Shire Backflips On $2K Expense Loophole After Public Outcry
Mornington Peninsula Shire has been forced into a backflip, reinstating Council votes on interstate travel after public backlash shut down a $2K expense loophole.
Tag Anthony Marsh
$2K No Questions Asked: Shire Looks To Scrap Scrutiny On Councillor Spending
Mornington Peninsula Shire is moving to scrap Council approval for expenses over $2,000 and interstate travel, leaving decisions to the CEO’s pen. Critics warn the change strips away transparency and accountability.
Holding Marsh to His Own Standard: Does His Record Stack Up?
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh has been the Shire’s most expensive and least performing councillor during the 2020–2024 term. With high allowances, costly trips and few resident requests lodged, his record raises questions of value for ratepayers — especially in light of his criticism of Frankston’s mayor and claims about spending not passing the pub test.
Marsh Criticism of Bolam Backfires
Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh’s attack on Frankston Council has backfired, with mayor Kris Bolam labelling the comments a deflection. The row has exposed Marsh to claims of hypocrisy over his own travel while highlighting Frankston’s progress under Bolam’s leadership.
Shire Confirms Job Cuts: Up to 48 Staff to Go in Major Restructure
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has confirmed a restructure that will see up to 48 staff made redundant. CEO Mark Stoermer says the realignment is necessary for financial sustainability and improved services, with Mayor Anthony Marsh backing the move
Mayor Swings the Axe: 30 or More Staff Face Chopping Block
Mornington Peninsula Shire is facing one of its biggest workforce shake-ups in years, with up to 30 staff reportedly on the chopping block under Mayor Anthony Marsh’s restructure. Rumours suggest senior leaders may also be affected, as community satisfaction with council services continues to slide.
What Could Happen if a Councillor Breaches Conflict of Interest Rules?
If a councillor fails to declare a conflict of interest, consequences can include suspension, reputational damage, and loss of public trust.
Canberra Trip Highlights Leadership Divide and Souring Frankston & Mornington Peninsula Relations
A late-August Canberra trip is set to highlight both a leadership divide and souring relations between Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire. Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam refused to vote on his own travel, while Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh debated and approved his — a stark contrast that comes amid a breakdown in the councils’ regional partnership.
Community Win: Capel Sound Saves Its Parkland
Capel Sound has secured a major victory, with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voting unanimously to keep 11a Allambi Avenue as public parkland in the draft Open Space Strategy.
Community Unites to Demand Reinstatement of Arts and Climate Funding
More than 150 residents packed Flinders Civic Hall calling for the Mornington Peninsula Shire to reinstate arts and climate funding. The Mayor, CEO and councillors attended the meeting organised by Save Our Arts MP and the Peninsula Climate Alliance. A motion was passed demanding the return of the Climate Emergency Declaration and support for sole trader creatives.
Upgraded Marna Reserve Pavilion Opens in Dromana
Dromana’s Marna Reserve Pavilion is back open after a $740,000 upgrade, offering improved access, modern amenities and more space for local clubs and community groups.
Paul Pingiaro Backs Amended Budget Amid Community Backlash
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro voted for the 2025–26 budget as amended, acknowledging room for improvement amid backlash over arts and environment cuts.
Council Post Quietly Reworded as Mayor Responds to Backlash
Mornington Peninsula Shire has revised its Council meeting attendance post after public backlash. Mayor Anthony Marsh says he had no involvement in the decision. Protests are expected to continue at the 17 June council meeting.
New Rules for Attending Council Meetings Spark Community Backlash
Mornington Peninsula Shire now requires online registration to attend council meetings. The 'out of the blue' facebook post has generated further criticism from residents who see this as another attempt to silence debate and shut down free speech by the council.
Debate Denied: Climate Motion Shut Down at Council Meeting
Tensions rise at Mornington Peninsula Council's meeting last night following a series of protests against cuts and policy changes.
Arts Funding Won’t Be Revisited, Says Marsh Ahead of Budget Session
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has relocated its budget meeting from Flinders to Rosebud, citing logistics. Mayor Marsh warns arts funding changes won’t be revisited, despite protest plans.
Tensions Flare at Mornington Shire Council Meeting as Divisions Deepen
A fiery Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting exposed deep divisions between councillors, raising concerns over ethics, representation, and governance across the peninsula.
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.
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.
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.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Adjusts Budget Amid McCrae Landslip Costs
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has restructured its budget to absorb the costs of the McCrae landslip, allocating $1.2 million for emergency management and removing the last COVID-19 business assistance package.
Free-for-All in McCrae as Daily Looting Ensues
Displaced McCrae residents say their evacuated homes are being looted daily, with police unable to intervene due to ongoing safety concerns after the January 14 landslide.
Thrown Under the Bus: Mayor Refutes Premier’s Comments on McCrae Landslide Response
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh has responded to the Victorian Premier’s inquiry into the McCrae landslide, defending the Council’s actions and calling for state support. Read more on STPL News.
Paid Parking ‘Dead and Buried’ as Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Confirms
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh confirms that paid parking is officially scrapped following public feedback. Read article for full details.
Mayor Clarifies $250,000 State Funding Amid McCrae Landslide Efforts
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor clarifies the $250,000 state funding, confirming it relates to prior storm damage, not the McCrae landslide.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor: “Higher Rate Cap Doesn’t Mean Higher Rates”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has reassured ratepayers that the 3% rate cap increase won’t necessarily be applied, reinforcing a focus on responsible spending and public accountability.
Beach Frustrations Erupt on the Mornington Peninsula
As reported by The Guardian, a social media post by Visit Victoria promoting No 16 Back Beach Rye has sparked controversy, leading to its removal after local concerns were raised about safety at the site. The promotional content described the…
Invitation Bungle: Zoe McKenzie Left Out of Somerville to Baxter Trail Celebration
Construction of the long-awaited Somerville to Baxter Trail commenced last week, with a sod-turning ceremony marking the beginning of the project. Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, Cr Kate Roper, and State Member Paul Mercurio MP attended the event to celebrate the…
Somerville to Baxter Bike Trail Construction Underway
Construction has started on the Somerville to Baxter section of the Peninsula Trail, a $7.8M project funded by the Australian and Victorian governments. Cr Kate Roper, Mayor Anthony Marsh, and Paul Mercurio MP highlight its benefits for local connectivity, walking, and cycling.
Mayor Praises Acting CEO for Stepping Into Leadership Role
Mayor Anthony Marsh Praises Acting CEO Bulant Oz for Stepping Into Leadership Role
Council Discusses Interim CEO Appointment in Confidential Meeting
Council Discusses Interim CEO Appointment in Confidential Meeting
New Mayors and Deputy Mayors Elected in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston
New Mayors and Deputy Mayors Elected in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston
