Politics - STPL News

Where to Vote on the Mornington Peninsula – Federal Election 2024

Voters on the Mornington Peninsula can cast their ballots on Election Day, Friday 3 May 2024, at polling booths across the region. Early voting options are also available. Here’s the full list of locations.

Editorial Ethics in the Spotlight as McKenzie Confronts MPNG Ahead of Election

Zoe McKenzie has renewed her criticism of the Mornington Peninsula News Group, accusing the publisher of printing false letters under fake names.

RPP FM Interview: Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro

Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro speaks with RPP FM about his motion to end the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Emergency Climate Plan, calling it a move towards fiscal responsibility—not climate denial.

Crash Settlement Finalised, Andrews Now Facing Defamation Action

Ryan Meuleman has secured a confidential payout from Slater & Gordon nearly 10 years after being hit by the former premier’s SUV. The family is now pursuing a defamation case against Daniel and Catherine Andrews.

Zoe McKenzie Doubles Down on Criticism of Mornington Peninsula News Group

Zoe McKenzie has called out the Mornington Peninsula News Group for publishing more fake news, intensifying scrutiny over editorial standards during the election campaign.

Council Votes to Overhaul Climate Emergency Plan Amid Heated Debate

Last night, Mornington Peninsula Shire voted to disassemble its climate emergency plan, prompting public debate and mixed community reactions. Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro defended the motion as fiscally responsible, not climate denial.

Mike Brown Labels Ben Smith a “Con” and Slams Clive Palmer–Teal Preference Deal

In an interview with STPL News, One Nation candidate Mike Brown accused Independent Ben Smith of being insincere and aligned with the Teals and Simon Holmes à Court. Brown also drew comparisons between Holmes à Court and Clive Palmer, labelling both as political “wreckers” amid ongoing campaign disputes.

Concerns Mount Over Future of Flinders Pier as Funding Falls Short

Save Flinders Pier campaigners warn the Victorian Government may only partially restore the historic pier, as new documents reveal budget shortfalls and minimal funding spent on actual repairs.

Jason Smart Quits Federal Race, Slams Party Over Teal Preference Deal

Trumpet of Patriots candidate Jason Smart has withdrawn from the Flinders federal race, slamming his party’s decision to preference candidate Ben Smith ahead of conservative contenders.

Fisheries Cuts Threaten Mornington Peninsula Marine Life and Industry

Victorian waters, including the Mornington Peninsula, face growing concern as the State Government moves to significantly cut fisheries compliance roles, sparking warnings of environmental and industry collapse from local leaders and experts.

Backlash Over Mayor’s Comments as Hastings Community Demands Answers

Outrage is growing in Hastings after Mayor Marsh’s remarks on the club’s closure. Community leaders point to council inaction, unequal funding, and long-standing neglect of the Western Port region.

Mayor Marsh Washes Hands of Hastings Club, Eyes New Use for Building

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh says council had “little choice” but not to fund the Hastings Club, sparking criticism and reigniting concerns of neglect in the Western Port area.

Liberal Candidate Calls Out “Fake News” Over Published Letter

Liberal candidate Zoe McKenzie has called a local news publication for publishing a letter she claims is filled with false information. The incident highlights the risks of misinformation in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election.

FMAC Structure Plan Approved for Frankston

Frankston’s FMAC Structure Plan has been added to the planning scheme, providing certainty for future development and investment, RPP FM reports.

Would This Happen in Mornington? Tyabb FC Forced to Cancel Game Due to Council Failure

Tyabb Football Netball Club volunteers were forced to fill rabbit holes on Bunyguyan Reserve’s top oval after MPSC failed to deliver promised repairs, highlighting ongoing infrastructure neglect in Western Port. With the council’s budget approaching, many wonder: Will Western Port be forgotten again?

Who Do You Stand With? STPL News Wants to Hear From Local Supporters This Election

STPL News invites Flinders residents to share authentic opinions on local election candidates for a special feature, focusing on community voices and pressing issues.

Western Port Left Behind? Council Decisions Highlight Uneven Support Across the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula exhibits a growing divide between its Western Port residents and affluent coastal communities. The closure of the Hastings Club substantiates this inequality, as the Shire neglects Western Port in favour of better-funded Port Phillip facilities like the Mt Martha Golf Club.

Council’s 3% Rate Hike Misses the Mark with Residents

Mornington Shire’s 3% rate increase has faced backlash from residents, particularly in lower-income areas like Hastings, who argue the burden of recovery from the McCrae landslide unfairly falls on them. Deputy Mayor Pingiaro cited financial pressures and a lack of state support, but many feel betrayed after promises of a rate freeze during the election.

Mayor Responds to Inspectorate Investigation Reports: “Nothing Beyond Routine Checks”

Mayor Anthony Marsh of Mornington Peninsula Shire has downplayed speculation of an investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate, emphasizing routine post-election procedures.

Deputy Mayor Pleads for Understanding Over Council’s Rate Rise Backflip as Residents Lash Out

The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted unanimously to increase rates by the maximum 3%, despite several councillors previously campaigning on a rate freeze. Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro says the move is necessary to avoid financial collapse, but local residents have reacted with anger.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Votes for Maximum 3% Rate Rise

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to apply the full 3% rate cap for 2025–26, despite several councillors having campaigned for a rate freeze just five months ago.

Frankston Council to Consider Graffiti Bounty

Frankston City Council is proposing a community-driven initiative to combat graffiti, aiming to reduce the $500,000 annual clean-up costs through engagement and rewards.

Is the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Under Investigation?

STPL News has received reports that the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council may be under investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate.

Prayer and Preferences? Curious Alliance in Flinders Sparks Controversy

A quiet prayer between Flinders candidates Ben Smith and Mike Brown has ignited political controversy, with claims of preference discussions denied by both parties.

Race Raises Stakes: Labor’s $1.3 Million Promise to Hastings

Labor’s Sarah Race commits $1.3 million to Hastings Recreation Reserve upgrades, lifting total Western Port sporting pledges to $1.55 million and increasing pressure on the Liberals.

Western Port Communities Demand Better Sports Infrastructure After Club Closure

The Hastings Club’s closure highlights long-term underinvestment in Western Port, with residents vocally criticizing the Council’s inadequate support for local sports infrastructure over decades.

Labor’s $250K Pledge Overshadowed by Liberal’s $5M Somerville Commitment

As the federal election approaches in May, Somerville Recreation Reserve’s future is pivotal, with Labor’s $250,000 and Liberal’s $5 million funding promises competing, highlighting community priorities and the need for feedback on the master plan.

Hastings Club Hits Back at Mercurio’s Claim

Hastings MP Paul Mercurio claimed the Hastings Club is not a not-for-profit, but official records tell a different story. The club has pushed back, calling for clarity and support.

Not Holding Back Criticism

Hastings Club board member Kevin Miles criticizes the Mornington Peninsula Shire for neglecting Western Port communities following the club’s closure due to a leak. He claims the Shire failed to provide financial support, leading to the club’s liquidation and community frustration.

Hastings Club Fallout Exposes Widespread Neglect in Western Port

Prompted by STPL News’ coverage of the Hastings Club collapse, a local volunteer has exposed systemic neglect across sporting facilities in Somerville, Tyabb and Hastings, calling for urgent action.

RPP FM Interviews Kevin Miles on Hastings Club Closure and Council Response

In an RPP FM interview, Hastings Club board member Kevin Miles discusses the club’s sudden closure and criticises the council’s delayed response to costly building damage.

Hastings Club Collapse Raises Questions Over Council Neglect

After a prolonged closure caused by delayed building repairs, the Hastings Club has entered liquidation. Community leaders are questioning Mornington Peninsula Shire’s handling of the issue.

Frankston City Council’s Call for Support on Key Projects

Frankston Council is urging election candidates to support funding for emergency relief, infrastructure upgrades, and a $11.7M active transport network to better connect the city.

Federal Election Called for May 3

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia’s federal election will take place on May 3, with major parties focusing on cost-of-living and economic policies.

Independent Ben Smith Claims Flinders Race Is Neck and Neck

Independent candidate Ben Smith says the race for Flinders is neck and neck with incumbent Zoe McKenzie. With over 500 volunteers and strong local donations, he believes momentum is on his side. Read more on STPL News.

Another Senior Departure at Mornington Peninsula Shire

Another senior leader has resigned from Mornington Peninsula Shire, with insider reports suggesting more exits to come. Is this a restructure or something bigger?

I Have Seen Photos of Bigfoot with Better Resolution

The Greens’ Dunkley candidate, Matt Maber, became the centre of attention earlier this month—not for his policies, but for a campaign photo so pixelated it rivals a Bigfoot sighting. As social media mocked the blurry image and anonymous post, it raised a bigger question: how can you take the Greens seriously?

Category: Politics