Councillors have voted to close the Somerville customer service point and three other hubs across the Mornington Peninsula.
The 27 October decision covers the Shire’s Your Local Connection Points at Somerville Library, Dromana Visitor Information Centre, Sorrento Community Centre and Red Hill Village Shopping Centre.
The decision closes council customer service operations at Somerville Library. It does not authorise the closure of the library itself.
Cr Pingiaro moved the motion and Cr Williams seconded it. The official meeting minutes record an eight-to-two vote, with Cr Gill and Cr Patton opposed.
Why the Somerville customer service point will close
The officer report said demand across the four hubs had fallen. It also said staffing several lightly used locations reduced workforce flexibility.
Officers concluded that the model was financially unsustainable over the longer term.
Council had agreed in April 2025 to retain all four hubs. However, the latest review recommended closing them after considering options to keep all or some operating.
The report states that officers undertook no formal community engagement as part of this review. Instead, they relied on service data, usage trends, comparisons with other councils and internal consultation.
The report proposed notifying affected communities about the changes and alternative services. However, it did not provide visitor totals or figures for operating costs and savings.
Hastings customer service hours to increase during trial
Alongside the closures, councillors approved a three-month trial of longer hours at Hastings Customer Service Centre.
The approved trial hours are 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
As of 4 November, the Shire’s contact page still listed Hastings opening from 1pm to 4.30pm on weekdays. It also displayed operating hours for all four local connection points.
When will the customer service points close?
Neither the council resolution nor the officer report gives closure dates or a start date for the Hastings trial.
Residents can therefore check service arrangements with the Shire on 1300 850 600. The Shire also lists customer service offices in Mornington and Rosebud.
