I have been a resident of the Mornington Peninsula for the past 16 years and, during that time, I have spoken with many residents, both young and old. A common concern is that too many suburbs are being overlooked, leading to missed opportunities and increased isolation for some members of the community.
Support groups for older people and people living with disability appear to be concentrated in only certain areas, while other parts of the peninsula miss out. This can be particularly difficult for people with a compromised immune system who cannot easily mix with others, and for those who rely on motorised scooters and face challenges accessing shared buses or other forms of transport.
Residents in areas such as Dromana, Safety Beach, Western Port and Crib Point can feel especially isolated. We understand that it may not be possible to have services or groups in every suburb, but we would like to see them more evenly spread across the peninsula so that people are not excluded simply because of where they live.
There are also concerns about the lack of suitable play equipment in some areas. In Wallaroo, Hastings, for example, the playground equipment is outdated and located too close to major roads, which can make parents feel uncomfortable about allowing their children to play there.
We are also still waiting to hear from Cr Stephens regarding the speed humps. This has been an ongoing issue in the area for many years.
Residents are frustrated by what they see as a lack of meaningful investment and a lack of input into decision-making about where money is being spent. This is especially concerning given the scrutiny already placed on the shire’s financial management.
Many residents feel the shire invests heavily in higher-value areas such as Portsea, Sorrento, Mornington and Mount Eliza, while other communities continue to miss out.
