Mornington Peninsula Shire’s newly elected Council has delivered its first Budget—a record $326.3 million plan with roads at the centre, but not without community conflict and political division.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has adopted a record-breaking $326.3 million Budget for 2025–26, the first under the Shire’s new 11-ward structure. While the Budget responds to widespread calls for safer roads and better infrastructure, it has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding unexpected cuts to key community programs.
More than 3,600 residents contributed to the Budget consultation, with roads topping the list of community priorities. Council responded with a $13.1 million road maintenance investment—a 72% increase on last year.
Yet despite this infrastructure focus, the process has been anything but smooth.
Community Cuts and Council Division
The Budget faced significant backlash after the removal of funding for long-supported programs, including the Creative Community Grants, Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association, and the Dolphin Research Institute. The defunding was not flagged during community consultation, prompting accusations of backroom decision-making and a lack of transparency.
The move sparked public protests, community outcry, and a tense Council meeting where Mayor Anthony Marsh used his casting vote to block multiple reinstatement attempts.
Councillors Patrick Binyon, Max Patton, and David Gill voted against the final Budget. A compromise amendment by Cr Kate Roper—calling for a mid-year review of defunded programs—was unanimously supported.
“There’s always more we can do better,” admitted Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro, acknowledging the community’s frustration during the budget debate.
Major Capital Projects by Ward
The $50.7 million Capital Works Program includes:
- $8.375M – Emil Madsen Reserve Pavilion (soccer/netball) – Kackerboite Ward
- $2.45M – Peninsula Trail: Baxter to Somerville – Beek Beek & Morrooduc Wards
- $1.287M – Sorrento Netball Courts – Nepean Ward
- $1M – Rye Skate Park Renewal – Nepean Ward
- $407K – Birdrock Beach Access Restoration – Briars Ward
- $890K – Dromana Bowls Club Repairs – Brokil Ward
- $900K – Canadian Bay Car Park – Kackerboite Ward
- $500K – Community Safety and Crime Prevention – Shire-wide
Other infrastructure investments include township footpath upgrades, foreshore facility renewals, and safer pedestrian zones.
Environment, Community and Tourism
The Budget includes more than $5 million in environmental initiatives, such as:
- $2.4M – Coastal infrastructure upgrades
- $2.1M – Stormwater and drainage improvements
- $350K – Foreshore fire and water resilience
- $70K – Pelican Park energy efficiency
- Sustainability upgrades at Yawa Aquatic Centre
More than $4 million is committed to grants and local support:
- $1.09M – Community Houses and Support Centres
- $565K – Cohesive Community Grants
- $1M – Local Area Community Capital Grants
- $150K – Commemorative events including Survival Day
A new $200K Visitor Economy Partnership, co-funded by the State Government, aims to secure further tourism investment and promote the region’s identity, building on the $2 million already secured for The Briars redevelopment.
Mayor Marsh: “A Budget Shaped by Community”
Mayor Anthony Marsh defended the Budget as being built from extensive community feedback:
“This Budget delivers meaningful outcomes and reflects what our community told us matters most—safer roads, better facilities, support for families and strong neighbourhoods.”
But critics argue the process highlighted a growing rift between community priorities and internal decision-making. While the Budget passed, the path to its adoption has left lingering questions over transparency, trust, and Council’s commitment to inclusion.
To view the full Budget and ward-by-ward allocations, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/budget
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The council road workers do the worst job in Australia, not because they are the worst workers. They are doing a patch job or skim the top of the road then leave a light layer of bitumen and lots of little stones, job done. within 2 months all potholes are back and bigger. Also not loving the seams when they skim, even more of the road gets destroyed. No, this is not the way to “fix” our roads.
Did I miss the part in the capital works budget that was spending any money on the “poor” side of the Peninsula??? Hastings, Crib Point Tyabb etc?? Council take their rate $ but give bugger all in return