The Mornington Peninsula Shire has announced a new strategic Visitor Economy Partnership (VEP), aimed at unlocking tourism growth, job creation and increased access to state and federal funding for the region.
The initiative, jointly funded with the Victorian Government, includes a $200,000 investment to elevate the Peninsula’s profile as a premier destination while supporting local events, tourism operators and small businesses.
Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh described the partnership as a major milestone for the region:
“The launch of our new Visitor Economy Partnership is especially exciting. It opens the door to new funding, regional jobs, and vibrant local events that showcase everything we love about the Peninsula.”
The new partnership model will align the Shire with other regional tourism boards, giving the Mornington Peninsula access to larger state funding pools and the ability to collaborate on major campaigns and infrastructure projects. It follows the successful securing of $2 million in funding for The Briars, which was made possible through a similar cooperative approach.
Tourism is a vital driver of the local economy. In 2024, the Mornington Peninsula attracted 7.9 million visitors, generating $1.8 billion in expenditure, according to Shire data. The sector supports thousands of local jobs and small businesses, particularly in hospitality, retail, and events.
The initiative comes as part of the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 2025–26 Budget, a record $326.3 million investment shaped by feedback from over 3,600 community members. The budget outlines plans to support community priorities such as road safety, infrastructure upgrades, and neighbourhood inclusion.
Cr Marsh said the VEP was a “practical and forward-looking solution” to the challenges facing local tourism providers, especially in a competitive post-COVID environment.
“This is about making sure we’re not just open for business—but thriving.”
For more information, visit the Mornington Peninsula Shire News Hub.
It was not feedback it was a community pulse survey:
Pulse surveys are not consultation: We are being taken for mugs again!
If you call a pulse survey a “survey” It does not take the place of consultation.
A Community Pulse Survey is a tool often used by local governments to quickly gather feedback from residents on a range of issues, services, and priorities. It’s typically shorter and more focused than a full community engagement process, designed to “take the pulse” of public opinion at a specific point in time.
Here’s a breakdown of how it typically works and what it includes:’
Purpose of a Community Pulse Survey
Measure resident satisfaction with services (e.g., waste collection, policing, parks).
Gather feedback on priorities (e.g., budget allocation, infrastructure projects).
Identify emerging concerns or needs (e.g., housing, public safety, climate resilience).
Track changes in community sentiment over time.
Key Components
Demographics
Age, location/ward, household type, etc., to ensure data represents the community.
Service Satisfaction
Rating of services like roads, public transit, recreation, emergency services.
Priority Areas
What should council focus on (e.g., affordability, environment, economic development)?
Open Feedback
Space for comments, suggestions, or specific concerns.
Trust & Engagement
Questions like “Do you trust the local government to act in your best interest?”
Example Questions
How satisfied are you with garbage collection services?
What local issues are most important to you right now?
How would you rate your quality of life in this municipality?
Do you feel safe in your neighborhood?
What is one thing you’d like your local government to change?
Best Practices
Keep it short: 10–15 questions max.
Use clear, jargon-free language.
Make it accessible (multiple languages, online + paper versions).
Promote through community groups, social media, and events.
Share results transparently and follow up with action or communication.
Benefits for Local Government
Real-time decision support.
Early warning system for community dissatisfaction.
Better alignment between council priorities and resident needs.
Evidence for budget planning and policy development.
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A Pulse Survey does not take the place of full community consultation—rather, it complements it.
Here’s how the two differ and work together:
Pulse Survey vs. Community Consultation
Aspect Pulse Survey: Quick feedback on specific issues or trends Community Consultation
Deep engagement on complex policies, strategies, or projects
Scope Pulse Survey: Broad or targeted (short set of questions) Short (days to weeks) Community Consultation: Detailed, multi-stage processes with wider dialogue Medium to long term (weeks to months)
Format Pulse Survey: Online, phone, in-person surveys, Community Consultation: Regular (e.g., quarterly or annually) Workshops, public forums, submissions, reference group, as needed per project or issue
Use Case Pulse Survey: Gauge community mood, track changes over time Co-design, gather detailed feedback, fulfill statutory duties Community Consultation : Co-design, gather detailed feedback, fulfill statutory duties
Why Councils Use Both
Pulse Surveys help councils stay in tune with residents between formal consultations.
Consultation is still necessary for strategic planning, local laws, budgets, and any issue where community impact is significant.
Mornington Peninsula Shire, for example, uses pulse surveys to track service satisfaction and trust, but still engages in full consultations for things like planning scheme amendments, infrastructure projects, and rate changes.
Risks of Replacing Consultation
If councils rely solely on pulse surveys, they risk:
Missing diverse voices (surveys can skew toward certain demographics).
Failing legal or ethical obligations to engage thoroughly.
Losing trust by appearing to “tick a box” instead of genuinely listening.
Best Practice
Use pulse surveys to inform or prepare for consultation, not replace it. For example: “Survey results show dissatisfaction with footpaths in Mount Eliza—let’s run a community forum to explore solutions.”
What are you trying to say?