals, crime, policing, cost of living, housing and homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula.

Somerville Business Group has identified eight infrastructure priorities and invited residents and businesses to suggest additions.

Mornington Peninsula Shire has reversed its planned aged-care exit, confirming Meals on Wheels, community transport and group social support will continue beyond June 2027.
Animal Justice Party candidate Chloe Coulson outlines her priorities for Hastings, including better public transport, community health services, wildlife protection and housing. She also discusses why voters should consider a minor party.

One Nation candidate Peter Angelico says he would bring practical problem-solving experience to Hastings. In an interview with STPL News, he discusses cost of living, roads, public transport, sporting facilities and policing.

Cr Cam Williams is due to deliver a public apology at tonight’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting after being found to have engaged in misconduct.

One year after RSPCA Victoria seized 35 horses from a Mount Eliza property, campaigners have renewed calls for the remaining horses to be removed and for further action to be taken.

Liberal candidate Frank Schiefler speaks with STPL News about housing, roads, crime and his push to restore 24-hour public access to Hastings police station.

Police say the death of a 57-year-old Rosebud man found critically injured at Point Nepean Road and Boneo Road is no longer being treated as a potential hit-run.

Greens candidate Sianan Healy speaks with STPL News about returning to the Nepean contest and her priorities for Rosebud Hospital, roads, crime and housing.

Victoria Police are seeking public assistance after an alleged lewd act involving a teenage girl on a Route 785 bus between Mornington and Frankston.

Somerville is celebrating two major sporting achievements, with Hayden Young helping Fremantle reach the AFL Grand Final and Marlee Black captaining the Dandenong Stingrays to their first Talent League premiership.

Peter Angelico has been announced as One Nation’s candidate for Hastings, returning to the ballot after contesting the Nepean by-election earlier this year and following a 20-year association with the Liberal Party.

One Nation candidate Darren Hercus says he has “unfinished business” in Nepean as he prepares to contest the seat again at November’s Victorian state election.

Independent candidate Kim Robbins speaks with STPL News about why she is running for Nepean, her concerns over Rosebud Hospital, Mornington Peninsula roads and homelessness, and how she says she would approach the role if elected.

Somerville Primary School’s girls soccer team has reached the School Sport Victoria State Championships for the first time after a standout regional campaign featuring two dramatic penalty shootout victories.

Mornington Peninsula Shire has conceded its parking enforcement approach is not working following mounting complaints from residents fined on narrow streets and around school pick-up areas.

Somerville Tyabb Rotary members heard from Ukrainian community representatives about humanitarian needs and practical ways to provide medical aid and winter supplies.

A Safety Beach man and a Carrum Downs man have been charged with intentionally causing injury and affray following an alleged assault in Sale. Both were bailed to appear in court in February 2027.

A $2.8 million upgrade of Eramosa Road East in Somerville will begin this September. The affected section will close to through traffic, with resident access maintained and completion expected before Christmas, weather permitting.

A Rye man is among three people charged after police dismantled a Balnarring drug lab described as one of Victoria’s largest uncovered this year. Investigators seized suspected methylamphetamine, chemical waste and equipment during searches on the Mornington Peninsula and in Melbourne.

One Nation has officially launched its Nepean and Mornington campaigns, with Ashli Beards and Darren Hercus setting their sights on Liberal-held territory ahead of November’s state election.

The Greens have launched their Nepean and Hastings campaigns in Red Hill, with Sianan Healy and Isaac Willoughby outlining their priorities ahead of November’s state election.

Cr Cam Williams has been found to have engaged in misconduct over statements made during an STPL News interview and on Facebook. He must publicly apologise to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Cr David Gill and Cr Kate Roper.

Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have unanimously adopted the Somerville Recreation Reserve Master Plan, setting the long-term direction for 29 interconnected projects across the heavily used sporting precinct.

Cr Kate Roper led a 9-1 council rejection of a retrospective contractor’s depot in Pearcedale’s Green Wedge, with councillors David Gill and Paul Pingiaro ultimately backing her alternative motion after initially moving and seconding the officer recommendation for approval.

One Nation will announce its Mornington candidate on Wednesday, 2 September, with STPL News also advised the party’s Hastings candidate is expected to be revealed in late September.

Mornington Peninsula Shire is planning a major turf replacement at Truemans Road Recreation Reserve in Tootgarook after cockatoos caused extensive damage to the soccer pitches and cricket oval.

Animal welfare protesters continue their presence outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property, almost a year after RSPCA Victoria seized 35 horses, as campaigners raise ongoing concerns over animals remaining at the property.

Mornington Peninsula Shire wants about 27,000 properties removed from interim landslide planning controls. However, the existing EMO7 will remain in force until Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approves the proposed amendment.

Grade 5 students from Western Port primary schools put their engineering skills to the test at the seventh annual Inter School Activity Challenge, with Crib Point Primary School taking first place.

Mornington Peninsula rough sleeping has surged by 32 per cent, with at least 168 people recorded and Mayor Stephen Batty warning the true figure may be higher.

The Victorian Government will provide $2.1 million over four years for two dedicated homelessness outreach workers across the Mornington Peninsula, where 168 people were sleeping rough at the end of May.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Stephen Batty is rallying golfers, businesses and residents to support The Mayoral Charity Golf Day, raising funds to combat homelessness across the region.

A 55-year-old Rosebud man has been charged over vandalism that damaged 11 businesses along Ocean Beach Road in Sorrento and caused nearly $100,000 in damage.

The Briars Ward by-election remains wide open, with no candidates publicly declaring their intention to replace former councillor Anthony Marsh.

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Police are investigating after offenders allegedly used footpath pavers to smash the windows of 11 businesses along Ocean Beach Road in Sorrento. The attack has also renewed concerns about loose and uneven pavers along the shopping strip.

Mornington Peninsula Shire plans to acquire land in McCrae for landslip mitigation works, but has not revealed the property, purchase price or funding arrangements. STPL News has asked the Shire for further details.

Mornington Peninsula Shire has adopted its 2026/27 Budget after revising several measures in response to community feedback. The changes include lower waste charges, increased road funding and changes to the FOGO rollout.

Victorian Labor has reportedly deprioritised Hastings despite the electorate's razor-thin margin. Community survey results and a growing three-way contest place Paul Mercurio under increasing pressure ahead of November's state election.